An Epiphany Day ceremony in Limassol has been marked by confusion as the Holy Cross went missing shortly after its immersion into the sea at the city’s old port on Monday.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- An Epiphany Day ceremony in Limassol has been marked by confusion as the Holy Cross went missing shortly after its immersion into the sea at the city’s old port on Monday.
- Efforts to locate the Holy Cross are currently ongoing, with authorities emphasising that it is a carved wooden item, holding no monetary value aside from its religious significance.
The incident unfolded following the traditional blessing of the waters, when the Holy Cross was cast into the sea, prompting dozens of swimmers to dive in and retrieve it. Eyewitnesses reported that one participant reached the Cross and shouted his intent to hand it over to the priest but was unable to do so. This led to growing concerns and the involvement of local police.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Efforts to locate the Holy Cross are currently ongoing, with authorities emphasising that it is a carved wooden item, holding no monetary value aside from its religious significance.
Despite the chilly weather, a large crowd participated in the diving event to receive the blessing symbolised by the Holy Cross. Earlier in the day, the Divine Liturgy for Epiphany was conducted at the Cathedral of Ayia Napa in Limassol, led by Limassol Bishop Athanasios. Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides represented the government during the service.
Following the liturgy, a procession made its way to Limassol’s old port, where this year’s immersion ceremony was held due to rough sea conditions. Bishop Athanasios led the procession, accompanied by clergy, officials, and members of the public. An honour guard from the National Guard participated, while the Limassol municipality philharmonic band provided music along the route.
Similar Epiphany ceremonies took place across the wider Limassol district. In Amathounta, Bishop Nikolaos officiated the Divine Liturgy at the church of Saints Joachim and Anne, followed by a procession to the jetty of the Four Seasons hotel for the blessing of the waters and immersion of the Cross. The Kourion municipality held its ceremony at Kourion beach, while other blessings were conducted after the Divine Liturgy at a fountain in Ypsonas and at the Akrotiri fishing shelter.
Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by St John the Baptist. The blessing of the waters, whether in rivers, lakes, or seas, is a central tradition that symbolises purification and renewal.
