Nickolas Varvaris (Barton, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was proud to have taken part recently in the 24th Greek Epiphany Ceremony and Blessing of the Waters held at Yarra Bay, La Perouse. This annual tradition, which normally takes place on the Sunday after the Greek Orthodox feast of the Epiphany, is performed to bless the water following on from the story of John the Baptist. This event involves praying and then throwing a crucifix, by the archbishop, into the midst of a body of water often a river, lake or shoreline. Those taking part in the feast-day proceedings then dive into the water to retrieve the crucifix, which upon recovery is handed to the archbishop, who presents the winner with the cross. This feast signifies the cleansing and renewal of the man through the blessing of and immersion in a body of water, commemorating John the Baptist's blessing of Jesus in the river Jordan, where, tradition and Scripture tell us, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove.

It was a great honour for me to join His Grace Bishop Seraphim, who led the ritual ushering in this significant event, which is regarded as one of the more significant feasts on the Orthodox Christian calendar. The winner of the event this year was 24-year-old Pasialas. I thank the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for organising the event and for giving all of us an opportunity to witness the modern incarnation of this ancient tradition.