ÉPIPHANIE

In the Orthodox rite, Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan by St. John the Baptist. It is called Theophany, which means "the appearance of God", since on this occasion the Holy Spirit appeared for the first time. Every year in Greece, on the day of the Epiphany, the priests proceed to a blessing of the waters and throw a cross into the sea, rivers or lakes. Divers who are not too shy, or who are very religious, jump into the water to retrieve the sacred cross. Processions are organized.