Island-wide observance of Theophany
Epiphany celebrations Cyprus took place on Monday across coastal and inland areas, with thousands of faithful attending Divine Liturgies, processions, and the traditional blessing of the waters. Weather conditions were largely favourable, allowing ceremonies to proceed without major disruption.
The feast of Theophany commemorates the baptism of Christ and is traditionally marked by the casting of the Holy Cross into the sea, with swimmers diving to retrieve it as a symbol of blessing and renewal.
Events were held in all coastal cities, as well as inland locations such as Agia Triada Karpasias, where Bishop Christoforos of Karpasia led the Divine Liturgy followed by the blessing of the waters at Saint Thyrsos cove.
Official ceremonies in major cities
In Paphos, President Nikos Christodoulides attended the official celebrations. The Divine Liturgy was led by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus at Saints Anargyroi Church, followed by a procession with marching bands to Paphos Harbour for the blessing of the waters.
In Ayia Napa, Speaker of the House Annita Demetriou attended the Divine Liturgy at Panagia Ayia Napa Church before taking part in the water blessing ceremony at the harbour, which concluded with an artistic programme.
In Nicosia, celebrations included a procession to Agios Georgios Athalassas Park Lake, followed by cultural and traditional events for children and adults.
Limassol incident: cross taken from ceremony
An unexpected incident occurred during the Epiphany celebrations at the old harbour in Limassol. After the completion of the blessing of the waters, it was discovered that the Holy Cross had not been returned to the priest by the person who retrieved it from the sea.
According to police information, during the third casting of the cross, an unknown man retrieved the wooden cross from a considerable distance and left the area without handing it over. Authorities were notified and an investigation was launched, including the review of witness statements and CCTV footage.
Later on Tuesday, police located both the cross and the individual involved. A 45-year-old Greek Cypriot man admitted to taking the cross and was taken to Limassol CID pending the issuance of an arrest warrant. The wooden carved cross was described as being of insignificant monetary value and will be returned to the church following the completion of procedures.
Ayia Napa: cross lost during dive, second thrown
A separate incident was reported during the ceremony in Ayia Napa, where more than 30 participants dived into the sea to retrieve a gold cross cast by Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Ammochostos.
The gold cross initially sank and could not be located despite repeated efforts. To allow the ceremony to continue, a wooden cross was thrown into the sea and retrieved by two swimmers, while white doves were released as part of the ritual.
The gold cross was later recovered and returned to the Metropolitan. The individual who found it was awarded a gold cross, while all participants received silver crosses.
Traditional celebrations in Latsi and Larnaca
In Latsi Harbour, the Epiphany ceremony was held with religious reverence and strong public attendance. The blessing of the waters and cross diving took place in a solemn atmosphere, followed by the offering of traditional loukoumades by the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous.
In Larnaca, Metropolitan Nektarios of Kition officiated at the Cathedral of Agios Lazaros, where the Great Blessing of the Waters was performed. The government was represented by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
A procession accompanied by the Larnaca Municipal Philharmonic, the National Guard, Cypriot Guides, and volunteer groups proceeded to the main pier for the casting of the Holy Cross into the sea.
Weather conditions
Temperatures during Epiphany celebrations reached around 18°C inland, 20°C along the coast, and 14°C in higher mountainous areas. Winds were light to moderate, with slightly rough seas reported in some coastal regions.
Also read: Epiphany explained: what we celebrate today
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