Watched a fascinating ceremony at10am this morning on Mandria beach?
A group of some 50 or so church goers from the local Greek Orthodox Church gathered on the beach right next to the large waves that were breaking on the shoreline.
They were accompanied by the priest and some elders of the church.
They appeared to say some prayers and then threw a large silver cross attached to a rope into the breaking waves.
A number of young men in swimwear then ran into the sea and competed against each other to retrieve the cross from the water and return it to the priest.
This occurred at least four times.
It was wonderful to watch on a beautiful sunny Cyprus morning.
On talking to some locals afterwards,it seems this is an event that happens on Epiphany.
Any ideas on it's significance?
Epiphany?
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LouiseCastricum
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- Location: Pegeia/Peyia/Πέγεια since 1994
Re: Epiphany?
The same ceremony is conducted in Paphos harbour every Epithany, Welly. What about other coastal locations like Coral Bay, Latchi, Pissouri, I wonder? Do they have a similar religious event on Epiphany, does anyone know?
AL
AL
Gone but not forgotten...
Re: Epiphany?
It's all over the place. A Cyprus tradition.
Web Designer / Developer. Currently working on Paphos Life.
Living in Polemi, Cyprus with my wife and daughter.
Living in Polemi, Cyprus with my wife and daughter.
Re: Epiphany?
Cyprus on Saturday observed Epiphany Day and the blessing of the waters, which marks the 12th day of Christmas and the official end of the festive season. Men braved the cold, diving in the sea across the island to retrieve the crucifix cast by a priest to bless the waters.
http://cyprus-mail.com/2018/01/06/annua ... y-dip-sea/
http://cyprus-mail.com/2018/01/06/annua ... y-dip-sea/
Re: Epiphany?
Nice to know, as Mandria Beach is closer to us.
2 years ago we went early to see the ceremony at Paphos Harbour but couldn't get close enough because of the crowds and the parking.
2 years ago we went early to see the ceremony at Paphos Harbour but couldn't get close enough because of the crowds and the parking.
Re: Epiphany?
Thanks everyone for your information about Epiphany.
I am a more older and wiser person now than I was on Saturday morning!
Cheers.
I am a more older and wiser person now than I was on Saturday morning!
Cheers.
Re: Epiphany?
Was it in Turkey, or the TRNC? The one held in the TRNC was in Famagusta City with the Cross-throwing done at Palm Beach, and was featured in the Cyprus Mail.Happy in Cyprus wrote: ↑Sun Jan 07, 2018 11:03 am In today's paper was surprised to see a photo of the same ceremony in Turkey of all places!
Amos.
Re: Epiphany?
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/orthod ... ice-125329Happy in Cyprus wrote: ↑Sun Jan 07, 2018 11:03 am In today's paper was surprised to see a photo of the same ceremony in Turkey of all places!
