Defying the bitter cold prevailing in most parts of the country on Monday, dozens of divers turned up to celebrate the feast of Epiphany in the traditional fashion by diving into the icy waters of rivers, lakes, and seas to retrieve the Holy Cross during the blessing of the waters, ANA reports.
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos, along with the Metropolitan of Piraeus and Faliro Seraphim, carried out the service and the blessing of the waters in the port of Piraeus. These were attended by President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos, who released three white doves symbolizing the Holy Trinity during the ceremony.
Three Hellenic Navy ships were anchored closely during the blessing of the waters and carried out a salute during the ceremony, while members of the Association of Greek Underwater Demolitions Divers, both retired and in active service, dove into the sea to retrieve the cross.
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