The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

GREEK Orthodox churches all over the world, including the Bahamas recently celebrated their Epiphany service, which is commemorated every year on January 6. On that day, the Annunciation of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Bahamas celebrated the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Church members followed through with traditions such as the annual procession and the diving for the cross service. The procession began at the church located on West Street and ended at the seaside on Western Esplanade.

On the harbour the priest conducted the diving of the cross service. As is tradition, priest Theodore Roupas threw a cross into the water for the children to retrieve. When the cross was found, the person who retrieved it was prayed for.

“Last year it took 20 mins for them to find the cross because I threw it very far. This time it only took one minute for the children to find the cross. I did not throw it that far this time,” Father Roupas told Tribune Religion.

Fifteen year old Paige Mosko became the second female in the church’s history to retrieve the cross during the annual diving service.
“We said a special prayer for her, because it is tradition to pray for the person who retrieves the cross,” he said.

The Great Blessing of Water is also a main feature of the Epiphany service. This usually takes place after the Divine Liturgy. It begins with the singing of special hymns and the censing of the water which has been placed in the centre of the church building.
Other upcoming activities include the Greek Festival which will be held on March 16-17 on church grounds.