Epiphany is one of the major holidays of the Orthodox Christian world, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ. Waterways, oceans, rivers and canals are blessed and it is customary for homes to be blessed in the ensuing days with holy water.
Different interpretations of the blessing of the waters take place throughout the Orthodox Christian world, usually involving a dive and cross-retrieval in the nearest waterway. In landlocked cities, pools and reservoirs are used.
Two “firsts” took place that were considered historic.
The first blessing of the waters took place in Izmir, Turkey in 94 years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe, where thousand of Greeks perished in those same waters.
The first celebrations also took place in Turkish-Occupied northern Cyprus in 42 years since the island was invaded and subsequently occupied by Turkish troops.
Here are some really interesting photos from Epiphany throughout the Orthodox Christian world:
1) Istanbul, Turkey- Seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and spiritual center of the Orthodox Christian Church
2) Istanbul, Turkey
3) Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus
4) Astoria, NY
5) Tarpon Springs, Florida
6) Tarpon Springs, Florida
7) Izmir, Turkey (Smyrna)
8) Hania, Crete
9) Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus
10) Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus
11) Rethymnon, Crete
12) Izmir, Turkey (Smyrna)
13) Istanbul, Turkey- Seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and spiritual center of the Orthodox Christian Church
14) Istanbul, Turkey
16) Bulgaria
