Jan 6th is the next biggest day in the Greek orthodox calendar after Easter. They believe this was the day Jesus was born and celebrate as such. In addition to the normal Church services they have 'Diving for the Cross' and 'Blessing the Oranges'.
Both these events take place on the outskirts of Lefkas Town and it's attended by hundreds of people. The Priests process through the town from the Churches, marching bands make much noise to announce the fact that they're on their way and everyone is gathered on the Town Quay and across the bridge
ready for the happening. This year they decided to put all the Priests and dignitaries onto a Coast Guard vessel and do their bit from the water. That in itself was a giggle as they all move over to one side of the boat to watch what was going on - see piccies. A dozen young guys all line up and get their kit off ready to jump in and retrieve the cross that the priest is going to through in. You'll notice in the piccies that the sun is glistening on the water. DON'T be fooled by that it was only about 10degrees with a really cold north wind. Anyway Priest throws the wooden cross in, all the young guys jump in and the first to retrieve it gets a special blessing. After that it's the blessing of the oranges. Oranges are tied onto lengths of ribbon and when the Priest has blessed them they're dunked into the sea. This is supposed to ensure a good crop the following year. It's anyones guess as to whether it works or not. And all captured on TV for local viewing. if you could watch the local TV here you would have seen us all wrapped up in hats scarves and gloves enjoying the scene.
ready for the happening. This year they decided to put all the Priests and dignitaries onto a Coast Guard vessel and do their bit from the water. That in itself was a giggle as they all move over to one side of the boat to watch what was going on - see piccies. A dozen young guys all line up and get their kit off ready to jump in and retrieve the cross that the priest is going to through in. You'll notice in the piccies that the sun is glistening on the water. DON'T be fooled by that it was only about 10degrees with a really cold north wind. Anyway Priest throws the wooden cross in, all the young guys jump in and the first to retrieve it gets a special blessing. After that it's the blessing of the oranges. Oranges are tied onto lengths of ribbon and when the Priest has blessed them they're dunked into the sea. This is supposed to ensure a good crop the following year. It's anyones guess as to whether it works or not. And all captured on TV for local viewing. if you could watch the local TV here you would have seen us all wrapped up in hats scarves and gloves enjoying the scene.There's two observations worth mentioning about all this, one it's lovely to see so many activites that are really family orientated here, all generations out together and being involved together. The second is that it's amazing that anything happens at all here as the organisation always seems to be completely non existent. Having said that everyone has a great time and there's never any trouble anywhere. So another Greek tradition witnessed and survived. Before too much longer we'll be natives!!!
Piccies of the event here
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