Epiphany

**Epiphany in Greece** Epiphany, known as **Theophania** (Θεοφάνεια) or **Fota** (Φώτα) in Greece, is one of the most significant religious holidays in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Celebrated on **January 6th**, it commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and the revelation of the Holy Trinity. The holiday marks the end of the 12-day Christmas season and is observed with great reverence and traditional customs across the country. A central feature of Epiphany is the **Blessing of the Waters** ceremony. In coastal towns and villages, a priest throws a cross into the sea, river, or lake, and young men dive in to retrieve it. The one who retrieves the cross is believed to be blessed with good luck for the year. This ritual symbolizes the purification of the waters and the renewal of spiritual strength. Homes are also blessed with holy water, and many Greeks attend church services to participate in the liturgy. Epiphany is a public holiday in Greece, and it is a time for families to come together, enjoy festive meals, and celebrate the spiritual significance of the day. The holiday beautifully blends religious devotion with cultural traditions, making it a unique and cherished event in Greek life.