by InTrieste
On a crisp January morning, the Greek Orthodox community of Trieste gathers for one of its most cherished traditions: the Epiphany celebration. The highlight of the day, steeped in centuries of tradition, unfolds at Molo Audace, a short walk from the Church of San Nicolò dei Greci in Piazza Tommaso.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with the Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a solemn and ornate service presided over by Polykarpos, the Orthodox Archbishop of Italy, alongside Archimandrite Gregorio Miliaris. Worshippers fill the church, their voices rising in unison with the hymns of the liturgy, creating a powerful sense of community and devotion.
At noon, weather permitting, the faithful make their way in a procession to the waterfront, led by the Archbishop and the Archimandrite. The centerpiece of the ceremony, the Blessing of the Waters, takes place at the edge of the Adriatic Sea. This ritual symbolizes the moment in Christian tradition when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, sanctifying the waters of the Earth.
As prayers are offered, the Archbishop calls upon God to imbue the waters with the power of the Holy Spirit, renewing the grace of baptism for the faithful and bestowing spiritual gifts upon those in attendance.
But the most dramatic moment of the day is yet to come.
A Leap of Faith
Following the blessing, the Archbishop casts a wooden cross into the sea. Immediately, a group of volunteers—specially prepared for this moment—dives into the chilly waters to retrieve it. The act is seen as both an honor and a test of devotion. The volunteer who returns the cross to the clergy receives a special blessing, along with the admiration of the crowd.
“For our community, the Epiphany is one of the most important celebrations of the year,” said Father Miliaris. “The retrieval of the cross is a powerful moment, reflecting faith, commitment, and courage.”
Each year, this event requires months of preparation for those brave enough to take the plunge. In past ceremonies, volunteers have faced freezing temperatures and turbulent waters, but the significance of the act outweighs any physical discomfort.
A Community United
As the procession returns to the church for the final acts of the Epiphany ritual, the sense of unity and reverence is palpable. For this small but vibrant community, the celebration is more than just a religious observance; it is a reaffirmation of identity and faith.
The Epiphany tradition in Trieste, with its unique blend of spirituality and spectacle, draws not only the local Greek Orthodox community but also curious onlookers. It serves as a reminder of the city’s multicultural heritage and the enduring power of ritual to bring people together.
