by EH
On the eve of Christmas for Serbian Orthodox adherents, who follow the ancient Julian calendar and are celebrating Christmas today, a significant ritual unfolded at Molo Audace on Saturday, January 6th. Throughout the day, starting from the early morning hours, the church on Via San Spiridione drew pilgrims and faithful attendees, all in observance of an age-old tradition—the acquisition of an oak twig known as “Badnjak.”
Teodoro Viscovich, one of the two daring participants (the other being Costantino Zafiris), made a splash by diving off Molo Audace just after noon to retrieve a cross tossed into the sea by the Metropolitan of Italy, Polycarpos. This action was part of the customary ceremony following the solemn Theophany celebration at the Greek Orthodox Church in Piazza Tommaseo.
In expressing his wishes for the community, Viscovich shared, “I wish everyone peace, health, and happiness.” His words took on added weight given the ongoing complexities and uncertainties the world is facing. Upon resurfacing at the pier, he was assisted by members of the Trieste Diving Club, who had awaited him at sea alongside a Coast Guard vessel. “I felt the urgency to extend these wishes to everyone,” he added.
Despite the emotional intensity of the moment, Viscovich, recognizing the sea-cross retrieval’s significance for the Greek Orthodox community, also took a moment to pay tribute to Paolo Giovannini. The 52-year-old photographer, well-known in the city, recently passed away. “A thought goes to Paolo, who was an excellent person,” he remarked.
Today, on Sunday, January 7th, the community marks the celebration of Christmas.
