Each January, Australia’s Greek community gears up for Theofania (Epiphany) 2026, commemorating the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan — one of the most sacred feasts of the Orthodox calendar.
The celebration is traditionally marked by a Divine Liturgy, followed by the Blessing of the Waters, during which the Holy Cross is cast into the sea, river or lake and retrieved by divers. The ritual symbolises spiritual renewal, divine revelation and blessing for the year ahead, and continues to draw large crowds of faithful across the country.
With favourable summer weather forecast and strong community engagement expected, Epiphany 2026 is set to be widely and reverently observed across multiple states and territories.
Victoria
In Melbourne, the Blessing of the Waters will take place on Sunday, 11 January, at Princes Pier, Port Melbourne, from 1pm, as part of the annual Blessing of the Waters Festival. From 2pm, families will be able to enjoy children’s entertainment, Greek food and market stalls along the foreshore.
Further south, Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill is once again expected to attract large crowds for its Theophania celebrations. Festivities will begin with a Divine Liturgy at the church, followed by an organised procession to the Rye Foreshore Reserve, where the Blessing of the Waters ceremony will take place at 12.30pm.
The immersion of the Holy Cross into the sea, and the traditional dive to retrieve it, remains a powerful and emotional moment for many participants, reflecting the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of the day. Celebrations will continue with a Greek festival, featuring music, food and refreshments in a communal, festive setting.
New South Wales
In Sydney, the largest Epiphany celebrations will once again centre on Carss Bush Park, with the return of the Epiphany Greek Festival 2026 on Sunday, 11 January, running from 11am to 9pm.
The free, family-friendly festival will feature live entertainment throughout the day, including a special performance by Greek singer Giannis Chatzopoulos. The Blessing of the Waters will form the spiritual heart of the event, supported by the NSW Government, Georges River Council and Bank of Sydney.
Elsewhere in NSW, Holy Theophany will also be observed in Batemans Bay, where the Church of St John the Baptist will host services on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 January, culminating in the Blessing of the Waters at Batemans Bay Harbour.
Australian Capital Territory
In Canberra, Holy Theophany will be observed by the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas. A Divine Liturgy will be held on Sunday, 11 January 2026, followed by the Blessing of the Waters and the throwing of the Holy Cross at Cotter River (Casuarina Sands) from 11.30am. A traditional paniyiri will follow at the Church Hall.
South Australia
In South Australia, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA will host the Go-Greek Festival on Sunday, 11 January, at Henley Beach, incorporating the Annual Blessing of the Waters. Entry is free, with Greek music, dancing and family entertainment throughout the day.
The Glenelg Greek Festival 2026 will also run from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 January, combining food, music and cultural celebrations with the Blessing of the Waters ceremony organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – Holy Diocese of Adelaide.
Western Australia
In Perth, Epiphany celebrations will take place on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at Matilda Bay Reserve, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Perth. The Blessing of the Waters will commence at 12.30pm, presided over by Bishop Elpidios of Perth, followed by community festivities with food, music and shaded seating.
Queensland
On the Gold Coast, the Church of Saint Anna will mark Holy Theophany on Sunday, 11 January, with a Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters at Evandale Lake, followed by community celebrations at the parish centre.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, the Church of Saint Savvas of Kalymnos will observe Holy Theophany with a program of house blessings across Darwin suburbs, culminating in the Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Cullen Bay on Sunday, 11 January.
A shared tradition
While dates, locations and local customs may vary, the meaning of Epiphany remains constant: a moment of spiritual renewal, collective prayer and faith lived publicly.
As communities across Australia gather by the water’s edge to begin the year with blessing and hope, readers are encouraged to confirm final service times with their local parishes and take part in this deeply rooted Orthodox tradition that continues to unite generations of Greek Australians.
