With splendor and with religious fervor, Agia Napa celebrated the Epiphany again this year, with the Divine Liturgy, the Baptism of the Holy Cross and the consecration of the Waters in the sea area of the city's port.
See footage of the consecration of the waters:
The Divine Liturgy and the Great Consecration in the Holy Church of Panagia Agia Napa was presided over by the Metropolitan of Constantia-Ammochos Vasilios, Archimandrite Augustinos Karas, in the presence of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Yannis Karousos, the Mayor Christos Zannettos, and the Members of the Municipal Council , Members of Parliament, Mayors, Community Leaders, representatives of the Army, the Police, Parties and Organized Groups.
A procession followed to Limanaki, to the sounds of the band of the Municipality and Church of Panagia Agia Napa and accompanied by the service of the National Guard, where the ceremony of sanctifying the waters and the immersion of the Holy Cross took place.
Dozens of swimmers dived into the sea to catch the Cross and receive the blessing of Archimandrite Augustinos Karas. The first swimmer was honored by the Mayor Christos Zannettou with a gold cross while the rest of the swimmers received a silver icon of the Virgin Mary which was given to them by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Yiannis Karousos.
Archimandrite Augustinos Karas, addressing the congregation, wished everyone Good Enlightenment and that the Holy Spirit will always guide them. In their short greeting, both the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Yannis Karousos, and the Mayor of Agia Napa, Christos Zannettos, wished the whole world a Happy New Year, Happy Lighting, at the same time expressing the wish that next year's Epiphany celebrations will take place in Famagusta and in all the coastal areas of our occupied land.
Also, in the specially designed area of the Port, the Dance Club of the Municipality of Agia Napa and the "Kimon" Xylotympos Dance Group presented a rich traditional artistic program with Cypriot, Greek Dances and songs, delighting the audience that watched them.
