Epiphany Celebrations Held in Larnaca

The Blessing of the Waters ceremony took place in Larnaca with great splendor and the presence of political and religious officials. The ceremony began with the Great Blessing Service at the Cathedral of Saint Lazarus, officiated by the Metropolitan of Kition, Nektarios. The Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, represented the government, while the Mayor of Larnaca, Members of Parliament, and other local authorities were also present. During the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan ordained Ioannis El Haz as a reader. This was followed by the traditional procession, with the participation of the Larnaca Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra, a National Guard honor guard, Cypriot scouts, and the order of pilgrims of love. The procession headed towards the main pier of Larnaca, where the immersion of the Holy Cross took place, aiming to bless the waters and the city and its inhabitants. The Blessing of the Waters is an important religious tradition in Cyprus, associated with the Feast of the Epiphany and the commemoration of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.