ÉPIPHANIE

In the Orthodox rite, Epiphany celebrates not the adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi as in the Western Christian rite, but the baptism of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan by St. John the Baptist. It is called Theophany or Ta Fota. In all the islands of the North Aegean, the Pope proceeds to a blessing of the waters and throws a cross in the ports. Divers who are not afraid to jump into the sea to try to recover the sacred cross. It is particularly impressive in the cold waters of the region, from the ports of Skopelos to those of Lesbos.