Conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras participated in the Holy Liturgy for the feast day of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Church in Kavala, a seaport in East Macedonia, before watching divers swim to catch the Holy Cross at the city’s port.

He could not help but make a political statement: “Many happy returns and health to all Greeks and progress for our country. Now that it is standing on its feet, may it move forth and never slide back. Enlightenment for all of us. May you all be well.” Following the ceremony, he scheduled a visit to the northeastern Greek city of Drama in the fifth and last stop of his campaign tour around the East Macedonian-Thrace region where he will also be present for the Blessing of the waters of St. Barbara.

Main Opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras attended the Epiphany celebrations at Piraeus. He couldn’t stop smiling as he held a white dove that he let go at the right moment. Mr. Tsipras said, “Today is an important day for Orthodoxy, a bright celebration for the Greek nation. Let’s hope that the light of justice and truth will warm our country from this day onwards.”

The Epiphany Day celebration at Piraeus took place on a stand at St. Spyridon Church. The Holy Liturgy took place at St. Trinity church in the presence of the Metropolitan Bishop Serapheim of Piraeus and in the presence of Mayor John Moralis as well as other local leaders and deputies.

Education Minister Andreas Loverdos was also present at the celebration at Piraeus. Representing the coalition government, he said: “A good year and many happy returns to all.” Following the Blessing he said that he hoped that we would all be enlightened by the light of logic.

Divers from the Hellenic Navy leaped in to catch the Holy Cross.

To find out more about the traditions of Epiphany Day, CLICK HERE