February 13, 2025

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Bathing on Feofania: January 6 in Greece celebrates the Feast of Epiphany


On January 6, Greece celebrates an Orthodox holiday called Θεοφάνεια or Φώτα. This is an analogue of Epiphany, as this day is called in the Russian Orthodox tradition. A holiday is held in memory of the baptism of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan.

On this day, believers immerse their bodies in various bodies of water. It is believed that any water, even running water from a tap, is blessed.

In Russia, swimming on Epiphany is more than a feat. After all, the holiday, which, due to the difference in official church calendars, takes place 2 weeks later, falls exactly during the Epiphany frosts. If the Russian Epiphany is, in fact, extreme winter swimming with signs of complete Christian self-denial, then the Greek Theophany is a lighter, more colorful, and most importantly, “productive” holiday.

According to tradition, Greek men (and only) jump into a body of water – into the sea or river – after a cross, which the priest throws there. So, the Christian who is the first to reach the consecrated cross will have good luck for the entire next year. And although the Greek winter reservoirs cannot be compared with the Russian Epiphany ice holes, for people who do not practice winter swimming, such an experience can become a serious test.

That's what advise Greek media for those who decide to try their luck on Feofania in pursuit of the cross:

  1. If you are over 40, don't even try to take a dip in cold water.
  2. Before you plunge into a winter pond, do at least a half-hour warm-up.
  3. It’s good to eat a sandwich or bun before swimming for the cross.
  4. After leaving the water, make sure to immediately dry yourself with a towel and put on a robe.

We previously reported about temporary traffic rules and road closures today, Monday 6 January.



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