Cyprus President Marks Epiphany in Ayia Napa

On Monday, January 6, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides participated in the traditional water blessing ceremony and the diving for the Holy Cross at the harbor in Ayia Napa.

After the ceremony, which was held in celebration of the Epiphany, the President addressed the assembled faithful, offering his warm wishes for the holiday and a Happy New Year.

Following the address, President Christodoulides, together with Archbishop Georgios and Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannetou, presented awards to the swimmers who braved the cold waters during the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, the President, First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, and House Speaker Annita Demetriou attended a Divine Liturgy at the Panagia Church in Ayia Napa.

Meanwhile, other ministers, deputy ministers, and members of the government took part in Epiphany celebrations across the island. Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis joined the festivities in his hometown of Paphos.

January 6 is a public holiday in Cyprus, dedicated to one of the most important Orthodox Christian celebrations—Epiphany, also known as Theophany.

As a result, all government offices, banks, and major stores remained closed for the day.

Notably, an Epiphany service was also held in an Orthodox church in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Bishop Christoforos of Karpasia conducted a liturgy in the village of Ayia Triada on the Karpas Peninsula before blessing the waters of the Ayios Thyrsos stream.

Related: Official Public Holidays in Cyprus