Every year, the Greek Community of Trieste celebrates the Epiphany in great splendor. In the morning, the Greeks gather at the church of Saint Nicholas, which is on the coastal avenue, in order to watch the liturgy. Then they walk together to the port's pier, where they throw the cross in the sea and bless the waters.

The swimmers who jump in the water to retrieve the cross do not have an easy task, as the waters in northern Italy are very cold, especially in winter. After the casting of the cross, the celebration continues with festivities in the events hall, where traditional Greek appetizers and meals -prepared with great care by the Greek women- are offered. At the same time, traditional Greek dances are presented by Orpheus, the Community's dancing group.

Italians take part as well

Like all the Greeks who live abroad, the Greeks of Trieste regularly go to church and scrupulously abide by their religious customs. For the citizens of Greece all these litanies are very common and most are hardly moved by them. For the Greeks of Trieste though, these are manifestations of national awareness. It is considered a great honor for the Greeks to hold the icons and candles and lead the religious procession, in the big feasts of Orthodoxy.

It is impressive that the Italians and the authorities of Trieste interestingly watch the Greek religious habits and even take part in these feasts. For example, every year the Italian municipal authority offers the amazing philharmonic orchestra of the city, which precedes the procession of the Greeks.

When the weather allows it, the boat of the Italian coast guard is available, where the Greek priest with the cross and the swimmers who will jump in the water board it. Several Italian choristers and musicians also take part in the Greek community’s choir of cantors.
TEXT: GEORGE ZAFEIROPOULOS
PHOTOS: REGISTRY OF ITALY’S GREEK INSTITUTION OF CULTURE
SOURCE: www.greecewithin.com

More photos

The celebration of the Epiphany arouses the interest of many Italians living in Trieste.

The Epiphany has been celebrated for hundreds of years by the Greek Community in Trieste.

The sea in Trieste is freezing in winter, but the Greek swimmers aren’t intimidated.

Divers of the Italian Coast Guard swim next to the daring Greeks just as a precaution.

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