On Monday, January 6, 2025, Kythira will celebrate the great feast of the Epiphany with splendor. The day begins with the Divine Liturgy of the feast at the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Crucified Christ in Chora, where the Great Blessing of Waters will be performed.
Immediately afterwards, the tradition continues with the blessing of the waters and the diving for the Holy Cross in four ports on the island. The program is as follows:
•11:30 a.m.: Port of Kapsali
•1:00 p.m.: Port of Avlemonas
•3:00 p.m.: Port of Diakofto
•4:00 p.m.: Port of Agia Pelagia
The diving for the Holy Cross is one of the most characteristic customs of Epiphany, attracting crowds of believers who participate in this great celebration of Orthodoxy. Young and experienced swimmers alike will dive into the icy waters of Kythira to catch the Cross, claiming the blessing of the day.
