Greeks Celebrate Epiphany in Vienna

For the sixth consecutive year in the 300 year old history of Orthodoxy in Austria, the Blessing of the Waters and the casting of the Holy Cross was held at the Danube River. It was held on the occasion of the Epiphany feast, and presented by Austrian Media.

The ceremony was officiated by the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Austria – Exarch of Hungary and Middle Europe Arsenios.

The celebration was attended by Greek and Cypriot authorities led by the new Ambassador of Greece in Austria, Themistoklis Dimidis. The event was held in Danube Canal on the bridge next to the historical Greek quarter in Vienna.

During his speech at the Blessing of the Waters in Danube Canal, Metropolitan Arsenios stressed the importance of the Epiphany for Orthodoxy. He highlighted the fact that for the sixth consecutive year, the casting of the Holy Cross and Blessing of the Waters takes place in Danube. He praised the attention paid to the event, and the promotion of the ceremony by the Communication and Press Office of the Greek Embassy in Austria.

Earlier a Divine Liturgy was held for the celebration of the Epiphany at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Austria, found in the Greek Quarter where the Greek National School is located. This is the oldest Greek school outside of Greece.