Photos Frank Leppard
The annual Blessing of the Seas ceremony took place in Margate today (January 7).
The event is a Greek Orthodox celebration at Epiphany marking the baptism of Christ. Margate was chosen for the honour in the mid-20th century because there is a large community of Greek Cypriot residents in the town.
It’s organised by the local Greek Orthodox Church, the community of the Archangel Michael, whose Archbishop leads the devotions.
A dove was released, prayers given and a decorated cross hurled into the waters and retrieved by a young diver.
The procession started from the church and made its way to Margate Main Sands for the service.
This was officiated by Chancellor of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira & Great Britain Very Revd Fr Nephon and guests included Sir Roger Gale MP, Cyprus High Commission in the UK Consul General Odysseas Odysseos, civic leaders including Margate mayor and mayoress Cllr Rob Yates and Iris Johnston, and Greek church members.
The ceremony was followed by a lunch at St Augustine’s in Westgate.
