This year, Epiphany started out as a cold and very grey day, and our thoughts were with the swimmers that were to take to the cold and grey waters later on in the morning. Firstly though, the traditional early morning service of psalms at Ayios Nikolaos was performed, followed by the procession to the Pigathi tou Stavrou, where the waters were blessed and the dove was successfully released.

Waiting expectantly!: Photo by Ros ForsterThe procession then lead on to the Dapia to join the already enormous winter crowd, who were waiting on all sides of the harbour for the 11am plunge for the cross. 

2007 A successful catch!: Photo by Ros ForsterFortunately, the sun decided to come out just as the swimmers dived in and everyone clapped, as a few minutes later, the group of 18-20 young Spetsiots surfaced.

One looked particularly proud, namely, Dimitris Spiliotis, as he held the cross high for all to see - our lucky 2007 retriever! Dimitris Spiliotis: Photo by Ros Forster