THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Frankston waterfronts on Friday (6 January) to join in the Blessing of the Waters celebration, and to escape the 33-degree heat in the cool waters of Port Phillip Bay.
The Blessing of the Waters is celebrated every year at Frankston by followers of the Greek Orthodox faith to celebrate Epiphany Day and the Baptism of Jesus.
Divers of different ages and energy levels dived off Frankston Pier after a wooden cross was blessed by Greek Orthodox Bishop Iakovos before being tossed into the bay.
Theo Demetriou, 28, from Clayton was first to snatch the cross this year.
Participants at the event were asked to sign a waiver acknowledging the illness risk involved in diving into possibly polluted waters after flash flooding swept waste into Port Phillip Bay last week.
Swimmers were advised to thoroughly shower straight afterwards by Coast Guard volunteers at the group’s clubhouse.
The Holy Cross is believed to bring health, guidance and good fortune to those who retrieve it, and their families, for the year ahead.
A traditional Greek festival with dancing and food was held on the Frankston Waterfront after the cross was retrieved.
