The last days of christmas holidays in Greece. The feast of Epiphany or "Theofania"

On 6 January , every year , there is a religious holiday in Greece. All the shops , civil services, schools are closed to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany or “ Theophania or Fota” as it is called in Greece. Theophania means manifestation of God. Theophania commemorates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity.
This very day a long procession is formed after the religious service in churches, and follows the road that leads to water- the sea, river , lake, or even reservoir. In the front of the procession are the cherub icons, then the priests dressed in their best holiday clerical clothes, the VIPs and all the people of each city , town village. In most cities and towns the procession becomes more elaborate with the addition of music and military contingents.
At the end of the sanctification ceremony, the priest throws the Cross into the water, thus blessing the waters. Then, young daring men dive in the icy water to catch the cross. The one who will bring the cross up to the surface will be lucky and healthy for the whole year.On 7 January, Greeks celebrate st John ( Ioannis in greek). It is the name day of almost half of the men’s population, in Greece. When it is the name day of someone , there is a custom to visit that person . The women of the house prepare delicious dishes , sweets ant treat the guests. People drink , sing and dance at homes and clubs.In Greece, the name day of a person is something important . 7 January is the last day of Christmas holidays and housewives clean the houses and keep the Christmas tree ( the artificial ones ), the decorations , the colourful lights for the next Christmas holidays. Students do their homework , prepare their schoolbags so they are ready to start school again.