Blessing Of The Waters An Annual Maritime Fest Tradition

Each year, the Greek Orthodox tradition of blessing the waters is a deeply religious ceremony held around the world to symbolize Jesus' baptism, rebirth and Epiphany.

And in Greenport, the blessing of the waters ceremony is an annual event to mark the beginning of the Maritime Festival.

Prayers mark the ceremony; the priest then throws a wooden cross into the water. Young boys eagerly dive in and race to find the cross. Whoever finds the cross swims back and receives a special blessing. The person who wins is believed to have good luck all year long.