A beautiful day for the Epiphany Celebrations around Ithaki. Not too many young men or women braved the cold waters of the Ionian for the ritual diving to retrieve the cross, but many Ithacans turned out to take part in all things dry.

After the mid- morning church service, the congregation followed the Priest through the village to the pier, where this celebration of Jesus Christs baptism by John the Baptist is concluded. The cross is thrown into the water 3 times and blessed.

After the Kioni celebrations, the community finished off at Spavento Bar for refreshments and some good conversation, something which is hard to come by during the winters on Ithaki.  It's occasions such as this that ignite a community during times of lean cuisine as far as people on the island are concerned. Besides the religious significance of this day, it is also an opportunity for some colour and movement in the streets around the island.