Being a member of the Greek community of Margate, I was so glad to be at the celebration of Epiphany, a festival commemorating Jesus’ baptism and divinity. It was indeed a great feeling to join in with so many pilgrims from all over the UK, observing and rejoicing in this great feast.

I was especially delighted to be present in the first Epiphany celebrations presiding our new Archbishop Nikitas. The Greek community of Margate and pilgrims from all over the country welcomed him in our church. As a community we felt honoured by his presence.

Our little church was pact to the rafters. Besides Archbishop Nikitas and his entourage, among the congregation were the Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, and the great friend of Cyprus Sir Roger Gale MP. His excellency Andreas Kakouris, Cyprus High Commissioner was also there as well as his excellency Dimitris Karamitsos-Tziras, Ambassador of Greece. Also attending was Mr Marios Minaides, President of Association of Greek Orthodox Churches UK and Mr Christos Karaolis President of the Federation of Cypriots in the UK.

As soon as the church service for the Epiphany had ended, Canterbury Road was closed by the police so that our procession to the Sands on Margate’s seafront could begin. Some of the marchers had travelled hundreds of miles to join us. The furthest town to attend was Brightlingsea, near Clacton-on-Sea, 125 miles each way from Margate. A little nearer, we had Mayors and other officials from the towns of Ashford, Gravesham, Dover, Folkstone, Tonbridge and Malling, New Romney, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, and eleven others.

During a brief ceremony at the beach at which hymns were sung, three white doves were released and Archbishop Nikitas hurled a wooden cross into the sea. This year, three youngsters dived into the sea to retrieve it and Thanasis Georgiou reached it first.

This festival is the biggest annual festival of any kind in the whole county Kent. It is also the one event on which Margate Council spends the most money annually. It has enhanced the relationship between the civic authorities and our community, and we are really proud of our contribution. As a community, we tried to preserve our customs and traditions, but also join in with the customs, traditions and way of life of our host country.

Clergy, dignitaries and worshippers then made their way to Margate’s Winter Gardens. After lunch and coffee, speeches followed, first by the Mayor of Margate, and then Mr. Kostas Papadimos, president of the Greek community of Margate. Fr Vissarion and the Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin followed, and then the Ambassador of Greece Dimitris Karamitsos-Tziras.

The Cyprus High Commissioner Mr Andreas Kakouris was the next to address the meeting. Sir Roger Gale then told the congregation that his biggest regret is the fact that after 46 years, Cyprus is still divided and suffering after the Turkish invasion. Lastly, Archbishop Nikitas thanked everyone for attending and making this such a successful event. He also thanked the local civic authorities for working so closely with the Greek community. The Archbishop then asked to see youngsters who braved the North Sea earlier, blessed them, and gave Thanasis the cross.

This festival, celebrated in the middle of winter, started 55 years ago in our town and has taken place every year in icy conditions, in snowstorms and gale force winds. This year is a new beginning with a new Archbishop and a new era. At the same time, it was tinged with a little sadness after the recent death of the former Archbishop Gregorios who recently passed away and who, with his continuous efforts and guidance since its beginning, elevated the event to what it is today.

 

Report and photos: Michael Papadopoullos

 

 

 

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