Corfu, January 7 – Yesterday, on January 6, 2026, the island of Corfu celebrated the feast of Epiphany with traditional grandeur, culminating in the blessing of the waters at the Old Port. The Metropolitan of Corfu, Paxoi, and Diapontian Islands, Mr. Nektarios, officiated the Divine Liturgy and the Great Blessing of the Waters at the Metropolitan Church of Panagia Spilaiotissa in the morning. Subsequently, despite adverse weather conditions, the immersion of the Holy Cross and the blessing of the waters took place at Corfu’s Old Port.
Metropolitan’s Message: Peace and Love Amidst Global Turmoil
The ceremony at the Old Port was attended by numerous local authorities, including Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Mr. Stefanos Gikas, Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands Mr. Giannis Trepeklis, Members of Parliament for Corfu Mr. Dimitris Biagkis and Mr. Alekos Avlonitis, and Mayor of Central Corfu Mr. Stefanos Poulimenos. Many swimmers braved the cold waters to retrieve the Cross, with Mr. Christos Souzos being the fortunate one for the third time, receiving a small golden cross as a blessing from Metropolitan Nektarios.
In his message to the faithful gathered at the Old Port, Mr. Nektarios emphasized the significance of Christ’s manifestation to the world, bringing peace through His incarnation. He highlighted the contrast between the world’s current turmoil and the peace offered by Christ, urging everyone to seek divine gifts of peace and love to overcome societal challenges. The Metropolitan extended his wishes for the new year to local leaders, clergy, and the people, praying for divine light to shine in their hearts and minds, dispelling evil and fostering God’s love.
Theological Significance of Epiphany
Earlier in the day, during his sermon at the Metropolitan Church, Mr. Nektarios elaborated on the theological meaning of Epiphany, focusing on Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist. He described John as a unique figure who lived in the desert but loved people, preaching repentance. Mr. Nektarios explained that Christ’s baptism, despite His sinlessness, was a divine command to reveal God’s presence to humanity. This Trinitarian Theophany – the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – addresses humanity’s existential questions and reveals the true God.
The Metropolitan stressed that God is known through human nature, through creation, and through the mysteries of faith, including the Divine Eucharist. He called upon the faithful to delve into the mystery of the Holy Trinity and to seek God in their lives, especially in a world often driven by self-interest and spiritual darkness. He urged a return to spiritual values to experience God’s love and overcome life’s challenges.
Ongoing Weather Advisory
It is worth noting that the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece, and the Ionian had issued a warning for intense weather phenomena for January 5, 2026, predicting sporadic storms, particularly in the northern Ionian with winds reaching 8 Beaufort. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. [ertnews.gr](https://www.ertnews.gr/perifereiakoi-stathmoi/kerkira/kerkyra-proeidopoiisi-gia-entona-kairika-fainomena/) Earlier advisories from the Central Corfu Municipality’s Civil Protection Department also warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds on December 4, 2025, urging citizens to take precautions and stay informed through official channels. [corfutvnews.gr](https://corfutvnews.gr/kerkyra-anakoinosi-tis-politikis-prostasias-kerkyras-gia-ta-entona-kairika-fainomena/)
The island has experienced significant weather-related issues recently, with storm Adel causing widespread flooding and landslides across central Corfu in late November 2025. Schools were closed, and emergency services were actively involved in providing assistance, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather. [corfutvnews.gr](https://corfutvnews.gr/kerkyra-pnigike-i-mesi-kerkyra-oloi-stous-dromous-gia-parochi-voitheias/)
Source: Corfu TV News, ertnews.gr
