A wave of unease swept through Limassol on Monday when the customary Epiphany Day blessing of the waters encountered an unforeseen disruption. The sacred Holy Cross temporarily vanished following its immersion in the sea at the Old Port. Authorities were promptly alerted, and thankfully, the revered object was later recovered, assuaging the community's anxieties.
The traditional ceremony, a significant occasion for Orthodox Christians, commenced with Bishop Athanasios of Limassol leading a Divine Liturgy. He then proceeded to officiate the ritualistic casting of the cross into the sea. This deeply symbolic practice involves brave swimmers competing to retrieve the cross, believed to bestow spiritual blessings. However, this year, the expected return of the retrieved cross to the clergy did not occur as anticipated, immediately raising concerns and prompting official notification.
The individual who successfully retrieved the cross from a considerable distance reportedly failed to return it to the officiating priest, a departure from established custom. This deviation fostered an atmosphere of confusion and speculation, leading the Limassol police to launch a thorough investigation into a potential theft. The presence of an honour guard from the National Guard and the municipal philharmonic band had previously amplified the solemnity of the procession, making the cross's disappearance even more surprising.
Authorities dedicated Tuesday to locating the missing artefact. By late afternoon, their persistent efforts were rewarded with the cross's discovery and the apprehension of the individual responsible. Reports indicate that the suspect is a 45-year-old Greek Cypriot man who subsequently confessed to his actions. He was transported to the Limassol General Police Department for further interrogation.
Crucially, officials quickly clarified that the recovered cross is a carved wooden item of immense religious significance, rather than possessing substantial monetary value. This clarification was essential to prevent any misinterpretations regarding the motive behind its temporary removal. While the exact reasons for the man's decision remain under investigation, his confession represents a significant stride towards resolution. The incident, though brief, undoubtedly cast a temporary shadow over the otherwise joyous Epiphany celebrations. The swift police response ensured the sacred object's safe return to church custody. The investigation will likely continue to fully understand the events and reinforce the sanctity of religious observances.