LIMASSOL – A palpable sense of unease rippled through Limassol on Monday as the traditional Epiphany Day blessing of the waters took an unexpected turn, culminating in the temporary disappearance of the Holy Cross. The incident, which occurred at the Old Port of Limassol, led to swift police intervention and a subsequent recovery of the sacred object, bringing a measure of relief to the community.
The annual ceremony, a cornerstone of Orthodox Christian observance, saw Bishop Athanasios of Limassol lead the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Ayia Napa before officiating the immersion of the cross into the sea. This ritual, steeped in religious significance, involves the casting of a cross into the waters, with brave swimmers vying to retrieve it as a symbol of spiritual blessing. This year, however, the expected return of the retrieved cross to the clergy did not materialise, prompting immediate concern and the notification of authorities.
The individual who successfully recovered the cross from the sea, reportedly from a considerable distance, failed to hand it back to the officiating priest as is customary. This deviation from the established practice led to an atmosphere of confusion and speculation, prompting the Limassol police to initiate a thorough investigation into a potential theft. The presence of an honour guard from the National Guard and the Limassol municipality philharmonic band, who had contributed to the solemnity of the procession, underscored the official nature of the event and amplified the surprise surrounding the cross's disappearance.
Authorities worked diligently throughout Tuesday to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing artefact. By late afternoon, their efforts bore fruit. The cross was located, and the individual who had taken it was apprehended. According to reports, the suspect is a 45-year-old Greek Cypriot man who subsequently confessed to his actions. He was taken to the Limassol General Police Department (ΑΔΕ Λεμεσού) for further questioning.
Crucially, officials were quick to clarify that the recovered cross is a carved wooden artefact, holding immense religious importance rather than any substantial monetary value. This distinction was vital in mitigating any misinterpretations regarding the motive behind its temporary removal. While the precise reasons behind the man's decision to retain the cross remain under investigation, his confession marks a significant step towards resolution.
The incident, though brief, undoubtedly cast a shadow over the otherwise joyous Epiphany celebrations in Limassol. The swift response from the police, however, ensured that the sacred object was returned to its rightful place within the church's custody. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event will likely continue, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded at the Old Port and to reinforce the sanctity of such religious observances within the community. The recovered cross will soon resume its role as a focal point for spiritual devotion, its temporary absence serving as a peculiar footnote to this year's Epiphany.