Parousiasi cyprus mail

A great topic!

Parousiasi (Παρουσία) is a Greek word that is often translated to English as "presence" or "attendance". In the context of Cyprus, Parousiasi refers to the traditional Cypriot custom of gathering and celebrating the Epiphany (January 6th) with a grand procession and blessing of the waters.

In Cyprus, the Epiphany is a significant holiday, and the Parousiasi is an integral part of the celebrations. On this day, the Archbishop of Cyprus, accompanied by other high-ranking clergy, proceeds to the sea or a nearby body of water, where he blesses the waters and then throws a cross into the sea. The custom is believed to have originated in the 4th century, when Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the True Cross in the sea.

The Parousiasi is a grand affair, with thousands of people gathering along the coast to witness the procession and the blessing of the waters. The event is accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and feasting. The highlight of the celebration is the moment when the Archbishop throws the cross into the sea, and the crowd rushes into the water to retrieve it, believing that the person who retrieves the cross will have good luck and protection throughout the year.

The Cyprus Mail, a popular English-language newspaper in Cyprus, often reports on the Parousiasi celebrations, providing updates on the preparations, the procession, and the festivities that follow. The newspaper's coverage of the event is a great way to get a sense of the excitement and joy that surrounds this beloved Cypriot tradition.