The Holy Epiphany (Also Theophany), which is celebrated each year on 6th of January, is one of the greatest celebrations of Christianity. Epiphany is a custom that symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The name Epiphany (derives from a verb means “to appear”) came from the voice of God heard on Earth and the revelation of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Epiphany is also called Theophany or ta Fota (The Day of the Lights). Ta Fota (the Lights) are named in this way, because as the recessional of this celebration says in the end, Jesus Christ came to enlighten the world, through Baptism and Confirmation.

The main ceremonies of Epiphany are the Blessing of the Waters (Religious ceremony taking place within the Churches) and the Tossing of the Holy Cross (Religious ceremony) following the Blessing of the Waters. The tossing of the Holy Cross takes place in a beach, in harbours, rivers or lakes and in need in water tanks. During the tossing of the Holy Cross, the priest will bless the waters by casting a cross into the water. Young people, in particular, dive into the icy waters to first grab the Cross and receive the blessing from the priest, as well as accept the honor and wishes of the inhabitants of that place.

On this holiday, the names Fotini, Fotis (Fotios), Ourania, Iordanis (Jordan), Theophanis and Theocharis celebrate.

Areas where the tossing of the Holy Cross in the Municipality of Chersonissos takes place:

Aposelemis Dam
12:00

Gournes
11:00 Port of the former American Base of Gournes

Kokkini Chani
11:00 at the beach near “Chatzi” restaurant

Kato Gouves
11:00 in front of the church of Ag. Konstantinos & Eleni

Koxari
11:00 in the region of Karkania

Limenas Chersonissou
11:00 Chersonissos Harbour, at Agia Paraskevi

Anissaras
11:00 in front of Hotel “SERITA”

Malia
11:00 at Agio Pnevma – Marina in Malia

Stalida
11:00, at the beach in front of “Finikas”

Mochos village
10:30, at the old water reservoir

Epiphany (Also Theophany)

The Holy Epiphany, which is celebrated each year on 6th of January, is one of the greatest celebrations of Christianity. Epiphany is a custom that symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The name Epiphany (derives from a verb means “to appear”) came from the voice of God heard on Earth and the revelation of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Epiphany is also called Theophany or ta Fota (The Day of the Lights). Ta Fota (the Lights) are named in this way, because as the recessional of this celebration says in the end, Jesus Christ came to enlighten the world, through Baptism and Confirmation.

The main ceremonies of Epiphany are the Blessing of the Waters (Religious ceremony taking place within the Churches) and the Tossing of the Holy Cross (Religious ceremony) following the Blessing of the Waters. The tossing of the Holy Cross takes place in a beach, in harbours, rivers or lakes and in need in water tanks. During the tossing of the Holy Cross, the priest will bless the waters by casting a cross into the water. Young people, in particular, dive into the icy waters to first grab the Cross and receive the blessing from the priest, as well as accept the honor and wishes of the inhabitants of that place.

On this holiday, the names Fotini, Fotis (Fotios), Ourania, Iordanis (Jordan), Theophanis and Theocharis celebrate.

Entrance to the archaeological sites, monuments and museums belonging to the State is free, on the first Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.

The Heraklion Branch of the “Greek Rescue Team” (http://www.eod-irakliou.gr/) organizes a two-day training seminar for volunteers and rescuers at the Pancritio Stadium of Heraklion, with free admission (in Greek, without translation).

The training is scheduled for the weekend 13-14 January 2018, from 10:00 to 18:00.

Certificates of attendance will be given to the participants.

The Addicts Support Center “OASSIS”, with the assistance of the Chersonissos Municipality and the Police Station of Chersonissos, organizes a speech about “Hashish, Alcohol & Mental Illness. Crisis in Relations “, on Saturday, January 13th, 2018, at 18:00 at the City Hall in Chersonissos, at the Municipal Council Hall (1st floor), with free admission.

The Cultural Association of Agriana village is organizing a festive event to welcome the New Year and celebrate the custom “Cutting the New Year’s Cake (Vassilopita)” in the premises of the Cultural Center in Agia Triada. The event is organized on the 13th of January 2018, 20:00. The musician George Foukarakis and his band will entertain the guests.

The entrance costs 12 euro.

The Heraklion Branch of the “Greek Rescue Team” (http://www.eod-irakliou.gr/) organizes a two-day training seminar for volunteers and rescuers at the Pancritio Stadium of Heraklion, with free admission (in Greek, without translation).

The training is scheduled for the weekend 13-14 January 2018, from 10:00 to 18:00.

Certificates of attendance will be given to the participants.

The Medical Associations of Crete and the Region of Crete co-organize 19-20 January 2018 in the Chamber of Heraklion, the two-day event “Health Tourism: Destination Crete”.

The Exhibition for Tourist Shops is organised for businessmen owing shops with souvenirs and is organised in several cities in Greece.

In Crete the exhibition will be 19th – 22nd January 2018, 10:00 – 20:00, at the International Exhibition Centre of Crete in Gournes in the municipality of Chersonissos.

Should you need additional information, please visit the exhibition’s site (in Greek).

The Cultural Association of Malia village is organizing a festive event to welcome the New Year and celebrate the custom “Cutting the New Year’s Cake (Vassilopita)” in the premises of the Royal Hall. The event is organized on the 20th of January 2018, 19:00.

The entrance costs 20 euro (Dinner included).

The Exhibition for Tourist Shops is organised for businessmen owing shops with souvenirs and is organised in several cities in Greece.

In Crete the exhibition will be 19th – 22nd January 2018, 10:00 – 20:00, at the International Exhibition Centre of Crete in Gournes in the municipality of Chersonissos.

Should you need additional information, please visit the exhibition’s site (in Greek).

Januray 21st 2018, the 6th run from Episkopi village to Agarathos Monastery is organized. Should you need information and subscription details, please visit this page (in Greek).

With the support of the Cultural Association of Potamies “Panagia I Gouverniotissa”, the non-profit company “Praxi Technis Imeros” in cooperation with the music pedagogue representative of the pedagogical experiential system orff- and piano teacher Maria Kalogeraki organize a workshop “Winter” in Potamies.

In Greek, without translation.

The Women’s NGO “Irida” is organizing a festive event to welcome the New Year and celebrate the custom “Cutting the New Year’s Cake (Vassilopita)” in the premises of Chatzis restaurant on Saturday, 27th January 2018, at 20:00.

The entrance costs 15 euro for adults / 10 euro for kids (Dinner included in the price).

The Cultural Association of Voritsi village “Ι AGIA MARINA” is organizing a festive event to welcome the New Year and celebrate the custom “Cutting the New Year’s Cake (Vassilopita)” in the premises of Chatzis restaurant on Saturday, 27th January 2018, at 20:30.

The entrance costs 15 euro.

The Cultural Association of Anissaras village is organizing a festive event to welcome the New Year and celebrate the custom “Cutting the New Year’s Cake (Vassilopita)” in the premises of the Anissa Hotel. The event is organized on the 27th of January 2018, at 21:00. The musicians M. Stavrakakis and D. Zacharioudakis (members of “Xainides” band) will play their songs.

The entrance costs 15 euro (Dinner included in the price).

The Music School “POLYPHONO” presents the traditional fairy tale “Cinderella” as a concert. Students of “POLYPHONO” are presenting this concert at the Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion on Sunday 28th of January 2018, 19:00 – 21:00.

The entrance is free.