The 60th Blessing of the Sea took place on Sunday 5th January 2025 at Margate Beach. It was attended by Sir Roger Gale and the Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson- Wilkin, along with Margate’s Mayor Cllr Jack Packman, other Cinque Port Mayors, the Greek Priest Father Diodoros and members of his congregation, who did an excellent blessing.
The event is a Greek and Cypriot celebration at Epiphany marking the baptism of Christ. Margate was chosen for the honour in the mid-20th century because there is a large community of Greek Cypriot residents in the town. A dove is released, prayers given and a decorated cross hurled into the waters and retrieved by a young diver.
With thanks to Ingrid Spencer, Clerk to the Charter Trustees of Margate, for organising the mayoral event.
Photographs courtesy of Frank Leppard Photography