WESTFIELD, NJ – GNUSA [Photos by Douglas John]
On Sunday September 28, the Metropolis of New Jersey celebrated the annual Blessing of the Waters and the Κατάδυσις (Diving) of the Cross.
This cherished tradition, which typically coincides with the feast of the Elevation of the Precious Cross, was established in 1947 by the then Archbishop of America and later Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and is hosted each year by the Community of St. George in Ocean Twp., New Jersey.
The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. George in Ocean, NJ (formerly located in Asbury Park) where youth from across the Metropolis gathered in worship. The service was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos, assisted by Fr. Gregory Gilbert, Chancellor of the Metropolis, Archdeacon Konstantinos Loukas, and Deacon Emmanuel Tsarnas.
During his sermon, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos addressed the GOYANs, offering a heartfelt reflection on the significance of the Cross. He encouraged them to pray with the sign of the Cross in key moments in their daily lives seeking God’s guidance and protection and explained that the Cross draws its power from Christ’s voluntary sacrifice upon it. “Since Christ, as God, was immortal, He destroyed death for all humanity when He offered Himself upon it. The Cross becomes the bridge that connects earth to heaven for us”, His Eminence noted, inter alia.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Apostolos, the GOYANS and their families made their way to Deal Beach for the Annual Cross Diving/Κατάδυση. His Eminence began the beautiful sunny afternoon with the Agiasmos service, blessing the waters of the Atlantic. The youth then gathered around His Eminence and dashed into the surf to retrieve the Cross.
The four winners were as follows: Alessandra Kamnitis of St. Anna in Flemington won the Junior Girls division, Leo Zervoudis of St. John the Theologian Cathedral in Tenafly won the Junior Boys division, Christina Xenakis of Kimisis tis Theotokou in Holmdel won the Senior Girls division and Vasilios Sakkos of Ss. Nicholas Constantine and Helen in Roseland won the Senior boys division.
Following the Cross Dive, the faithful youth and their families returned to St. George Church for the award ceremony, where the divers were honored for their participation.
The celebration concluded with a community-hosted barbecue in a joyful atmosphere filled with fellowship.
The afternoon proved to be a great success and memorable for all present, keeping alive the 78- year-old tradition.
