On January 6, the Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany or The Blessing of the Waters in commemoration of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by Saint John the Baptist.
In the case of Molyvos, this is held at the harbour entrance. After the divine liturgy, the priest will bless the waters by casting a cross into the water. No matter how cold the day or the water, volunteers (mostly young men) dive into the water to recover the cross. The lucky one returns the cross to the priest and receives a special 
blessing.
