The annual Blessing of the Sea service in Margate took place on Sunday 4 January 2026.
The event is a Greek Orthodox 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. The ceremony was first held in the UK in 1965 and Margate was chosen for the honour in 1966 because there is a large community of Greek Cypriot residents in the town.
It was organised by the local Greek Orthodox Church, the community of the Archangel Michael.
The blessing followed Matins and the Divine Liturgy at St Michael’s Greek Orthodox Church at Westbrook Cottages, attended by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.
A parade then left the church to the seafront at Nayland where the blessing service was officiated by Archbishop Nikitas and guests included Sir Roger Gale MP, Keji Moses, Lord Mayor of Canterbury, civic leaders including town mayors and mayoress’ and Margate Charter Trustees and Greek church leaders including Father Diodoros and members.
A dove was released, prayers given and a decorated cross hurled into the waters and retrieved by a young diver – congratulations to seven-year-old Harry Costi.
