Asbury Park, NJ – The blessing of the waters and the subsequent Diving for the Cross by Orthodox youth took place on Sunday. Four different groups plunged into the Atlantic Ocean. Each winner was awarded a trophy and a cross placed onto them by his Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey. The anniversary of the Metropolis of New Jersey Holy Cross Celebration was held at the Paramount Theatre on Sunday, where Greek Orthodox faithful and visitors from throughout New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area attended.
Some 20 parishes participated in the historic annual event that grouped four divisions. One fortunate member of each group raised the cross victorious, as they marched back to Metropolitan Evangelos to receive his blessings. The day had started with a Divine Liturgy service and short Memorial Service for the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras at the Paramount Theater and Convention center.