The parish of St. John in the village of Kamini on the island of Hydra practices an annual tradition that honors both its Greek Orthodox faith and maritime heritage.
Leading from the church into the sea, the unique tradition involves the funeral procession of the bier of Jesus Christ which holds the Epitaphios.
Hundreds of onlookers gather around Hydra’s main harbor to watch as young men carry the Epitaphios into chest-deep water.
Locals on Hydra have been performing the ritual for more than a century.
See photos of Hydra’s Good Friday tradition
Watch a video of Hydra’s Good Friday tradition
Photos and story from Foni Tis Hydras
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