Thousands of Greek Orthodox faithful have lined an inner-city park to watch about 100 swimmers compete to retrieve a holy cross as part of a Blessing of the Waters ceremony.
Greeks in Australia and around the world celebrate the day Jesus was baptised with the ceremony, during which a priest throws a cross into the water and the Orthodox faithful dive for it.
Greek Orthodox Archbishop Makarios of Australia threw the cross from a barge at the Sydney ceremony in Carss Bush Park on Sunday, with about 100 men and boys - and one woman - competing to retrieve it.
The first to retrieve it is believed to be blessed with good fortune for the year.
The ceremony - also staged by other parishes around the country - is part of the Festival of the Epiphany to honour the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, symbolising renewal and blessings for the year ahead.
There was also a celebration of Greek culture, with more than 80 stalls offering an assortment of authentic Greek food, handmade crafts, and services.
