Blessing of the Waters Festival Won by Gregory!

The shallow water meant a group of 50 hopefuls raced into the water from the shore this year, instead of leaping off the jetty, to retrieve the cross after it was thrown into the ocean.

Gregory Voukelatos, 22, of Glenelg North, was the first to the cross, running most of the way through the water before swimming the final couple of metres.

The person who is first to emerge from the water with the cross is said to be blessed with good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year.

Mr Voukelatos, of St George Parish in Thebarton, said it was a “good feeling” to nab the prized possession.

“I’ve been doing it for years so to finally win it has been a blessing,” he said.

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