The Blessing of the Waters took place in the port city of Chios, Greece, attended by National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. The ceremony followed the Great Blessing service at the Holy Metropolitan Church of Mina-Victor and Vincent, performed by Archimandrite Dionysios due to the illness of Metropolitan Markos. After a procession, the diving ceremony for the Cross was held, with 11 divers, including a child, competing to retrieve it from the sea. Giannnis Chaviaras of the Coast Guard succeeded for the second consecutive year.