A 45-year-old Greek Cypriot man was charged in writing and released on Tuesday after police recovered the Holy Cross that went missing during the Epiphany water blessing ceremony in Limassol.
Police said the carved wooden Cross, which holds religious but no monetary value, was returned to the church after officers traced both the item and the individual involved. The case was considered resolved following the completion of inquiries.
How the incident unfolded
The incident took place during the traditional blessing of the waters at the old port of Limassol. After the Cross was cast into the sea, several participants dived in to retrieve it, as custom dictates.
One of the swimmers reached the Cross and was heard saying he would hand it back to the priest. However, as the ceremony drew to a close, it became apparent that the Cross had not been returned.
Brief confusion during ceremony
The unexpected absence of the Cross caused momentary confusion among organisers and clergy, who alerted the police. Authorities began inquiries to establish what had happened, clarifying that the Cross was a wooden, carved object of symbolic religious significance.
Police investigation and outcome
Later on Tuesday, police said their investigation led to the identification of the man involved, who admitted that he had dived into the sea and left the area with the Cross. He was taken to the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department, where he gave explanations that were examined by investigators.
Following the recovery of the Cross, the man was charged in writing and released. Police said no further action is pending, bringing the incident to a close after an episode that briefly disrupted an otherwise orderly ceremony.