With umbrellas in hand, spectators lined the shores of the harbour from 11.45am for the annual blessing ceremony by Wollongong's Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.

Some took shelter around the Harbourfront restaurant, while others chose the comfort of their car to stay out of the rain.

Twelve people dived into the water after the Holy Cross, the symbol of victory and immortality, was thrown in to sanctify the waters and keep them safe.

Andrew Kalambokas , visiting from Darwin, was first to reach the cross and legend has it he will now have good luck for a year.

Port Kembla's George Ellenis , who won the honour last year for the tenth time, wasn't part of this year's event.

Church of the Holy Cross priest Andrew Joannou said the blessing of the water ceremony marked the Epiphany, the day Jesus is said to have been revealed as the son of God.

"Just like Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan ... and the waters were sanctified, that's the reason we go to the waters [of Wollongong Harbour]," he said.

"Everybody who dives receives a blessing from God."

The event is one of the most important days on the Greek Orthodox calendar and is celebrated worldwide.

"It was very special to see so many people there even though the weather wasn't good," he said.

Members of the Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Wollongong were due to gather at the North Wollongong rock pool for a their cross-throwing ceremony on Sunday, but it was cancelled due to the inclement weather.