In the late 19th century many Germans came to Vonitsa to participate in archaeological excavations or public work projects in the city and the wider region. One of them decided to endow the church of Hagios Spyridon with a podium for the Great Blessing of Waters at Theophany. The podium has a compartment on each corner to receive large branches of eucalyptus, in memory of the banks of the river Jordan, where Christ was baptized. Even the podium colours are inspired by this tree, as were the colours selected by Spyridon Gazis for the interior walls of the church. The podium was recently restored, following damage caused by woodworms and the large nails used by the German manufacturer.