A 120th Epiphany celebration brings a cross dive to Tarpon Springs
Florida’s largest Greek Orthodox community gathered Tuesday for its 120th Epiphany celebration, where dozens of teens dove into chilly water to retrieve a cross in front of thousands of spectators, according to the Associated Press.
The event took place in Tarpon Springs, a town on Florida’s Gulf Coast 30 miles north of Tampa and known for its large Greek community. Organizers said it is among the largest Epiphany celebrations in the country.
Athos Karistinos retrieves the cross
Athos Karistinos, 18, found the cross before 73 other boys after it was thrown into a bayou in Tarpon Springs. The story said the retriever of the cross is believed to receive a year of blessings.
After the cross was thrown, the boys were led to the water from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral by clergy and Sylvia Marakas, the Associated Press reported.
Dove released before the dive
In the lead-up to the cross dive, Marakas carried a white dove representing the Holy Spirit. The story said she released the bird over the water before the boys jumped in.
The Epiphany celebration commemorates the manifestation of Jesus to the world, the Associated Press reported, and the name comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” which means “appearance.”
How Epiphany is observed
Epiphany is marked by Christians around the world with celebrations ranging from parades and gift-giving for children to the blessing of water, the AP said. The holiday is also called the Feast of Epiphany, Three Kings Day and Theophany.
In some traditions, the AP said, the day celebrates the baptism of Jesus, while in others it commemorates the visit of the Three Magi to the Baby Jesus.
Greek roots in Tarpon Springs
The Associated Press also described how Greek immigrants helped shape Tarpon Springs, saying many were drawn to the area because the waters were flush with sponges and they built a thriving industry. It said others established restaurants, pastry shops and markets offering a Mediterranean feel.