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Celebration of Epiphany in Tarpon Springs
PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Every year the Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs attracts thousands of spectators from around the world, giving Tarpon Springs its nickname of "Epiphany City."
It's the largest Greek Orthodox celebration in the Western Hemishpere put on by the Greek Orthodox Church to commemorate the baptism of Jesus by Saint John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
It's held on January 6, which falls on a Sunday this year.
Epiphany observances begin with a church service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, followed by a procession to the spring, blessing of the waters and cross retrieval.
At the Spring Bayou, the Archbishop will bless the waters, the dove (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) will be released and young men ages 16 to 18 will brave cold waters to dive for a cross.
Whoever recovers the cross is said to be blessed for a full year.
Last year, Michael Xitolit from Tarpon Springs had the cross in his hands. He described it as "an amazing feeling."
He was carried back to St. Nicholas Church, his home church. As the possessor of the cross, Xitolit was considered a source of God's abundant blessings and grace.
Bay News 9 will have live coverage of the Epiphany, including the tossing of the cross.
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