Vassilios Harding, a 16-year-old junior at Tarpon Springs High School, emerged as the winner of the Epiphany Celebration cross dive Sunday in Tarpon Springs.

"It’s a joyous celebration for this community. It’s something that this town is known all over the world for their epiphany celebration," said Stella Pappas, who watched the cross dive.

Thousands of people flocked to the 107th edition of Epiphany Celebration, which honors the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.

Harding beat nearly 50 other boys, grabbing the cross as it bobbed on the surface of Spring Bayou shortly after it was thrown by Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Harding was then hoisted in the air and carried to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

This is Harding’s first cross dive and he said words can't describe the feeling.

"I just got filled with joy and excitement and this really hasn't sunk in yet. It will probably sink in tomorrow,” Harding said. “I’m just so happy right now."

Harding’s family says this is a tremendous honor for them.

"Your whole body shakes inside because you're just overjoyed and it’s kind of a spiritual feeling that you can't even describe it," said mother Tina Harding.

"I’m just so excited to see him with the cross," Erasmea Harding, Vassilios’s sister said.

It is said the winner will receive blessings and a year of good fortune.

"I just need some good luck and happiness. I’m really hoping this is the best year of my life," said Harding.

Harding’s cousin won last year.

Harding's father is a commercial fishing boat captain and was in Key West Sunday.

Saturday, the Blessing of the Fleet took place at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Visiting Bishop Metropolitan Nikitas Lulias also blessed the fishermen and the water, as well as the boys taking place in the cross dive.

This year's dove bearer was 15-year-old Evelyn Bilirakis. She's the granddaughter of former U.S. Representative Mike Bilirakis. Evelyn said she was shocked to learn she will be releasing a dove this year after leading the procession down Tarpon Avenue and to the Spring Bayou.

"For me to be of my age and to follow in my grandmother's footsteps is just a blessing," she said. "For not only me and my family, but also for the community."