TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — On Thursday, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs hosted one of Tampa Bay’s most popular religious events: the 116th annual Epiphany Celebration.
During one of the most unique parts of the celebration, the archbishop casts a white cross into the water where dozens of young men dive for it. This year, Alexander Makris was the one to retrieve it.
"It was amazing," said the 16-year-old. "I just kind of stayed calm. (It) was, sandy bottom, and I just found it laying right there — and I lifted it up."
The annual ritual, which symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, saw 68 teenagers dive into the cool waters. Tradition has it that the one who retrieves the cross receives a year's worth of blessings.
"You have to stay calm. Don’t get nervous. It’s a competition, but everyone’s getting a blessing today," Makris said.
The entire Tarpon Springs community was feeling blessed, glad to be able to watch the annual ceremony in person after it was limited to only family last year by COVID.
“This is what it’s all about right here,” spectator Kim Zirlott said.
Tyianne Mendes, who has attended six Epiphany celebrations, agreed.
“There’s always more people than this, but it’s good to see them back out here wearing masks and being safe and celebrating this epiphany,” she said.
“Being able to open up, and a beautiful sky that we have here today, just gives us that encouragement that the tradition lives on. That hope lives on,” said former Tarpon Springs Mayor George Cretekos. "And That we will overcome this illness."
Following the dive, Makris knelt before Archbishop Elpidophoros for a special blessing before making the procession back to the church.
Observance of the epiphany began at 8 a.m. followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
Then, Archbishop Elpidophoros, hierarchs, clergy and dignitaries headed to the Spring Bayou for an invocation and the release of a white dove ahead of the cross dive. The church says the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit flying over the Bayou while the cross dive is seen as a right of passage for young men in the town.
The Epiphany festivities date back to 1906 in Tarpon Springs.