The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category 'Functional'. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category 'Analytics'. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. People from all over the country gather and cheer on local Orthodox Christian men, ages 16 to 18, that dive into the Spring Bayou to retrieve the cross thrown in by the Archbishop.

This yearвЂ™s celebration marked its 114th anniversary of the cross throwing, which symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by St. The Epiphany Cross throwing celebration is a tradition that has been part of Tarpon SpringsвЂ™ Greek American community for over 100 years. Mayor Alahouzos is currently on his second term serving as the mayor of Tarpon Springs.

For the first time ever, the Prime Minister of Greece, the newly-elected Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the celebration alongside the newly enthroned primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.В Both were greeted by Tarpon Springs mayor, Christos Alahouzos, who happens to be Greek as well. Photo Source: flickr.This yearsвЂ™ Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs will go down in history. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios at the Glendi honored the Epiphany divers and the cross victor and divers were there throughout the dayвЂ™s festivities. There were also shows of traditional Greek dancing performed by the Levendia, the nationally award winning Greek dance troupe in addition to childrenвЂ™s games and activities. The retriever then kneeled with the cross before the Archbishop for a blessing.ДЄfter the ceremony, an Epiphany Glendi (festival) at Craig Park with food prepared by Louis Pappas Fresh Greek, drink, live music and dancing. The Archbishop casted a white cross into the water and fifty-eight young men dove for the cross, each seeking the honor of retrieving it. There, an invocation was recited, a young lady, Stella Bilirakis 15 released a white dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit to fly over the Bayou. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 10 a.m.ДЇollowing the Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of the waters, Archbishop Demetrios, hierarchs, clergy, dignitaries and thousands of people formed an impressive procession to Spring Bayou, with school children in traditional costumes, choir members, Greek Folk dance groups from throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

with Orthros (Matins) followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. On January 6th, Epiphany observances began at 8 a.m. Both commercial fishermen and recreational boaters participated. The service occured at the Sponge Docks on the Anclote River, which feeds into the Gulf of Mexico. Reverend Father Sampson Kasapakis and clergy blessed the fisherman, their vessels, and the water in which they travel, and wish them safe and prosperous journeys. Leading up to the feast day, the Blessing of the Fleet took place on Saturday, January 5th at noon. Therefore, people in the Tarpon Springs area, become recipients of the true metamorphosis of their environment.вЂќ said the Reverend Fr. вЂњThis Holy Event is not merely a yearly symbolic re-enactment but a вЂњreal timeвЂќ transformation of nature. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, were among the participants in this yearвЂ™s observance. A procession to the Spring Bayou commenced immediately following the church service for the Blessing of the Waters and Cross retrieval. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida. John the Baptist in the River Jordan was celebrated on Sunday, Januat St. TARPON SPRINGS, FL вЂ“ The annual celebration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ by St.

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