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Her family has released Epiphany doves for years. Now it's her turn.

The 113th annual celebration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ is expected to draw thousands to Tarpon Springs.
 
Stella Bilirakis, 15, will continue a family tradition when she releases a dove over Spring Bayou for Sunday's 113th annual Epiphany ceremony, a Greek Orthodox celebration that brings thousands of people to Tarpon Springs to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
Stella Bilirakis, 15, will continue a family tradition when she releases a dove over Spring Bayou for Sunday's 113th annual Epiphany ceremony, a Greek Orthodox celebration that brings thousands of people to Tarpon Springs to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
Published Jan. 4, 2019

TARPON SPRINGS — For Stella Bilirakis, releasing the dove at her city's annual Epiphany celebration is family tradition.

Her grandmother, Evelyn Bilirakis, was chosen to be the dove bearer in 1957. Her older sister, who shares her grandmother's name, had the honor in 2013.

This year, Stella will join that dynasty when the 15-year-old releases the dove over Spring Bayou for the 113th annual Epiphany ceremony, a Greek Orthodox celebration that brings thousands of people to Tarpon Springs to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus Christ.

"It's truly an honor and blessing," she said. "I've grown up in Tarpon Springs. I've watched the Epiphany celebration since I was a little girl."

Epiphany 2018: 'Best feeling I've ever had,' says cross winner

Her big moment will come when she releases the dove on the banks of the bayou. Then, a white cross will be tossed into the water, followed by 58 teenage boys who will plunge into the water hoping to be the first to find it. The boy who retrieves the cross, according to legend, will receive a year of blessings.

Stella has been in the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral choir since she was 8. Choir co-director John Lulias said her dedication to the choir and service in the church and the community made her an ideal choice for the honor of carrying the dove, which represents the Holy Spirit of the Holy Trinity of God.

"She is very involved in the community ... We're very proud of her as the candidate," said Lulias, who picks the dove bearer with choir co-director Katy Faklis.

Stella is a sophomore at Palm Harbor University High School, where she studies in the International Baccalaureate program. She tutors children at local elementary and middle schools, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, and plays piano and violin along with singing soprano in the choir. She also volunteers at Florida Hospital North Pinellas.

After high school, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her father, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, and work in the medical field. Her uncle and grandfather are also prominent in the community. Her uncle, Gus Bilirakis was re-elected last year to his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives. His father, Michael Bilirakis, held the seat for 24 years before that.

Epiphany 2018: Browse the photo gallery

Stella's mother, Maria Bilirakis, said her family is proud of Stella and the tradition she's continuing. The day holds a special reverence because it's taking place on Sunday, the Lord's day. The Epiphany celebrations featuring both Evelyns as the dove bearers also fell on Sundays.

"It's an honor to now have two daughters that are able to be such a large part of a blessed day for us," she said.

Older sister Evelyn Bilirakis, now 21, has given her teen sister advice ahead of the big day. Stay calm; the dove can sense when you're nervous. Don't be alarmed if it turns its head 180 degrees to look at you — that's normal.

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And enjoy the feeling of letting it fly free, at the right moment, of course.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Evelyn Bilirakis said, "and I can't wait for her to experience the same thing."

The procession to Spring Bayou begins at 12:15 p.m., and the cross will be blessed and cast into the water around 1 p.m.

Contact Kathryn Varn at kvarn@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8913. Follow @kathrynvarn.