Tarpon Springs held its annual Epiphany celebration to commemorate Christ’s baptism, with Liturgy services at St. Nicholas Cathedral, a blessing of the waters at Spring Bayou, a dove release and the ceremonial cross dive by dozens of teenage boys all vying for a year's blessing. The celebration is considered the biggest cultural and religious event of its kind in the country.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, releases cross divers to jump into the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
Cross divers swim quickly towards a boat of their choice before the cross is thrown during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
Elena Gonatos, 17, releases the dove as it flies by cross divers during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
Cross divers wait patiently for the cross to be thrown during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
A cross diver goes head first into the water to find the cross during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
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George Stamas, 16, comes up with the white cross during the annual cross dive in Spring Bayou, part of the Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs, clutches the Epiphany cross after being the first to reach it in the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
People watch and cheer for the cross divers during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
George Stamas, 16, is hoisted up by fellow cross divers, after he comes up with the white cross during the annual cross dive in Spring Bayou, part of the Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
A cross diver kisses the Epiphany cross held by George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs (not pictured) during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
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Small boats float in the Spring Bayou before the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
Tony Zaronias, of Tarpon Springs, left and his mother, Katherine Zaronias, light a candle during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
Parishioners light candles during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, performs the Divine Liturgy at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, performs the Divine Liturgy at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
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Rev. Fr. Theofanis Katsiklis kisses the hand of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
Michael Zaronias, 55, of Tarpon Springs, venerates an icon at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
Parishioners observe the Orthros (Matins) and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
Deacons swing censers at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
Girls dressed in white stand outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
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From left to right, Charalampos Kavouklis, 8, Emmanouela Kavouklis 11, and Konstantinos Kokkinidis, 8, share a moment together, while they wait for the arrival of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
Dove bearer Elena Gonatos, 17, a junior at East Lake High School and Alexander Makris, 17, of New Port Richey, stand outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
Elena Gonatos, 17, a junior at East Lake High School, holds a dove outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
Elena Gonatos, 17, a junior at East Lake High School, holds a dove outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
Alex Makris, last year’s cross retriever, 17, middle, holds his trophy, while he mingles with others during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
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Cross divers wait to walk to the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
Georgia Rigas, of New Port Richey, left, helps Peter Kikilis, 13, get ready for the procession during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. JEFFEREE WOO | Times
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, celebrates with George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs, as he clutches the Epiphany cross during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs, clutches the Epiphany cross after being the first to reach it in the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs. ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/VIDB42LYWVGAZJIPLMBWEWWVMI.JPG "His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, releases cross divers to jump into the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/GE72TTWG4VDADLC6UWGPN3HOPE.jpg "Cross divers swim quickly towards a boat of their choice before the cross is thrown during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UWUJMBKY4ZGB3K7UADLF75IHUM.jpg "Elena Gonatos, 17, releases the dove as it flies by cross divers during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/VA57YBXWKFAIPJ36CKGRO7GQAM.jpg "Cross divers wait patiently for the cross to be thrown during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/ARR7VE4XZBFDZN2GHCM5NRYA4Y.jpg "A cross diver goes head first into the water to find the cross during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/ABYX3BUYQRHDXABNRDWWUAIWW4.jpg "George Stamas, 16, comes up with the white cross during the annual cross dive in Spring Bayou, part of the Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/DC7FGE555VDKJEO2WWIW6VPIEE.JPG "George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs, clutches the Epiphany cross after being the first to reach it in the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/CX5D6KK7ZFC25IDUWQDWC5XJYE.jpg "People watch and cheer for the cross divers during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at the Spring Bayou on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/2VOBDEAZJRDHPP55RNX6OTIVCQ.jpg "George Stamas, 16, is hoisted up by fellow cross divers, after he comes up with the white cross during the annual cross dive in Spring Bayou, part of the Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UAUJRYHRK5AMVLQNFGAMHMK644.JPG "A cross diver kisses the Epiphany cross held by George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs (not pictured) during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/TMC2DQPOW5FAHCP4X3PBFRMS3A.JPG "Small boats float in the Spring Bayou before the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/AQMWQJCLVNDQFPSLAHAL7KYM4E.jpg "Tony Zaronias, of Tarpon Springs, left and his mother, Katherine Zaronias, light a candle during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/VGAFWWMYENDIFAWLRB6YU6QR7U.jpg "Parishioners light candles during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/IVTV6HJFVNE5BH6DFQIZOAM3AU.JPG "His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, performs the Divine Liturgy at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/W62VBQZTJRHMNKWVOIADS65CDM.JPG "His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, performs the Divine Liturgy at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/K75GAMC6NVG6DICWU4G4Y56JSM.jpg "Rev. Fr. Theofanis Katsiklis kisses the hand of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JEDOSLD2UBATJFXR4EE43SO4EM.JPG "Michael Zaronias, 55, of Tarpon Springs, venerates an icon at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/GJMUQLUKK5HGRGDU3Z2JUMTRMQ.jpg "Parishioners observe the Orthros (Matins) and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/J5QYTIYAJJH3HANIURFWXINLMM.JPG "Deacons swing censers at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/KLCFZ45JLBEZVGZXRNG5NKQJ7U.JPG "Girls dressed in white stand outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/BNZHNBL4HBDS3MXJHOSNITZ3ZA.jpg "From left to right, Charalampos Kavouklis, 8, Emmanouela Kavouklis 11, and Konstantinos Kokkinidis, 8, share a moment together, while they wait for the arrival of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/CIM2P46U2JB2PPRUQL25BIMAEM.JPG "Dove bearer Elena Gonatos, 17, a junior at East Lake High School and Alexander Makris, 17, of New Port Richey, stand outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/QPAB6R25OJHQPDMYLGMD3Y2QKE.JPG "Elena Gonatos, 17, a junior at East Lake High School, holds a dove outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/6KPPNCNKJNCVXFUQH4O7IBOFAY.JPG "Elena Gonatos, 17, a junior at East Lake High School, holds a dove outside the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JTUY3UB7CJAIJLPBIM2S2LX4MU.jpg "Alex Makris, last year’s cross retriever, 17, middle, holds his trophy, while he mingles with others during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/W7TAIP5OXZE37K3TH7JGSQUSKQ.jpg "Cross divers wait to walk to the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/GLNIWN7MMVCEVJUZHTHPIRGOAU.jpg "Georgia Rigas, of New Port Richey, left, helps Peter Kikilis, 13, get ready for the procession during the 117th annual celebration of Epiphany at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/5WUJSCI475HJVCCOIN3KIOTSGM.JPG "His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, celebrates with George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs, as he clutches the Epiphany cross during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/2FA3J3BUQVH5THGZVBJOGBR6ZM.JPG "George Stamas, 16, of Tarpon Springs, clutches the Epiphany cross after being the first to reach it in the Spring Bayou during the 117th annual Epiphany celebration on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Tarpon Springs.")
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