TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) – After the storms passed, FloridaThe largest Greek Orthodox community celebrated Epiphany on Saturday as a 16-year-old boy dove into cold water to retrieve a cross in an annual rite that attracts thousands.
John Hittos found the cross before 64 other boys after it was dumped in a bayou in Tarpon Springs, a Gulf Coast town 30 miles north of Tampa known for its large Greek community. It is believed that the retriever of the cross receives a year of blessings. It is one of the largest Epiphany celebrations in the country.
“I didn’t see where the cross went in the water,” Hittos told reporters after emerging from the 65-degree (18 Celsius) water. “I didn’t know where it was, but I had the feeling and I just fell. I couldn’t see anything, but it was in my hand.
Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Jesus to the world and comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” meaning “appearance.” It is marked by Christians around the world with celebrations ranging from parades and gifts to children to the blessing of water. This holiday is also called the Feast of the Epiphany, Three Kings Day and Theophany. In some traditions, we celebrate the baptism of Jesus and in others the visit of the Three Magi to the Child Jesus.
The boys were led to the water from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral by clergy and Chloe Kotis, a nervous 17-year-old girl, who carried a white dove representing the Holy Spirit. She released it above the water before the dive.
Photos you should see
“I’m happy to hold something that means so much,” she told the Tampa Bay Times.
Many Greek immigrants were drawn to Tarpon Springs because the waters were teeming with sponges, and they quickly built a thriving industry. Other established restaurants, patisseries and markets offer a Mediterranean ambiance.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
