Epiphany Cross Retriever Announced

Tarpon Springs marked its 109th Epiphany observance Tuesday, complete with the traditional immersion of the cross at Spring Bayou.

The observance began with services at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, followed by a processional to Spring Bayou. Once there, divers lined up for a chance to retrieve the cross thrown into the chilly waters by Archbishop Demetrios.

Kosta Pseftelis, 18, a local college student, emerged victorious, receiving the traditional year-long blessing from the archbishop.

The annual Epiphany celebration draws thousands of visitors to Tarpon Springs each year. Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

“In the old country, Jesus Christ’s baptismal day was celebrated with spiritual emotion and long procession,” the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks website states. ”Following tradition, the Greek community established that January the 6th of each year will be celebrated with the sanctification of the waters and the immersion of the cross in the Spring Bayou on ’Cross Day’ or ’Epiphany’.”

The first recognition of Epiphany in Tarpon Springs was held in 1903.

Image from the City of Tarpon Springs’ Facebook page