Current:Home > FinanceFlorida’s Greek community celebrates the Epiphany with annual dive into water to retrieve cross -FundPrime
Florida’s Greek community celebrates the Epiphany with annual dive into water to retrieve cross
View
Date:2025-04-14 21:03:58
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) — After thunderstorms moved past, Florida’s largest Greek Orthodox community celebrated the Epiphany on Saturday as a 16-year-old boy dove into chilly water to retrieve a cross in an annual rite that draws thousands.
John Hittos found the cross before 64 other boys after it was thrown into a bayou in Tarpon Springs, a town on the Gulf Coast 30 miles north of Tampa and known for its large Greek community. The retriever of the cross is believed to receive 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-degree Celsius) water. “I didn’t know where it was, but I had a feeling and I just went down. I couldn’t see anything, but it was in my hand.”
The Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Jesus to the world and comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” which means “appearance.” It is marked by Christians around the world with celebrations ranging from parades and gift-giving for children to the blessing of water. The holiday is also called the Feast of Epiphany, Three Kings Day and Theophany. In some traditions, it celebrates the baptism of Jesus and in others the visit of the Three Magi to the Baby Jesus.
The boys were led to the water from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral by clergy and a nervous 17-year-old Chloe Kotis, who carried a white dove representing the Holy Spirit, She released it over the water before the dive.
“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 flush with sponges, and they quickly built a thriving industry. Others established restaurants, pastry shops and markets that offer a Mediterranean feel.
veryGood! (2783)
Related
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Fire devastated this NYC Chinatown bookshop — community has rushed to its aid
- Eagles offensive lineman Josh Sills acquitted on rape, kidnapping charges in Ohio
- Farm Jobs Friday
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Couple who held impromptu reception after wedding venue caught fire return for anniversary trip
- Ohio men will stand trial for murder charges in 1997 southern Michigan cold case
- Big 12 furthers expansion by adding Arizona, Arizona State and Utah from crumbling Pac-12
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Why is Jon Gruden at New Orleans Saints training camp? Head coach Dennis Allen explains
Ranking
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- California man arrested in break-ins, foot-fondling in Lake Tahoe
- Billie Eilish Pays Tribute to Angus Cloud at Lollapalooza Days After His Death
- Horoscopes Today, August 4, 2023
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Jake Paul defeats Nate Diaz: Live updates, round-by-round fight analysis
- Crack open a cold one for International Beer Day 2023—plus, products to help you celebrate
- Federal agency given deadline to explain why deadly Nevada wild horse roundup should continue
Recommendation
Travis Hunter, the 2
Simone Biles Makes Golden Return to Competitive Gymnastics After 2-Year Break
Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner returns after mental health break
Officials order Wisconsin brewery to close. Owner says it’s payback for supporting liberals
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Recalling a wild ride with a robotaxi named Peaches as regulators mull San Francisco expansion plan
Why one of the judge's warnings to Trump stood out, KY's kindness capital: 5 Things podcast
RSV prevention shot for babies gets OK from CDC