See photos of Epihany cross dive in Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs held its 118th annual Epiphany celebration, commemorating 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 65 teenage boys competing for the honor of retrieving the white cross and receiving a year’s blessings. The celebration is considered the biggest cultural and religious event of its kind in the country and people travel from all over to witness the dive.
John Hittos, 16, retrieved the cross and was carried away on the shoulders of the other divers toward the cathedral where he was celebrated by family.
