"Teen Triumphs in Tarpon Springs' 118th Epiphany Cross Dive Celebration"
TL;DR
In Tarpon Springs, Florida, the Greek Orthodox community celebrated the Epiphany with their annual cross dive tradition, where 16-year-old John Hittos retrieved a cross from the chilly waters of Spring Bayou, earning a year of blessings. The event, which is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, followed a procession led by clergy and a dove bearer, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The celebration reflects the town's rich Greek heritage, initially established by sponge-diving immigrants.
Topics:nationculture-and-religion##crossdive#culture-and-religion#epiphany#greekorthodox#johnhittos#tarponsprings
- Florida's Greek community celebrates the Epiphany with annual dive into water to retrieve cross The Associated Press
- 16-year-old retrieves cross in 118th annual Epiphany celebration WFLA
- 118th Epiphany in Tarpon Springs is largest celebration outside of Greece FOX 13 Tampa
- Tarpon Springs Epiphany cross is retrieved under blue skies Tampa Bay Times
- In Tarpon Springs, teen who found Epiphany cross feels 'amazing' Tampa Bay Times
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