Archbishop Elpidophoros of America officiated the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of Epiphany and blessed the waters at the Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs, Florida, on January 6, 2024.
The Archbishop was joined by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, Bishop Sebastian of Zelon and Bishop Theofanis of Philomelion.
The Consul General of Greece Lucas Tsokos and Secretary for Greeks Abroad Ioannis Chrysoulakis were in attendance, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, The Mayor of Tarpon Springs Costas Vatikiotis and AHEPA President Savas Tsivicos among others.
On the Holy Theophany, we celebrated the great tradition of Tarpon Springs with beloved Hierarchs. The Immersion (Κατάδυσις) of the Precious Cross reminds us all that through sacrificial love, God’s grace is spread throughout the world, like the waters of the sea. pic.twitter.com/RAeKoHqDya
— Elpidophoros (@Elpidophoros) January 7, 2024
16-year old John Hittos from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater retrieved the Cross. Sixty six young men dove to the cold waters to retrieve the cross.
On the day before, January 5, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America participated in the commencement of the holy celebrations of the Great Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with the blessing of the Fleet at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Archbishop Elpidophoros was joined by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon, Bishop Theophan of Philomelion, Dean of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs Fr. Athanasios Haros, Fr. Theofanis Katsiklis of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Mayor of Tarpon Springs Costas Vatikiotis, Commissioner Panagiotis Koulias, Commissioner John Koulianos, and Commissioner Michael Eisner.
“May the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – always protect these ships and those who journey in them; bringing them safely home to port, through the powerful intercessions of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and our father among the Saints, the Wonderworking Archbishop Nicholas of Myra in Lycia” Archbishop Elpidophoros said to the faithful.
The annual celebration of Epiphany in Tarpon Springs is one of the largest in the world attracting thousands of faithful and broadcast and print media.
Photos: GOA/Dimitrios Panagos
