Tarpon Springs Epiphany

The 118th Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church annual Epiphany celebration returns in 2025.

Our community has commemorated Christ’s Baptism with the ceremonial cross dive for over a century. The day begins with Orthros and Liturgy services at St. Nicholas Cathedral. Following Liturgy, a procession of clergy and faithful winds its way to Spring Bayou. Once there, the Archbishop of America blesses the waters, as throngs of believers descend upon the water’s edge.

The Gospel of the day is then read and a white dove is released to signify the descent of the Holy Spirit. Each year, a member of the community, typically a young woman, is chosen to carry the dove in the procession. For a full list of past dove bearers, click here.

After the dove is released, the Archbishop casts a cross into the bayou and young men dive into the waters. The one diver who retrieves the cross is considered blessed for the entire year.

Schedule of Events

• 8am - Orthros and Devine Liturgy
• 9am - Immediately Following Devine Liturgy, Procession to Spring Bayou
• 1 - 2pm Blessing of Tarpon Springs – Dove Release – Dive for the Cross
• 2 - 6pm Epiphany Glendi-Festival