Greek tradition continues in Tarpon Springs

On Jan. 6, dozens of Greek teens will dive into Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs in search of a cross. It’s a coveted win, as the person who retrieves it is believed to have good luck during the following year.

It’s one of the most recognizable parts of the Greek Orthodox Church’s observance of Epiphany, which honors Jesus Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River. Greek immigrants who came to Tarpon Springs in the 1890s brought their Epiphany traditions, with the first celebration occurring in 1903.

The free events start at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

– Courtney Grigsby, B2 Communications