2024 Tarpon Springs Epiphany celebration: Teens dive to retrieve cross

After thunderstorms moved past, Florida's largest Greek Orthodox community celebrated the Epiphany on Saturday as a 16-year-old boy dove into chilly water to retrieve a cross in an annual rite that draws thousands.

John Hittos found the cross before 64 other boys after it was thrown into a bayou in Tarpon Springs, a town on the Gulf Coast 30 miles north of Tampa and known for its large Greek community. The retriever of the cross is believed to receive a year of blessings. It is one of the largest Epiphany celebrations in the country.

“I didn't see where the cross went in the water," Hittos told reporters after emerging from the 65-degree water. "I didn't know where it was, but I had a feeling and I just went down. I couldn't see anything, but it was in my hand.”

MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/florida-tarpon-springs-epiphany-celebration-teen-retrieves-cross/67-cba18266-f37a-4f07-90f9-35d79a1923bbv

Видео 2024 Tarpon Springs Epiphany celebration: Teens dive to retrieve cross канала 10 Tampa Bay