The Epiphany in Tarpon Springs

In Tarpon Springs, Epiphany on January 6 is truly a celebration of life in this unique community on the Gulf of Mexico. Schools close so that students can join family, friends, and as many as 25,000 thousand visitors at an array of events.

Greek men, primarily from the Dodecanese Islands, have been diving for sponges in the waters near Tarpon Springs since 1905. The men were recruited to continue this traditional occupation when it was discovered that Florida’s waters provided the only U.S. habitat for natural sponges. Those who did not dive staffed or maintained the boats, sold the sponges, or practiced other related maritime occupations. The divers gradually brought their families and their religious beliefs to Florida where they flourished. Today, the sponge industry endures and Tarpon Springs preserves its strong Greek character and maritime heritage.

Young Greek men have braved the chilly January waters of Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs since 1920 in hopes of capturing the coveted Epiphany cross. Although there were similar events in Greece, Epiphany observances in Tarpon Springs have exceeded the fame of all others. One reason for this is the fortuitous location of the church near the Spring Bayou. “It was born this city, to become an Epiphany city. You go down from this church to the bayou, a walking distance of one block, and automatically you find yourself in an amphitheater setting….From any place people – thousands of people – can see the celebration. You can’t find such a thing, even in Greece, ” explains Father Tryfon Theophilopoulos, Dean of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs.

Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, when the Holy Spirit descended upon him in theEpiphany in Tarpon Springs, Florida form of a dove. The day begins with a Divine Liturgy, usually celebrated by His Eminence Spyridon, Archbishop of America, and assisted by Father Tryfon Theophilopoulos and assistant priest Father John Katsoulis of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. St. Nicholas was built in 1943 to replace an original structure built by Greek settlers and is a replica of St. Sophia in Constantinople. Beautiful icons, stained glass, and Greek marble grace the interior. Since so many attend, churchgoers must arrive very early to gain a seat. Many children wear the colorful costumes of their ancestral islands to the service.