Tarpon Springs will host the 120th Epiphany Day Celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Thousands flock to this event each year. It stands as one of the largest such gatherings on Earth. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral organizes the ceremony, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s baptism by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
The celebration kicks off Tuesday at 8 a.m. with Orthros at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 36 N. Pinellas Ave. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy follows at 9 a.m. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will preside over these sacred rites.
After the Divine Liturgy concludes, clergy and participants process to Spring Bayou for the Blessing of the Waters ceremony. This ancient ritual includes the release of a white dove that symbolizes the Holy Spirit descending from heaven. Archbishop Elpidophoros will then cast a white cross into the bayou at 1 p.m…