Tarpon Springs Epiphany

The 120th annual Epiphany will take place on Jan. 6, 2026.

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.

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

2pm – 6 pm Epiphany Glendi-Festival

Details at https://stnicholastarpon.org/epiphany