As Greek Orthodox Christians gather around the world in celebration, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis shared a video tribute to honor annual Epiphany commemoration and cross dive.
Bilirakis, himself a Greek Orthodox Christian, represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes Tarpon Springs, the location of the largest Epiphany gathering in the Western Hemisphere.
Below is the text of Bilirakis’ message, which is also available online.
“Good afternoon, today is Epiphany Day, Jan. 6. We have a large celebration, the biggest celebration of Epiphany in the Western Hemisphere, and it takes place in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
“It’s a wonderful, wonderful day symbolizing the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan, but also the manifestation of God. I want to wish everyone well, and I want to congratulate the Cross Retriever, Joseph Cooley.
“I happen to know him and his family, they’re wonderful people. Joseph actually was an alter boy in the church growing up. He’s got a tremendous family. I know his mother and his grandmother, and I know they’re so very proud of him.
“Hopefully I’ll be with you next year, but I have to fulfill my duties here in Washington, D.C. God bless everyone. Xronia Polla!”
Epiphany is celebrating its 111th anniversary in Tarpon Springs. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people are expected to attend the event Friday afternoon at Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs. Any male age 16 to 18 baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church – and a member in good standing in any of the Tampa Bay Area Parishes – can participate in the cross dive. Whoever retrieves the cross is said to receive a year of good luck.
