Teen Retrieves Holy Cross at Tarpon Springs’ 120th Theophany Celebration

Athos Karistinos retrieves the Holy Cross. Photo: tampabay.com

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — An 18-year-old Tarpon Springs resident retrieved the Holy Cross during the Greek Orthodox Church’s 120th annual Theophany celebration on Jan. 6, continuing one of the community’s most cherished traditions.

Athos Karistinos emerged first from the chilly waters of Spring Bayou after more than 70 young men, ages 16 to 18, dove in following prayers and blessings led by Abp. Elpidophoros of America. Karistinos, whose father retrieved the cross in 1991, was lifted onto the shoulders of fellow participants and carried back to the church, a sign of honor traditionally believed to bring blessings for the year ahead.

Earlier, services were held at St. Nicholas Cathedral before a procession to the bayou, where the Gospel was read and a dove released. Casting the cross into the water, Abp. Elpidophoros said the ritual proclaims “the universal presence of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross” and symbolizes God’s love “for every human being and all creation.” Calling on the faithful to grasp its meaning, he urged, “Let us all plumb the depths of our own souls to lay hold of It for ourselves,” concluding with the exhortation, “Ὕψωσον! Lift it up.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidorophos called the faithful to compassion and charity during Nativity. 

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