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Get away: hot ticket
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times
published January 3, 2002
Epiphany City
Tarpon Springs calls itself Epiphany City, for it is the host of the largest celebration of Christ's baptism in the western hemisphere. Each year, thousands of people gather west of downtown to watch the celebrations, including the release of a dove and the cross dive into the waters of Spring Bayou.
The 99th annual observance begins at 10 a.m. Sunday with a service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 18 N Hibiscus St. After the service, Archbishop Demetrios, the spiritual leader of 1.5-million Greek Orthodox believers in America, will lead a procession from the cathedral to Spring Bayou.
There, Demetrios will bless the waters and preside over the release of a white dove (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) and the cross dive, where 16- to 18-year-old Greek Orthodox young men jump into the water to retrieve a cross tossed by the archbishop. The one who comes up with the cross is said to be blessed for the following year.
The procession is expected to reach Spring Bayou sometime after noon, but it is best to arrive early to get a good viewing spot. Last year, about 30,000 people attended.
Glendi festivities follow in Craig Park with food, music and dancing. Admission is $1.
For more information, call (727) 937-3540 or check www.ephiphanycity.com.
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