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Tarpon's Epiphany special

By DIANE STEINLE
Published January 6, 2006

	Full coverage

With so much sensitivity and controversy over religion in American society these days, it is refreshing to see the unbridled joy and excitement of Tarpon Springs residents for that city's 100th Epiphany celebration today, and the infectious spread of those feelings to the Tampa Bay community and beyond.

Epiphany in Christian faiths is the commemoration of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.

The story in the Bible recounts how John the Baptist was baptizing local residents in the river and one day Jesus showed up and asked to be baptized, too.

The Bible's Book of Matthew recounts how, when John lifted Jesus from the water, "the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.' "

In Tarpon Springs, Epiphany is celebrated with prayers, pageantry, food, dance, the release of a white bird and the splash of a wooden cross into Spring Bayou, where dozens of young men leap from anchored dinghies to attempt to retrieve the cross and win the fabled year of good luck.

This year Jan. 6 is extra special not only because it is Tarpon Springs' 100th Epiphany celebration, but also because the world leader of the Greek Orthodox faith, His All Holiness Bartholomew, has come from Istanbul to lead the festivities.

He is treated as a visiting head of state, and more than 300 people gathered at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport on Wednesday just to see him arrive. Tens of thousands likely will catch a glimpse of him at the various events in which he will participate while visiting Florida.

The Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs may be organized by and have special meaning to the Greek Orthodox Church, but it also is a spectacle that draws people of other faiths and sightseers, too, in droves.

Tarpon Springs will be the epicenter today of not just the festivities, but the road closures and traffic problems that always occur on Jan. 6 in that city. Those who want to avoid traffic tieups might want to stay out of that end of North Pinellas today.

However, for those braving the crowds and the cool temperatures expected today, welcome to the biggest and best celebration of Epiphany in North America. No matter your reason for attending, it is certain to be a day unlike any other you have experienced.

[Last modified January 6, 2006, 01:21:21]