We always wanted to go to Tarpon Springs Florida to celebrate Epiphany and in Dec. we decided to make plans and go.
The trip involved flying to Tampa stopping in Houston to change planes as there are no non stop flights.
We rented a car and drove to the Hampton Inn in Tarpon Springs on Jan. 5, 2017.
At our hotel was a group of 70 students and their parents who would be dancing at the glendi after the diving for the Cross.
The next morning we drove down to the Church and parked behind the hall and went into Church around 9:30 am and it was standing room only.
Before we entered the Church we saw some of the young men who will be diving for the cross and an Icon.
We had spoken to other folks who have attended this event and they said it was not possible to stay for the end of the Liturgy and then be able to get down by the Bayou to see the Blessing of the Cross and the throwing of the Cross so we were advised to leave before the Liturgy ended to get a place at the park so we can watch everything.
The distance to the park from the Church is a few blocks and the street was blocked off for the parade and procession. On the way down to the Spring Bayou we passed the local AHEPA chapter house which was selling food outside and refreshments and coffee and danish inside.
We rented a car and drove to the Hampton Inn in Tarpon Springs on Jan. 5, 2017.
At our hotel was a group of 70 students and their parents who would be dancing at the glendi after the diving for the Cross.
The next morning we drove down to the Church and parked behind the hall and went into Church around 9:30 am and it was standing room only.
Before we entered the Church we saw some of the young men who will be diving for the cross and an Icon.
The distance to the park from the Church is a few blocks and the street was blocked off for the parade and procession. On the way down to the Spring Bayou we passed the local AHEPA chapter house which was selling food outside and refreshments and coffee and danish inside.
Inside the AHEPA house
We found a spot on the lawn at Spring Bayou Park and waited for the Liturgy to end- about 1 1/2 hrs after we waited in the park. There was a large crowd of people at the park to witness the Throwing of the Cross.
Then the parade started down the street from Church to the park.
There they all gathered on the dock and blessed the boys who were going to dive for the Cross. Once the prayers were over the boys swam to rowboats moored in front of the dock to await the throwing of the Cross into the water by Archbishop Demetrios.
Once the Cross entered the water all the boys jumped into the water and one boy did get the Cross and he got a trophy and was carried on the shoulders of the other divers to the Church.
two of the divers
divers with commemorative towels
There was a festival in the Church hall with food and music that was scheduled to end at 11pm. The hall holds 1,000 people and it was packed.
We had gyros, souvlaki, fries and loukamadethes for lunch and watched the dance groups and crowd dance.
We spent several days in Tarpon Springs and had planned to go to Clearwater and see the beach and walk around but there was a cold spell and some rain.
We did go daily to the Sponge Docks and eat lunch and dinner and shop. We met some friends for dinner too.
One place that was recommended for lunch was Mr. Souvlaki and they had the biggest portions of food I ever saw. Here is a photo of a gyro which was enough for two people to eat.
Good place for a meal but remember portions are gigantic so order accordingly.
We had a wonderful time here and plan to make the trip again next year. If you get a chance make the journey to witness this joyful event.
(soon there will be direct flights on United from San Francisco to Tampa which will make the journey easier.)
