Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 21,003. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 22,554.

Epiphany Celebration

Tarpon Springs is known for elaborate religious ceremonies related to the Greek Orthodox Church such as Epiphany celebrated every January 6 with the blessing of the waters and the boats. Since the livelihood of the initial Greek immigrants hinged around the sea and their boats, their attachment to a religious service centered at requesting divine protection for what used to be a highly risky job can be easily explained.

Related Topics:
Greek Orthodox Church - Epiphany - January 6

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The celebration attracts Greek Americans from across the country, and the city's population is known to triple in size for that day. The Patriarch of Constantinople and head of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople, or head of the American branch of the Greek Orthodox Church, usually presides over the blessings. The blessings conclude with a ceremonial toss of a wooden cross into the city's bayou, and young men dive in to retrieve it: whoever recovers the cross is said to be blessed for a full year. Following the blessings, the celebration moves to the Sponge Docks where food and music are made part of the festivities.

Related Topics:
Patriarch of Constantinople - Orthodox Church of Constantinople

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