Annual Epiphany Celebration To Be Held Minus The Spectators

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — Tarpon Springs' famous religious observance, the Epiphany, will still be celebrated this year. However, this year's celebration will undergo some changes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The annual celebration in honor of the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan will be celebrated on Jan. 6 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs.

Due to coronavirus protocols, the procession to the Spring Bayou will be limited to clergy, dignitaries and this year's cross divers. The traditional dive into Spring Bayou by teen boys will take place without the usual crowd of onlookers. The public is being asked to remain home this year and watch the blessing, which will be livestreamed online as well as broadcast live on Spectrum Bay News 9.

Any Greek Orthodox parishioner who wishes to attend the Blessing of Spring Bayou must obtain a special parishioner pass outside the cathedral on the morning of Jan. 6.

Those attending must wear masks and observe social distancing protocols at both the dive and the services at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Seating will be limited in the cathedral.

The traditional Epiphany Glendi, a celebration featuring Greek food, dancing and music, normally held following the dive ceremony, has been cancelled this year.

See related story: 2020 Tarpon Springs Epiphany Celebration In Photos