St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Theophany/ Epiphany
January 6th, 2012
Theophany/ Epiphany
January 6th, 2012
Postcard was purchased in Tarpon Springs, Florida
How many people living in America haven't heard of Tarpon Springs and the wonderful Orthodox commemoration of Epiphany celebrated there? The one where the Blessing of the Waters take place on the day celebrating Christ's Baptism? The one where a multitude of young men dive in after the cross that is tossed into the water by the bishop or a priest? Haven't heard of it? Well, this is what is happening there tomorrow on Epiphany! So if you live close to Tarpon Springs, Florida, then I suggest a trip there! It is a day full of reverence, fun and celebration.
Invitation to the Glorious Epiphany Celebration - 2012
Image courtesy: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Some images from last year's event:
The Priests
The Divers
In They Go!
Swimming
Louis Pappas - 2011 Cross Retriever
A Special Blessing for the Year!
All images above courtesy: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Of course, the celebration of the Baptism of Christ and the Manifestation of the Holy Trinity is an event celebrated with reverence and joy throughout the world on this day. But the Christians of Tarpon Springs - like many countries of the world - close down their city for it; remarkable especially since throughout much of the western world this oldest of all Christian holidays is most often a normal working and school day... Well done to the citizens of Tarpon Springs, Florida!
The Baptism of Christ
Image courtesy: Icon Art
1408
The Russian Museum
St. Petersburg, Russia
At the close of this years Christmas Season (today - January 5th - is the 12th day of Christmas!) I wish all many blessings for a wonderful 2012!
12 comments:
I grew up in the town next to Tarpon Springs. Epiphany is truly a wonderful event. As anything longstanding some commercialism has crept in with the street events but the procession to the spring, the dive for the Cross, & the blessing ceremony are really beautiful.
I had never heard of this but what a wonderful way to commemorate the baptism of Christ on Epiphany! Imagine how blessed the one to find the cross in the water must feel:-)
Ann, did you know we have a St. Nicholas Church in Toronto, Ontario? I didn't even know that! lol Toronto is about a 5 hour drive south of me and I go there often. Will have to find that church and take pictures of it for you:-) Here is the link for their web site...http://stnicholasbirchcliff.com/
Another one is in Windsor, Ontario...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Nicholas_Macedonian_Orthodox_Church,_Windsor,_Ontario
There are more throughout Canada but since I live in Ontario, I was more interested in searching for the ones in this province:-) xoxo
Though I have never been to Tarpon Springs, I have see many videos of this happening. Very cool!
What a unique and wonderful event! I always learns something new here
lovely tradition to share, wish I was there
Wonderful tradition, thanks for sharing it xx
How lovely and what a great way to mark the end of the Christmas season too :)
It's a wonderful celebration. I love your posts! I had my son baptized on Epiphany 55 years ago! xx
I hadn't known of this tradition until you bought it to my attention!! Thank you!!! As always a wonderful post! Happy New Year!!! Cathy
So very nice. I actually think we went thru Tarpon Spring many years back. I like the old Christmas traditions. Unfortunately, we went to a Mega ? church in Arizona this year over Christmas. I not sure the birth of Christ was even mention. Rock and roll and a giant screen didn't do it for me... Oh well. :( The praying now back in Minnesota is for my wife's recovery.
Dear Ann
Here is where I come to journey around the world with you... I have enjoyed the beauty, learned alot and traveled far.. Thank you for taking me along.
Wishing you a wonderful new year full of joy.
Blessings,
Penny
Interesting post and a tradition I have never heard of before. Diane
Post a Comment