TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. – Greek News USA
[Photo: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral]
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Fla announced that 17-year-old Elena Gonatos was named the 2023 Epiphany Dove Bearer for the 117th annual Epiphany ceremony which will be held on January 6th at the Tarpon Spring Bayou.
Each year, a member of the community, typically of high school or college age, who is a member of the choir, is chosen to release the dove before the cross dive.
The daughter of Emmanuel and Voula Gonatos, Elena has been an active member of the historic St. Nicholas Cathedral her whole life and has been singing in the choir since she was 8 years old.
She is also a part of the St. Nicholas dance ministry as she has a passion for dance and she participates in her high school’s musical theater program. She attends East Lake High School.
Elena wants to attend the University of Florida and study law.
“Being the dove bearer is very meaningful to Elena because she is following in the footsteps of her aunts, Helen Gonatos Cauthorn [1983] and Mary Gonatos Deffigos [1987]”, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral said in a statement.
