TARPON SPRINGS, FL – Greek News USA
[Photos by Chrysovalantis Kouros]
Luc Boillot, a 17-year-old who dived for the second time, retrieved the cross during the 119th Epiphany ceremony at the Spring Bayou on Monday, January 6, in Tarpon Springs, FL.
The son of Kathy Theophilopoulos Boillot, of Plantation, and grandson of the late Fr. Tryfon Theophilopoulos, Dean of the historic St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral for over 30 years, Luc was one of the 66 boys who plunged into the water for the white wooden Cross tossed in by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. It took him 16 seconds to emerge, following in the footsteps of his uncles Dean and Jerry Theophilopoulos, who retrieved the Epiphany Cross in 1984 and 1985, the first time that two brothers have retrieved the cross back-to-back.
“He proudly continues a family legacy deeply rooted in faith and tradition”, the parish of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas posted on FB. “May this incredible blessing guide Luc in faith and strength as he honors our cherished traditions”.

The Retrieval of the Cross is considered a source of great blessing. It is said that the young man who recovers the cross receives extra blessings in the year ahead.
Carried back to the Cathedral on his fellow divers’ shoulders while everybody chanted “Axios!”, Boillot, said that it was truly an incredible experience and a great blessing for him.
The cross retriever along with the rest of the boys make every year the Epiphany rounds, visiting the houses and businesses of the town, while chanting the hymns of the Epiphany.
Considered the largest Epiphany celebration in the Western Hemisphere, the ceremony is a staple in the Greek community for generations, not only for those living in the so-called Epiphany City (Tarpon Springs), though, as it draws annually Greek-Americans from around the country.

The celebration commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
The day began with Orthros and Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, followed by the sanctification of the Waters (Megas Agiasmos) at the marble “kiosk” located on the north side of the church ground, for the first time in the last 25 years. Concelebrants included the newly-elected Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, Fr. Athanasios Haros, Dean of the Cathedral, Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris, Deacon Jeremiah Mandoras, Deacon Vasilios and many area clergy.

A colorful procession then made its way to the Spring Bayou, led by the icon of the Epiphany, with the acolytes, clergy, hierarchs, dignitaries, the students of the Greek School and folk dancers in traditional outfits, Boys and Girl Scouts, the Tarpon Springs HS band, the various Greek clubs and societies and parishioners surrounded by choir members, the Dove – Bearer and the teen divers.
Among the dignitaries present were Panagiotis Koulias, Mayor of Tarpon Springs, Stefanos Gkikas, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy who along with Maira Myrogiannis, Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad and Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Hellenic Tourism Organization (EOT) are visiting from Greece and former Tarpon Springs Mayor, Chris Alahouzos. AHEPA Supreme President Savas Tsivicos, Executive Director Basil Mossaides, “Daughters of Penelope” Grand President Margaret Dritsas and AHI President, Nick Larigakis were also in attendance.

After the Archbishop blessed Spring Bayou with thousands of spectators watching from around the water, Michailia Makryllos, the 17-year-old choir member chosen to be the Dove -bearer, released a white dove into the air to symbolize the Holy Spirit.
The celebration continued at the “Theophilos Hall” of St. Nicholas “Spanos- Pappas” Community Center with live music, dancing and food, including the traditional loukoumades.

