Athos Karistinos Retrieves Epiphany Cross in Record Dive

During the 120th annual Greek Orthodox Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs on January 6, 2026, a record 74 teens dove into chilly waters after Archbishop Elpidophoros blessed the cross. Karistinos grabbed it first at 12:41 p.m., following a family legacy—his father won in 1991 and uncle in 2000—earning him a spot in the community's elite brotherhood and a year of promised blessings.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was welcomed by Tarpon Springs Mayor John Koulianos for the annual blessing of a fleet of sponge and fishing boats, as well as to commemorate tomorrow’s 120th consecutive celebration of the Great Feast of Epiphany. pic.twitter.com/uawuhqzeZO

— Orthodox Observer (@OrthoObserver) January 6, 2026

The event, the largest outside Greece in the sponge-diving capital, honors Jesus' baptism and links Greek Americans to their heritage through liturgy, procession, and festivities.

Epiphany is celebrated worldwide, but the famous celebration in Tarpon Springs is the largest outside of Greece.

The unique festival sees 20,000 people descend on the area.

With the cross throw complete, the community will continue the celebration into the evening with the Glendi (festival) at the Spanos-Pappas Community Center (348 N Pinellas Ave) with food, drink, live music, and dancing.