Epiphany

2024 - 1 - 6

Discover the Magic of Epiphany: From Cross Retrievals to Pope's Messages

Autism - Christianity - Cross retrieval - Epiphany - Greek Orthodox community - Inclusivity - Orthros service - Pope Francis - Tarpon Springs - Unity

Uncover the heartwarming stories of teens retrieving crosses and Pope Francis's inspiring messages at Epiphany celebrations!

Epiphany, a time of revelation and celebration, recently took center stage in Tarpon Springs, Florida. From the traditional Orthros service to the 118th Epiphany celebration, the Greek Orthodox community rejoiced under blue skies, marking a joyous occasion. The highlight was the 16-year-old teens diving to retrieve the cross, with young John Hittos making a spectacular first-time win. Despite the weather challenges, the faithful gathered to honor the sacred occasion.

Pope Francis also shared his wisdom on the solemnity of Epiphany, encouraging believers to imitate the Magi in approaching the Christ Child. His message resonated with the essence of the event, emphasizing the importance of putting Jesus at the center of our lives. The Epiphany celebration was not just a traditional event but a profound invitation to adore the Lord and serve others, especially the poor.

In a heartwarming moment, even a nonverbal teen with autism, Bobby Kavouklis, participated in the Epiphany celebration, showcasing the inclusivity and diversity of the event. The community, including young divers and participants like Nik Gombos, truly embodied the spirit of unity and faith during this annual gathering.

As we reflect on the lessons of Epiphany, let us remember the true meaning of the season - to seek God's presence in everyday encounters and to spread love and compassion. The Epiphany celebration not only brings communities together but also inspires us to look beyond ourselves and towards a greater purpose.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reformed Journal"

Epiphany: Give Cash to the Homeless - The Reformed Journal Blog (Reformed Journal)

I know we cite plenty of reasons not to. What if the money is misused? Shouldn't we give to root causes? What if our helping actually hurts? (Kate Parsons ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Tampa Bay Times"

Tarpon Springs Epiphany cross is retrieved under blue skies (Tampa Bay Times)

The Orthros service began at 8 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral followed by the Divine Liturgy. Around noon, clergy, parishioners in traditional ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FOX 13 Tampa Bay"

118th Epiphany in Tarpon Springs is largest celebration outside of ... (FOX 13 Tampa Bay)

The skies parted Saturday afternoon in Tarpon Springs for the 118th Epiphany, a long-standing tradition in the Greek Orthodox community.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "U.S. News & World Report"

Florida's Greek Community Celebrates the Epiphany With Annual ... (U.S. News & World Report)

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) — After thunderstorms moved past, Florida's largest Greek Orthodox community celebrated the Epiphany on Saturday as a 16-year-old ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WFLA"

16-year-old retrieves cross in 118th annual Epiphany celebration (WFLA)

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — Thousands of Greek Orthodox Christians in Tarpon Springs gathered for their 118th Epiphany Celebration Saturday.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Bay News 9"

John Hittos, 16, retrieves cross at 118th Epiphany Celebration in ... (Bay News 9)

Sixty-seven young men, ages 16-18, were selected to dive for the cross. A first-time diver retrieved it.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Orlando Sentinel"

In Tarpon Springs, teen who found Epiphany cross feels 'amazing' (Orlando Sentinel)

Standing in the rain outside of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Saturday, Nik Gombos made a promise. “You watch,” he said.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

Pope at Epiphany Mass: Imitate the Magi to approach the Christ Child (Vatican News)

Pope Francis presides over Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, and recalls three ways that imitating the Three Kings may lead us closer to God.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "USCCB"

Faithful must put Jesus, not ideology, in spotlight, pope says on ... (USCCB)

The faithful will find God, "not by basking in some elegant religious theory, but by setting out on a journey, seeking the signs of his presence in everyday ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Bay News 9"

Nonverbal teen participates in Epiphany celebration (Bay News 9)

Bobby Kavouklis, who has nonverbal autism, was one of the participants.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Florida's Greek community celebrates the Epiphany with annual ... (The Associated Press)

Florida's Greek Orthodox community has celebrated the Epiphany with their annual cross dive near the Gulf of Mexico.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

Pope Francis: The Epiphany invites us to adore the Lord and help ... (Catholic News Agency)

In his homily Saturday, Pope Francis urged the faithful to “find God in flesh and bone, in the faces of those we meet each day, and especially in the poor.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "OnePeterFive"

Diebus Saltem Dominicis: Observance of Epiphany and of Holy ... (OnePeterFive)

In the Novus Ordo last Sunday was Holy Family, while in the Vetus it was Sunday in the Octave of Christmas. I'll take an element of Epiphany, such an important ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "First Things"

The Lessons of Epiphany | Sarah Reardon (First Things)

At Christmas, we recognize that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. But at Epiphany, at least in T. S. Eliot's imagination, we recall that Christ brings devision ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Where Peter Is"

The Epiphany: His Divinity, Our Humanity (Where Peter Is)

I took a picture of the sunrise on December 21, winter solstice of 2023. The brilliant glowing light of the sun gradually dispelled the darkness of that longest ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "New Ways Ministry"

The Epiphany Shows There Are No Exceptions - New Ways Ministry (New Ways Ministry)

The year 2023 was a year where that lesson started to become more tangible and real in the Catholic Church, as leaders, particularly Pope Francis, taught by ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "dioceseofcleveland.org"

Epiphany of the Lord — Jan. 7, 2024 (dioceseofcleveland.org)

Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "KCRG"

Florida's Greek community celebrates the Epiphany with annual dive ... (KCRG)

After thunderstorms ...

Explore the last week