TARPON SPRINGS — Picture-perfect weather greeted thousands of spectators who gathered around Spring Bayou on Jan. 6 for Tarpon Springs’ 120th Epiphany celebration.
While the crowd was smaller than in recent years, possibly because Epiphany fell on a Tuesday following the long holiday break, the lighter turnout did nothing to diminish the festive atmosphere that surrounding St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s annual celebration of Christ’s baptism.
After 18-year-old Tarpon native Athos Karistinos emerged from the Spring Bayou with the cherished white and gold cross, joyful cries of “Axios” — meaning “worthy” in Greek — echoed off buildings lining West Tarpon Avenue as his 70-plus fellow divers carried him up the street and back to the cathedral at 36 N. Pinellas Ave. There, friends, family, and media swarmed the teen.
“I’m so overwhelmed right now, but in a good way,” an elated Karistinos told reporters after taking dozens of photos in front of the cathedral altar.
“All I can say is it’s one big blessing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”
The Palm Harbor University High senior, who said he “grew up on the water” but had not practiced retrieving the cross, became the latest member of his family to accomplish the feat.
“My father got the cross in ‘91, my godfather, my uncle, my cousins, all caught the crosses,” he said. “So, this has a lot of tradition and a lot of meaning to me. It’s hard to explain. But it is a blessing.”
Asked about his approach, Karastinos said, “just to go get it, I guess.” When he “saw the glow” of the cross underwater, “I couldn’t believe it. It was there and I grabbed it.”
Karistinos noted it was his third and final attempt to retrieve the cross, an honor given to high school-age boys in good standing with the church. The entire experience was “emotional. Very emotional.”
Nearby, Athos’ father, Anestis Karistinos, explained how his family became so adept at the cross dive.
“I think we’re blessed,” he said.
Regarding his son’s claim he hadn’t practiced, Anestis said Athos and his two brothers “have been practicing since they were little kids! They have been practicing. He lives on the water. He’s been diving and free-diving since he was a little kid.”
Asked if he felt his son was destined to retrieve the cross based on family history, Anestis said, “For me, yes. I always felt one of my three boys would retrieve the cross. And for this to happen, it feels so good.”