January 5, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America participated in the commencement of the holy celebrations of the Great Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with the blessing of the Fleet at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Archbishop Elpidophoros was joined by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon, His Grace Bishop Theophan of Philomelion, Dean of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs Rev. Fr. Athanasios Haros, Rev. Fr. Theofanis Katsiklis of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Mayor of Tarpon Springs Costas Vatikiotis, Commissioner Panagiotis Koulias, Commissioner John Koulianos, and Commissioner Michael Eisner.
“May the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – always protect these ships and those who journey in them; bringing them safely home to port, through the powerful intercessions of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and our father among the Saints, the Wonderworking Archbishop Nicholas of Myra in Lycia” Archbishop Elpidophoros said to the faithful.
The annual celebration of Epiphany in Tarpon Springs is one of the largest in the world attracting thousands of faithful and broadcast and print media.
Read His Eminence’s full remarks here.
Photo: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman