TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — For the last 30 years or so, Michael Kouskoutis has been the go-to guy in helping the dozens of boys hoping to be the cross retriever during Epiphany.

“My responsibility is to make sure that the boys are properly prepared for the of the epiphany event,” Kouskoutis said.

Aside from giving all 69 divers the proper instruction on how the day will go, he wants to make sure each one is safe throughout this experience.

“When you have between 50 to 70 boys this year, it'll be 69 jumping in the water at once,” said Kouskoutis. “You're always concerned about safety.”

It’s not only safety for the boys jumping in the water, but safety from the thunder and lightning that could come upon the Spring Bayou Saturday morning.

Rain is expected in the forecast and while some adjustments might be made, Kouskoutis said the cross retrieval will happen.

“I don't think it impacts the dive,” he said. “It may impact the procession but, as far as we're concerned, even during COVID, it did not stop us from celebrating Epiphany.”

He said there’s no set start time for the retrieval — it will take place whenever the service at St. Nicholas is complete. 

“Tomorrow is fluid,” Kouskoutis said. “Tomorrow is fluid. There may or may not be procession. I don't know. I just know my boys will be prepared.”

It’s a circumstance that’s not foreign to Kouskoutis, who said it rained when he dove for the cross back in the day.

“It rained, and it rained pretty hard,” he said. “And it's not something that we wish for. But, you know, we always check the weather report, and we always check the tide.”

Whether rain or shine, the celebration will go on, and Kouskoutis said it’s something you don't want to miss.