TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — As we get closer to this year's Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs, we're taking a look back at the cross dive last year.
John Hittos retrieved the holy cross from Spring Bayou. He was 16 years old at the time and it was his first time diving for the cross. In the Greek orthodox community, it's believed that whoever retrieves the cross will have extra blessings in the year ahead.
What You Need To Know
- John Hittos retrieved the holy cross from Spring Bayou during last year's Epiphany
- He said retrieiving the cross has changed his life in a number of ways
- EPIPHANY 2025: Background, parking, history, cross retrievers and dove bearers
- Officials are excited and prepared for a safe Epiphany 2025
- Tarpon Springs: A celebration of Greek culture right in Tampa Bay
“I dove down and the cross was at the bottom there of the bayou and it was just glowing," Hittos said. "It was shining at me. I remember reaching down and grabbing it. I never imagined I would have gotten the cross. Just being there with kids from my church, diving, feeling the rush, the excitement of the experience was a blessing itself.
"And it was truly amazing to be the one to emerge from the water with the cross."
He's now a senior at Calvary Christian High School. We visited him there and spoke to him about how that moment changed his life.
“This year’s been awesome," he said. "It’s changed a lot for me with everything with church with my responsibilities, with day to day action. There’s more expected of me."
Hittos is an alter boy at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater.
“My faith means everything. My entire life is structured around it. The church, being here, being part of the church, it’s completely influential in every decision I make," said Hittos.
Hittos will be involved in this year's Epiphany celebration.
He'll be helping to guide the boys who will be diving for the cross. It's been a difficult few months for Tarpon Springs because of the hurricanes and Hittos hopes this annual celebration will help the community heal.
“Everyone coming together, the celebration of the event, having each other, it’s just a joyous time for the community as a whole and having that, I think it will revive the hopes and spirits of everyone," said Hittos.