TAMPA, Fla. — During its service on Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral announced 17-year-old Michalia Makryllos was chosen to be the 2025 Epiphany dove bearer, which represents the Holy Spirit.

Makryllos has served in the choir for the past seven years, but she’s been an active and dedicated member of her church and community since she was seven years old, according to family members and church officials.

Choir Director John Lulias made the final decision to select Makryllos as dove bearer.

“She is a faithful member and supports the choir in all the things that we do to help our church and our Orthodox community,” Lulias said. “She is involved in other things as well, in the Tarpon Springs area, and so it’s not only just about choir and what she does here, but outside of the community as well.”

Several generations of her family have participated in the Epiphany celebration since 1987 when her father and his older brother dove for the cross, and this year is extra special because she’ll be joined by her brother, cousin and godbrother as they try to retrieve the cross.

“I hope Epiphany really reminds people how important it is to keep our younger generations involved with the church, so we have something to pass down to them,” said Makryllos. “It means a lot to be able to practice your faith with your family because family is second to your faith.”

Makryllos emphasized that every role in the Epiphany celebration is a blessing — not just the cross retrievers.

“Just being able to watch it is a blessing. Everyone who has a small part still represents a major role. Being able to show your faith and watching, helping set up, diving for the cross, and being a dove bearer. Every part is so major in commemorating what Jesus did for us,” Makryllos said.

Makryllos is a student at Tarpon Springs High School and part of the Early College Program at St. Petersburg College. She’ll graduate in May with both her associate degree and high school diploma.