EDITOR’S NOTE: AB Nikitas of Thyateira (Gr.Britain), who returned to his hometown, Tarpon Springs, where 50 years earlier, at age 18, he was the one who picked the cross from the water, was at the center of attention as he co-celebrated with AGB Elpidophoros the Epiphany, in the most well-known ritual performance of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese… AB Niktias drew all the love and attention of Tarpon Springs… He was also asked a bunch of questions – some of them made him a little uncomfortable… John Hittos, age 16, picked up the cross this year – please watch the lovely video sent to us by Angelo Aggelatos / Greek Voice… This is followed by some photos of AB Nikitas’s return to his hometown – one of them next to his cousin, Congressman Gus Bilirakis. We remind you here that AB Nikitas has worked as an intern in Mike Bilirakis’s DC office (the congressman’s father) early in his life…
==============================
PHOTO: AB Nikitas with his cousin, Congressman Bilirakis…
==========================
source – orthodoxtimes.com
Archbishops of America and Thyateira celebrated Epiphany in Tarpon Springs (PHOTOS+VIDEO)
The Archbishop was joined by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, Bishop Sebastian of Zelon and Bishop Theofanis of Philomelion.
The Consul General of Greece Lucas Tsokos and Secretary for Greeks Abroad Ioannis Chrysoulakis were in attendance, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, The Mayor of Tarpon Springs Costas Vatikiotis and AHEPA President Savas Tsivicos among others.
16-year old John Hittos from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater retrieved the Cross. Sixty six young men dove to the cold waters to retrieve the cross.
On the day before, January 5, 2024, 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 Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon, Bishop Theophan of Philomelion, Dean of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs Fr. Athanasios Haros, 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.
Photos: GOA/Dimitrios Panagos
What does this mean:
“”He was also asked a bunch of questions – some of them made him a little uncomfortable…””
No further comment on this.. It means what it means…