A Tarpon Springs teenager whose great-grandfather retrieved the cross more than 60 years ago was the lucky young man to dive into the chilly waters of the Tarpon Springs Bayou during the 112th Epiphany Celebrations in the Florida town.
Christian Chrysakis, 18, plunged into the cold water and emerged with the cross during what was the focal point of the annual celebrations in the city that has the highest proportion of Greek Americans than any other community in the nation.
Police estimated more than 12,000 people in attendance— much lower crowds probably due to unseasonable temperatures in the 30s and 40s.
Fifty seven boys dove for the cross this year from area Greek Orthodox Chutrches between the ages of 16-18.
The video is from Channel 10 news in Clearwater:
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