Greek Orthodox church celebrates Epiphany with annual Cross Dive

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH (WWAY) — Dozens of people came out Saturday to celebrate the last day of Christmas, also known as Epiphany.

Members of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church gathered at Bluewater Grill in Wrightsville Beach for their 24th annual Cross Dive.

In eastern orthodox churches, Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. So the cross is used to represent Jesus — both his death and resurrection.

High school students who are part of the church jumped into the water to see who could get the cross first. Stavros Galanos was the student who got it, and he says it was very fitting for him.

“I mean, I feel honored. My name is Stravos, which in Greek is “the Cross” so I kind of feel special getting this, like I deserve it or like I was born for it or something. But, i didn’t win it for me, I won it for the church so that’s all I care about,” Galanos said.

Galanos also says that he hopes getting the cross will help him have a good and blessed 2024.