2023 EPIPHANY DIVER RULES
Participants in the Epiphany events/retrieval of the Cross-must adhere to the following rules:
DIVER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a male, baptized and confirmed in the Orthodox Christian Faith and a current member in good standing of one of the following parishes: Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Tampa, New Port Richey, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Winter Haven, Brooksville or Lecanto.
Must be 16 to 18 years of age.
If diver is 18 years of age, he must also individually be a member in good standing, according to the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Archdiocese.
If married, marriage must be blessed according to the rites of the Orthodox Church.
All previous Epiphany Cross retrievers are not eligible to participate.
DIVER ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS BEFORE STARTING THE ONLINE APPLICATION-IT CANNOT BE SAVED AND CANNOT BE SUBMITTED WITHOUT ALL DOCUMENTS
A letter signed by the Parish Priest, stating that diver and parents are members in good standing is required of all divers.
Copy of Birth Certificates or drivers license must be provided.
Signed Waiver (Please download, print, sign and upload )
This application MUST be submitted online no later than December 10, 2022 at 4:00pm. There will be no exceptions for any reason – hardship or otherwise.
Diver must be an active participant of their respective parish.
All divers and/or their families are to be active STEWARDS – along with being frequent and active communicants of their parishes.
All divers must attend the Divine Liturgy of Epiphany on January 6th. Reserved seating will be available for all Divers on the Solea on Epiphany morning. All divers should prepare for and receive the Eucharist at their home parish the Sunday before Epiphany.
Divers must participate in the Holy Procession from the Cathedral to Spring Bayou and return to the Cathedral, following the Cross-Diving Ceremony.
Divers must participate in the traditional singing of “In Jordan” with the Cross retriever. (Hymn will be distributed at the Divers Orientation)
All Divers are required to assist in the pick-up on December 31, 2022 and return delivery of Epiphany dinghies on January 8th.
All Divers must establish a “Buddy System” with one or more other divers before the diving ceremony.
All Divers must wear bathing suit provided by Saint Nicholas
Divers are asked to participate at the Blessing of the Fleet at the Sponge Docks on January 5th.
DIVER RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONDUCT:
All must exercise Orthodox Christian principle of fair play at all times. There will be zero tolerance for profanity and/or “trash talking”.
Must assist the Epiphany Glendi Committee in setting up for the Glendi.
All must wear the official Epiphany Divers T-Shirt provided for them during all events of January 6th.
All must abide by all Divers’ Rules and oral instructions given by Epiphany Events Chairman and Directors.
All must be courteous and articulate when addressing observers and members of the news media, during picture taking and interviews.
All divers are required to assist in the pick-up and delivery of the Epiphany dinghies.
DIVER MANDATORY ORIENTATION:
Epiphany Cross divers must attend a mandatory Orientation meeting that will take place in the St. Nicholas Cathedral on December 17th at 12:00pm
Please note that if there are any special circumstances that hinder your participation in this event and you would like special consideration, please submit your request, in writing, to the Epiphany Review Committee. This request can be mailed to:
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
ATTN: Epiphany Review Committee
17 East Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689
You may also deliver written concerns in person to the above address on weekdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 pm. We look forward to your participation.
The 2023 Epiphany Committee