TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — The annual Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs will still take place in January year despite significant changes due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The  St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is finalizing plans with the city for the event, which is set to take place on Jan. 6.

The city approved a permit for the event, which would prohibit crowds from gathering near the Spring Bayou to watch the cross dive. The day would begin with an 8 a.m. service, as it does every year, but the mass will be limited to 50% capacity, meaning only 250 patrons can attend. Churchgoers will be spread out to allow for social distancing. Masks are required.

The procession from the church to the bayou would only include clergy, divers and a few dignitaries. The church is encouraging people to watch the cross dive on social media from their home.

Epiphany is a Christian feast day primarily commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Each year, young men dive into the bayou to retrieve the cross, which is thrown by an archbishop. A girl is chosen by the choir to release a dove before the dive. The winner is said to get a year of blessings.

The event draws thousands of people to Tarpon Springs each year.

The 115th annual Epiphany will take place on Jan. 6, 2021.

NOTE: WFLA and other media outlets previously reported the church was making additional changes to the event after reviewing the permit. However, the church said it was still finalizing plans for the event and some of those changes had not been made. This story has been corrected.

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