Tarpon Springs Easter Dynamite

I guess I am the first to report the events of last night, April 23, 2011, in Tarpon Springs Florida.

Easter is the biggest holiday for the Greek Orthodox Church. In order to begin celebrating at midnight on Easter morning, the Greek Orthodox gather at 11:00 pm on Saturday night. They start early in Tarpon Springs, as St. Nicholas Church must only hold about 500 people and they attract a crowd much larger than that. So if you want to get a seat in the glorious church, you must arrive before 10:00pm.

The faithful who arrived early and were admitted to the church, were evacuated at about 9:15 pm because the police had to search the building and the area. The rumors say that a bomb or some dynamite had been discovered. Everyone inside had to evacuate. No members were allowed to enter the church. The street was blocked off to all but police and police vehicles.

Police dogs searched the area.

Noone was allowed into the church until 11:20.

The service was abbreviated and much more quiet than usual. Nevertheless, shortly after midnight, candles were lit and the faithful exchanged greetings, as well as hugs and kisses.

KALO PASCHA!