MARY ESTHER — Zach Fletcher splashed into Santa Rosa Sound on Saturday with seven other teens.
The cold water soon took a toll on the 15-year-old from Niceville. He was left behind as the others searched for the white wooden cross tossed in moments before by the Rev. Elias Stevens of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Mobile, Ala.
“I can’t do it,” Zach yelled as he made his way into deeper water.
Still, he continued to wade to chest-deep and a few seconds later scooped up the cross and triumphantly hoisted it into the air to the delight of dozens of spectators onshore.
“You were like the Navy Seals,” joked the Rev. Gabriel Boutz of Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
Representatives of Greek Orthodox churches in the Western Conference gathered at the Mary Esther Pier for the 38th annual Epiphany Cross Dive to commemorate Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River
View photos from the event. >>
All the teens received a blessing after the dive, but Zach was given one of his own and a gold cross necklace.
“May this symbol of victory be with him throughout his days,” said the Rev. Matthew Carter of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Pensacola.
Another diver, 18-year-old Chloe Bressack, said it was a rush. One minute, the teens were standing together and the next they were moving with one purpose.
“I feel different,” Chloe said. “I feel accomplished. I’ve done something for my faith.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado at 850-315-4445 or at ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.
