On Christ Baptism Holiday the UOC Primate will bless Dnieper waters

On 19 January, the day of Baptism of Christ, His beatitude Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine Onuphry will bless the Dnieper waters in Obolon district of Kiev, near Saint Intercession Cathedral, according to UNIAN with reference to the UOC Information Center.

Solemn sanctification ceremony of the Dnieper waters begins at about 11.45-11.50, followed by lavation of Kiev residents in the plunge pool.

There will be made a cross-shaped font and stairs to descend to the water.

Baptism of the Lord is one of the key Christian holidays to finish Christmas-tide. The holiday is also called Epiphany.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, when Saint John the Precursor baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit went down on the Savior as a dove. Baptism of Jesus Christ in River Jordan led off the Baptism Sacrament, through which a human is born to live in Christ.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.