UOC hierarch blesses water on the Black Sea shore in Odesa
The rite of the Great Blessing of Waters on the Black Sea shore in Odesa. Photo: facebook.com/iliyamonastery
On 19 January 2024, on the Feast of the Theophany, Archbishop Victor of Artsyz performed the rite of the Great Blessing of Waters on the Black Sea shore in Odesa as reported on the Facebook page of the St. Elijah’s monastery of Odesa.
After the consecration of water, Odesa residents took part in the traditional baptismal bathing in the Black Sea. In total, several dozen believers of the UOC took a dip in the font.
In addition, after bathing believers could warm themselves in specially arranged tents set up by the Odesa Eparchy.
"After the bathing, all those who wished could warm up with hot drinks, aromatic tea and mulled wine, which were freely poured from a large wood-fired samovar. On the occasion of the Feast of Theophany, blessed water and gifts were also distributed," the monastery said.
As reported, a festive Liturgy was held at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on the Feast of Theophany.
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.