Theophany celebrated in Phanar churches on January 19
Water blessing on January 19 in Antalya by the clergy of Phanar. Photo: screenshot from Phanar's YouTube channel
On January 19, 2025, Theophany services were held in the churches of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Phanar's Facebook page shared a video of the service led by Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium in the Church of St. Basil in Triglia (modern-day Zeytinbağı, Turkey). After the service, clergy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate blessed the waters of the Sea of Marmara with the traditional throwing of the cross into the water.
In the Istanbul Church of St. Andrew (Galata district), the liturgy was led by Metropolitan Theodoros of Seleucia. In his sermon, he conveyed "the wishes and paternal blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew" and spoke to the parishioners about the meaning of the feast.
On the same day, Metropolitan Job (Getcha) of Pisidia presided over the liturgy in the Church of St. Alypius the Stylite in Antalya, Turkey. After the service, the clergy and faithful held a procession to the waterfront, where the water blessing took place.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the head of the Volyn Regional Military Administration, Yurii Pohuliak, expressed the opinion that those celebrating according to the Julian calendar "should disappear like that Russia".
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.