Orthodox Faithful Mark Theophany with Blessing of Savannah River

The Blessing of the Waters, celebrated by St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church on the Savannah River. Photo: St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church/Facebook

SAVANNAH, GA — Orthodox Christians from St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church — a parish of the OCA's Diocese of the South — gathered along the Savannah River to observe the Feast of Theophany with the traditional Blessing of the Waters, bringing an ancient Christian rite to the city’s historic riverfront, the local ABC station reported.

Led by Fr. Stephen Osburn, the faithful assembled to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. In Orthodox tradition, the blessing of natural waters symbolizes renewal, purification, and the sanctification of all creation.

Parishioners described the service as both deeply personal and communal. "It makes me feel part of the community and makes me feel part of a family," said Jesse Edens of Richmond Hill, noting the living and participatory nature of the Orthodox faith.

Fr. Stephen explained that holding the service in a public space was intentional, offering a quiet witness to the broader community. "We try to embody this idea of the end of Matthew's gospel, go forth and preach to all nations," he said.

During the service, three frozen crosses made of blessed water were cast into the river. More photos from the service can be seen here.

Previously, UOJ reported that an Ohio parish celebrated the Great Blessing of the Waters on Lake Erie.

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