His Beatitude Onuphry officiates the rite of great blessing of water
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC
On January 19, 2025, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine celebrated the solemn Divine Liturgy at the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, according to the Information and Education Department of the UOC.
The service was held in the church dedicated to the Venerable Agapitus of the Caves. His Beatitude was joined by Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Archbishop Sylvester of Bilohorodka, Bishop Lavr of Irpin, Bishop Mark of Borodianka, visiting clergy, and the monastery’s priests.
After the festive reading of the Gospel, His Beatitude Onuphry delivered a sermon, reminding the faithful of the significance of Baptism and the importance of spiritual purification.
During the Liturgy, prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, assistance to those in need, mercy for the Ukrainian people, healing for the sick, the release of captives, and blessings for those who have lost their homes.
Following the prayer behind the ambo, His Beatitude led the rite of the Great Blessing of Water, sprinkled the faithful with holy water, and greeted the congregation on the Feast of Theophany.
As previously reported by the UOJ, His Beatitude has spoken about the power of holy water and the importance of repentance for the faithful.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.