Orthodox Faithful Bless Lake Michigan on Feast of Theophany
Chicago’s Orthodox parishes united at Lake Michigan to mark Theophany with the annual Great Blessing of Water.
CHICAGO — Four Orthodox Christian communities in Chicago gathered along the shores of Lake Michigan on Saturday, January 10, to celebrate the Great Blessing of Water in honor of the Feast of Theophany. Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. George Cathedral, Christ the Savior Church, and St. Makarios Mission joined together for the annual observance, which sanctifies the city’s principal body of water.
The service was led by Priest Alexander Koranda, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral; Priest Nikolai Lochmatow, Dean of St. George Cathedral; and Priest John Kennerk, Rector of Christ the Savior Church. Clergy and faithful assembled at North Avenue Beach, processing reverently to the water’s edge while chanting the Theophany troparion.
At the lakeshore, prescribed hymns and Scripture readings were offered before the blessing was completed with the lowering of the Cross into Lake Michigan. The annual gathering serves as a public witness to the Orthodox celebration of Christ’s baptism and the sanctification of creation.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a Chicago parish celebrated 100 years of faith and heritage.
