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.

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