UOC Primate officiates the Eve of Theophany at Lavra
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC
On 18 January 2025, the Eve of Theophany, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine celebrated the Divine Liturgy, Great Vespers, and the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water at the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra as reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.
The festive service took place at the Church of St. Agapetus of the Caves. The Primate was concelebrated by Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Bishop Lavr of Irpin, Bishop Mark of Borodianka and the clergy of the Lavra.
After the reading of the Gospel, His Beatitude Onuphry told the faithful about the essence of St John the Baptist's sermon on the banks of the Jordan River and the power of water that is sanctified in the Church. In his prayer after the Great Ektenia, the Primate asked God for mercy upon the Ukrainian people, that the Lord may grant wisdom to the authorities, strengthen the soldiers with courage, release the captives, heal the sick, and provide shelter to homeless.
After the Liturgy and Vespers, Metropolitan Onuphry performed the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, sprinkling the faithful while the Troparion of Theophany was sung. The Archbishop congratulated the believers on the feast, wishing them grace and peace.
It's noteworthy that the rite of the Great Blessing of Water is performed twice: on Christmas Eve and on the day of Theophany.
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