His Beatitude: Theophany water drives away demons' dark force from man

His Beatitude Onuphry. Photo: UOC

On January 18, 2026, on the eve of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the St. Agapitus Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

After the service, the Primate of the UOC addressed the faithful with a sermon in which he spoke about John's baptism and the significance of repentance for a Christian.

“John the Baptist was a teacher of repentance. Through repentance, he made the paths smooth before the Lord, preparing people to receive the Messiah,” emphasized His Beatitude.

The hierarch reminded that John the Baptist called people to active repentance: those who had two tunics – to give one to the poor; soldiers – to wrong no one and be content with their pay; tax collectors – to take no more than what was due.

“The Lord enters a person’s soul when the soul repents of sins. Through repentance, we clear the way for God into our hearts,” the Primate stressed.

His Beatitude devoted special attention in his sermon to the significance of Theophany water, which the Church blesses on this day.

"This water has very great power. Most importantly – it drives away the dark force of demons from a person, who always war against man, who seek like a lion whom they may devour. And this water cleanses all defilement of soul and body," said Metropolitan Onuphry.

His Grace called upon the faithful to sprinkle holy water on their homes, dwellings and everything they have, since all things are given life by the Holy Spirit.

In concluding his sermon, the Primate wished everyone to live their lives in repentance, so as to have their souls open to receiving the grace of the Holy Spirit, which strengthens a person in earthly life and makes them worthy of eternal salvation.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to His Beatitude Onuphry, the Lord gave people strength for victory over sin.

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