On the Feast of Theophany, we not only bless Holy Water for use in the Church, but if possible hold an Outdoor Blessing of the Waters at a nearby river, lake, or ocean.
This year, for the first time, our two local Orthodox churches were able to unite for a blessing service at Cayuga Lake. It was powerful. A couple of rogue faithful even jumped into the icy waters to retrieve the Cross that's thrown into the lake at the conclusion of the service.
One of the local newspapers took photos and published a long, friendly writeup.
I hope this becomes an annual event.
The Savior, who is grace and truth, has appeared in the streams of the Jordan, and enlightened those that sleep in darkness and shadow. For the Light that no man can approach has come and is made manifest.
