St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Coaldale celebrated the feast of Theophany and The Great Blessing of Water on Jan. 6. Theophany is the manifestation of God in the world; the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Christ’s baptism is described in all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Following the blessing of water, the Very Rev James Weremedic, accompanied by altar servers Subdeacon James Weremedic and James Blair, used the Holy Water to bless the church and parishioners. During the blessing of the church, the choir sang the Festal Tropar.

“When thou O Lord was baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, and called thee his Beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a Dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed thyself, and hast enlightened the world: Glory to Thee!”

Following the service, parishioners were invited to take some of the blessed water home. The blessed water is also used to bless the homes of parishioners.