The church bells rang out again to announce the beginning of our Theophany vigil on a warm Tuesday evening in January.
We gathered together as Metropolitan Raffaele, Bishop-Elect Mark and Archpresbyter Matthew prepared the proskomedia and began the Divine Liturgy.
The rite of the Blessing of the Theophany Waters was beautiful, with each of the clergy taking part in the traditional ceremony. Once the waters were blessed, the clergy cleansed and blessed the building and the people by sprinkling water to all four corners of the church. Then the Divine Liturgy continued.
The reading was from the Gospel according to St. Mark and spoke of the baptism of Jesus and his visitation from the Holy Spirit. The Epistle was from the first book of Corinthians and spoke of the connection of Christ to the baptism of Moses' people, saying we all 'ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink' which came from our spiritual rock which is Christ.
Next, the clergy and congregation consumed the Holy Mysteries in communion with the saints of the church. And afterwards, we all celebrated together with some food and drinks and wonderful conversations.
Watch our 'Blessing of the Waters' video below:
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