Great Blessing of the Waters (Theophany)
Saturday, January 17, 2026, Wiggins, Mississippi

Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Every year in January, Orthodox Christians throughout the world celebrate the Blessing of the Waters to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ (Theophany) in the Jordan River by St. John the Forerunner.

The Baptism of Jesus initiated His earthly ministry.  For Christians, it was the first open revelation of the Holy Trinity: the Father's voice, the Son Incarnate, and the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove.  When Christ entered the waters of the Jordan River, He sanctified the waters by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the waters He cleanses all creation.  Orthodox Christians commemorate this revelation in the Blessing of the Waters as a renewal of their own baptism, and a celebration of life renewed in Christ.

Our priest, Fr. Ambrose Perry, blesses a large body of water in the region, which this year will be at Flint Creek Water Park in Wiggins on Saturday, January 17 at 1 pm, followed by a luncheon and Vespers. The blessing will be celebrated together with Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Biloxi.