Theophany Blessing of the Waters
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Leaf River at Chain Park, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
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 Baptist.
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. Click here for more information.
Our priest, Fr. Alexis Baldwin, blesses the main body of water in the region, which for us is the Leaf River.