Acknowledging the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordon on Epiphany is one of the first ‘feast days’ at the beginning of each New Year – for both Western and Eastern Orthodox churches. Baptism represents new beginnings and reflects on water as the gift of life. In many traditions, before the ritual of Baptism, the water is first blessed, making it holy and with it, all of creation, so that it may be used fully for its original purpose – as an instrument of life.

As part of our service, we will participate in a Ceremony of Blessing Water – in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. At the end of the service, each of us will have an opportunity to fill containers with holy water, as it is customary for this water to be used in a way that invokes God’s blessing throughout the coming year.