Detroit, January 13, 2025
Photo: domoca.org
Orthodox Christians in Detroit celebrated the Feast of Theophany this year with the first blessing of the Detroit River in recent years.
The gathering united faithful from multiple parishes across the Detroit metropolitan area, including Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Holy Trinity (Detroit), Holy Transfiguration (Livonia), and St. Mark (Rochester Hills), reports the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the Midwest.
Photo: domoca.org
The sacred ceremony took place at Belle Isle in downtown Detroit, with participants gathering at the riverbank in temperatures that dipped into the low 20°F. The Great Blessing of Waters was conducted by a group of clergy including Archpriest Lev Kopistiansky, Fr. Phillip Dage (Dean of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral), Fr. John York (Rector of Holy Trinity Church), and Deacon Lazarus DerGhazarian.
Following the blessing, six participants plunged into the frigid river for the traditional cross dive, which represents Christ’s victory over death. Dan Haller from Holy Transfiguration parish managed to retrieve the cross from the icy waters.
“This blessed event was a wonderful witness to the glory of our faith to the city of Detroit,” the diocese writes.
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