Jeffersonville, PA – Parishioners from St. Sophia Greek Orthodox church visited the banks of the Schuylkill River on January 6, as part of the 13th anniversary of Epiphany Day services.
Fr. Peter J. Thornberg hosted the liturgy services, blessed his flock, and then each of them individually. Blessed water bottles were then distributed to take home following services. The community then drove down to the Schuylkill River to celebrate the second half of the service, which has become a tradition.
This observance commemorates Christ’s baptism by John the Forerunner in the River Jordan and Christ’s earthly ministry. In the mystic commemoration of this event, the Great Blessing of Water is performed on this day, and the holy water so blessed is used by the local priest to bless the faithful’s homes.