The Great Blessing of Water

Father Ronny conducting the Blessing of Water Ceremony
on the Feast of Theophany

This past weekend our parish celebrated both Ukrainian Christmas and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, also known as "Theophany".

Theophany is a Greek word which means "the manifestation of the Godhead".  It is the day on which Father Ronny blesses the holy water that he uses throughout the year in his pastoral ministries.

This ceremony is rich in symbolism. The fire that is extinguished when Father immerses the candle in the water reminds us that through baptism our souls are washed clean of original sin. When Father blows on the water, we recall that, in Baptism, we are reborn as God breathes new life into our souls. And, finally, Father reaches into the water with his hand, making the Sign of the Cross, in order that it may bring "sanctification, healing, cleansing and blessing" to all who touch it. Each of the elements (earth, air, fire and water) are used in this ancient and sacred ceremony. Moreover, each action is done three times to honor the Most Holy Trinity.

We certainly are blessed to bear witness to the genius of our Ukrainian Catholic faith!

See you next week as we resume our Sunday school program! It has been a long break. I hope we do not need name tags. 

Love,

Mrs. Plush