Bishop Athenagoras Celebrates the Feast of Theophany at the Miami Cathedral and Blessing of the Waters of the Ocean

On January 19, the celebration of the feast of the Theophany (Baptism of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ) according to the Julian Calendar, Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos led the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Matrona in Miami with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. 

His Grace concelebrated with Bishop-Elect Alexander of Nicopolis, Vicar of the Slavic Vicariate, Archpriests Mikhail Gutsul and Maxim Pliskov of the cathedral clergy, and Hieromonk Pedro Medina Bazan, Rector of the Spanish Mission of St. Sebastian in Miami.  After the service, Bishop Athenagoras and the clergy performed the Mega Agiasmos (Rite of the Great Blessing of Waters).  This tradition began at the dawn of Christianity, taking its final form in the works of St. Sophronius the Sophist, Patriarch of Jerusalem (+638).  The Great Blessing of Waters is performed twice a year; on the forefeast (day before) of Theophany and the day itself.  The blessed water is reverently called agiasmos (holy water) after it is blessed. 

At the end of the Agiasmos service, His Grace greeted the clergy and parishioners on the feast.  On behalf of the clergy and laity of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate, Bishop-Elect Alexander then thanked Bishop Athenagoras for visiting the Cathedral.  Theophany was celebrated with spiritual joy and love in Christ.  To commemorate the occasion, the Vicar presented his distinguished guest with an ancient icon.  This was His Grace’s second visit to St. Matrona Cathedral, the first being last year on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord in August.  Continuing a nine-year tradition, the church services were followed by the blessing of ocean waters, which took place on Dania Beach.  Archpriest Alexander Bozhinov, cleric of the Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers, joined the clergy for the service.  Following yet another tradition in remembrance of the descent of the Holy Spirit “in the form of a dove” during the baptism of Christ, Bishop Athenagoras released white doves into the sky.  This practice is also followed in Jerusalem on the Jordan River and many other holy places.  Afterwards those who were willing had an opportunity to plunge into the blessed waters of the ocean. On the same day, Archbishop Elpidophoros, who is on a pilgrimage to Mount Athos, served the Divine Liturgy at one of the monasteries and also blessed the waters of the Aegean Sea that wash the shores of the Holy Mountain.