CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – The four Orthodox communities of Chicago gathered at Lake Michigan to serve the Great Blessing of Water on Saturday, January 11.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. George Cathedral, Christ the Savior Church, and St. Makarios Mission, all Chicago parishes, came together to bless Lake Michigan during the Theophany season. Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean, Priest Nikolai Lochmatow, Dean of St. George Cathedral, Priest John Kennerk, Rector of Christ the Savior Church, and Priest Philip Maikkula, Priest-in-charge of St. Makarios lead the service.
Participants gathered at Chicago’s North Avenue Beach and processed to the edged of the lake singing the Theophany troparion. Upon arrival at the lake, the appropriate hymns and readings were pronounced, and the cross was lowered into the lake sanctifying the water.
This is an annual gathering of the communities celebrating the Great Feast of Theophany and blessing the main body of water of the city of Chicago.
photo credit: Gregg Webb
