Theophany celebrated in Phanar churches on January 19
Water blessing on January 19 in Antalya by the clergy of Phanar. Photo: screenshot from Phanar's YouTube channel
On January 19, 2025, Theophany services were held in the churches of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Phanar's Facebook page shared a video of the service led by Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium in the Church of St. Basil in Triglia (modern-day Zeytinbağı, Turkey). After the service, clergy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate blessed the waters of the Sea of Marmara with the traditional throwing of the cross into the water.
In the Istanbul Church of St. Andrew (Galata district), the liturgy was led by Metropolitan Theodoros of Seleucia. In his sermon, he conveyed "the wishes and paternal blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew" and spoke to the parishioners about the meaning of the feast.
On the same day, Metropolitan Job (Getcha) of Pisidia presided over the liturgy in the Church of St. Alypius the Stylite in Antalya, Turkey. After the service, the clergy and faithful held a procession to the waterfront, where the water blessing took place.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the head of the Volyn Regional Military Administration, Yurii Pohuliak, expressed the opinion that those celebrating according to the Julian calendar "should disappear like that Russia".
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.