On Christ Baptism Holiday the UOC Primate will bless Dnieper waters

On 19 January, the day of Baptism of Christ, His beatitude Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine Onuphry will bless the Dnieper waters in Obolon district of Kiev, near Saint Intercession Cathedral, according to UNIAN with reference to the UOC Information Center.

Solemn sanctification ceremony of the Dnieper waters begins at about 11.45-11.50, followed by lavation of Kiev residents in the plunge pool.

There will be made a cross-shaped font and stairs to descend to the water.

Baptism of the Lord is one of the key Christian holidays to finish Christmas-tide. The holiday is also called Epiphany.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, when Saint John the Precursor baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit went down on the Savior as a dove. Baptism of Jesus Christ in River Jordan led off the Baptism Sacrament, through which a human is born to live in Christ.