Slavic Vicariate’s Cathedral of St. Matrona celebrates Great Blessing of the Waters in Miami

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On Jan. 18, when the Church observes the Eve of Theophany according to the Julian calendar, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the main church of the Slavic Vicariate—the Cathedral of St. Matrona in Miami, Florida. This visit was held with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

Concelebrating with His Grace were the Vicar of the Slavic Vicariate and cathedral rector, Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), elected Bishop of Nicopolis, as well as cathedral cleric Priest Ivan Zeikan. Following the Liturgy, Bishop Athenagoras, together with the clergy, performed the Rite of the Great Blessing of the Waters. The traditional blessing of the ocean waters took place at Dania Beach. Joining the cathedral clergy was the rector of the Greek Church of St. Andrew in southern Miami, Archpriest Aristidis Arizi.

In the afternoon, the traditional (tenth this year) blessing of the ocean waters took place at the public Dania Beach. Joining the cathedral clergy was the rector of the Greek Church of St. Andrew in Kendall, in southern Miami, Archpriest Aristidis Arizi. In memory of the descent of the Holy Spirit “in the form of a dove” at the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, Bishop Athenagoras released white doves into the sky—as is traditionally done in Jerusalem, on the River Jordan, and in other holy places. Notably, rain fell all day but stopped precisely during the service. At the conclusion, those who wished immersed themselves in the blessed waters of the ocean.

On January 19, the day of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Miami Cathedral, concelebrated by the Vicar and cathedral rector Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) and cathedral cleric Priest Ivan Zeikan. After the Liturgy, in accordance with the Typikon, the Rite of the Great Blessing of the Waters was performed.

At the end of the service, with the blessing of Archbishop Elpidophoros, Bishop Athenagoras elevated Priest Ivan to the rank of archpriest in recognition of his labors and diligent service in the vineyard of the Church.

Bishop Athenagoras congratulated the clergy and parishioners on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. On behalf of the clergy and laity of the Slavic Vicariate, Archimandrite Alexander thanked His Grace for his visit to the Cathedral of St. Matrona during the Theophany days—a tradition that has already become a cherished and anticipated one—as well as for the prayerful communion in the joy and love of Christ.