Blessing of the Indian Ocean waters take place in Sharjah

DECR Communication Service, 20/01/2025

On the night of the Feast of the Holy Theophany, Archimandrite Alexander (Zarkeshev), rector of the Church of the Holy Apostle Philip in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, blessed the waters of the gulf which is part of the Indian Ocean, reports the parish website.

On the feast day, Archimandrite Alexander (Zarkeshev) officiated at the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great in St. Philip Church. Priest Konstantin Orlov and Deacon Alexy Kostin concelebrated with the rector. The parish choir sang the festive hymns.

After the Liturgy the rector delivered a homily and greeted all those present on the Feast of the Holy Theophany.

Then, with the choir singing “The voice of the Lord is upon the waters...,” the clergy went out to the church yard where Father Alexander performed the rite of the Great Blessing of Water. For the rite, natural bottled water was used because in the United Arab Emirates tap water is non-potable.

After the divine service, the parishioners were sprinkled with holy water.

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Blessing of the Indian Ocean waters take place in Sharjah

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons