Department for External Church Relations
The site uses cookies to help show you the most up-to-date information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of your Metadata and cookies. Cookie policy
On the Eve of Theophany, head of Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem took part in Patriarchal divine service on River Jordan
DECR Communication Service, 20.01.2026
On 18th January 2026, 32nd Sunday after Pentecost, Eve of the Holy Theophany, Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeyev), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, took part in the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water at the site of the Baptism of Christ on the River Jordan. The rite was performed by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, reports the website of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission.
Earlier that day, His Beatitude had prayed at the divine service celebrated in the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, Equal-to-the-Apostles, on the premises of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. After the Dismissal, he had performed the Great Blessing of Water and departed for the River Jordan.
There, Patriarch Theophilos led a traditional procession of the cross from the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, known as Qasr al-Yahud, to the site of the Baptism of Christ on the River Jordan. Taking part in the procession were clerics of the Church of Jerusalem and other Local Orthodox Churches, as well as numerous pilgrims.
At the site of the Baptism of Christ, His Beatitude, in concelebration with hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, the clergy of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood and representatives of the Local Churches to Jerusalem, performed the Great Blessing of Water. During the rite, Patriarch Theophilos got onto a boat and thrice immersed the holy cross in the River Jordan, with all those present singing the Troparion of Feast, “When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan…”.
After the service, Patriarch Theophilos, the hierarchs of the Church of Jerusalem and guests of honour were received by Archimandrite Matthew, Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Patriarch
Department Chairman
Sermons
05.01.2026
24.12.2025
24.01.2021
06.11.2020