Orthodox Christians celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord

On January 19, the Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates one of the 12 major Christian holidays - Epiphany (Epiphany).

Epiphany is celebrated in Georgia as a public holiday, and it is an official day off.

Festive services will be held in all churches of the country. At the end of these services, the rite of the Great Water Blessing will be performed. This rite is performed twice a year: on the eve of the Epiphany feast - after the liturgy or vespers, and on the day of the feast - after the service.

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is closely connected with the event of the earthly life of Jesus Christ described by the Evangelists - the baptism, which was performed in the Jordan River by the prophet John the Baptist. The second name of the feast is Epiphany. This name reminds of the miracle that took place during the baptism of Christ: the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven called Jesus the son.

Most of the population of Georgia are Orthodox Christians. On this day godchildren visit their godparents to congratulate them on the holiday. And in Batumi, the main tradition of Epiphany is the illumination of the Black Sea. It was revived 16 years ago by Metropolitan Dimitri Dimitri (Shiolashvili) of Batumi and Laza.

Reprinted from https://www.newsgeorgia.ge/