In the Church of Dmitry of Thessalonica, the morning began with a festive divine service, after which the Orthodox believers walked to the local river, where, according to tradition, a baptismal font was set up, along with heated tents for men and women for those who decided to immerse themselves in the river water that day.
As is customary, the village of Sosnovka was visited by Bishop Savvaty of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan. He congratulated those present and urged them to do as many good deeds as possible.
“I wish everyone joy on this Epiphany, that this joy protects you from all sorrows - in daily life, in life, and at work. The water collected today should not be kept at home as some kind of relic; it should be consumed daily along with prayers. It is customary to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach, to sprinkle the house, and to anoint sick places. It is important for us to connect not with the substance - the water, although water is the most valuable mineral on earth, but more importantly, the connection of the Holy Spirit with the water during these days. Holy water retains its unique properties forever. If it runs out, as they say, ‘A drop illuminates the sea’ - it is enough to drop a drop into a glass or bottle of water, and all the water will become holy. This is how the Lord arranged it for our good, joy, and health,” he said.
The Feast of the Baptism is widely celebrated in the village of Sosnovka. People gladly come to immerse themselves in the local Jordan, paying tribute to this wonderful tradition. They begin to arrive even at night, on the eve of the holiday.
For the participants of the bathing, refreshments, hot tea, and a concert program were organized.
