Photos: Celebrating Theophany in Norfolk

By Stephen M. Katz
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 9, 2012

The Rev. John Cox throws a wooden cross into the Chesapeake Bay from the beach in Ocean View on Sunday, January 8, 2012 during the annual Great Blessing of Waters service. Dozens of members of the Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Norfolk attended the service Sunday morning. The cross was later retrieved from the water by Bridget Downing, 10, who stands behind the priest.

The Rev. John Cox sprinkles holy water in the Chesapeake Bay from the beach in Ocean View during the annual Great Blessing of Waters service. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Jan. 6th is the Feast of Theophany, which is Epiphany in the west.

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Hope the Word ...

Submitted by xrcsnt on Tue, 01/10/2012 at 11:02 am.

gets out in advance next year. Rev John, this service needs more face time, it is part of some of our cultures and I laud you for continuing the Christian forgotten or neglacted traditions.

Noted

Submitted by fr john cox on Tue, 01/10/2012 at 2:31 pm.

I'll certainly try to do a better job of getting the word out next time. In the future I hope the outdoor blessing can include other Orthodox parishes in the area. Thanks for the encouragement.

Celebrating Theophany in Norfolk

Submitted by Dee Palate on Mon, 01/09/2012 at 5:12 pm.

Many years ago this service was celebrated in Newport News at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church when it was on the James. But with the moving of the church the tradition died. The service is beautiful and hopefully over the years this service will again grow into a true Pan Eastern Orthodox event as it is celebrated globally.