Chicago, January 18, 2022
Photo: wp.com
In hopes of reviving a dormant tradition, three Chicago parish communities came together on Sunday, January 16, to bless Lake Michigan.
The service of the Great Blessing of Water was celebrated by Fr. Alexander Koranda and Protodeacon Thomas Keith of Holy Trinity Cathedral (OCA), and Fr. Philip Maikkula of St. Makarios Mission in Hyde Park (OCA). Parishioners from Christ the Savior Church (OCA) were also present, reports the OCA Diocese of the Midwest.
Photo: wp.com
The report reads:
Participants gathered at Chicago’s North Avenue Beach and processed to the edged of the lake singing the Theophany troparion. Upon arrival at the lake, the appropriate hymns and readings were pronounced, and the cross was lowered into the lake sanctifying the water.
The communities hope that this can be an annual gathering between the parishes which would revive the Chicago tradition of blessing the lake that took place years ago.
Holy Trinity Cathedral was blessed by His Eminence Archbishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest on October 24, following extensive restorations in honor of the parishes 130th anniversary.
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