Philadelphia Faithful Celebrate the Feast of Theophany with Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of Water

January 06, 2026

On January 6, 2026, the faithful gathered in Philadelphia to celebrate the Feast of Theophany — the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and the revelation of the Holy Trinity to the world.

During the Divine Liturgy, the homily was delivered by Rev. Ihor Boyko, Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Lviv, Ukraine. Reflecting on the Gospel account of Christ’s baptism, Fr. Boyko focused on the words spoken by the Father: “You are My beloved Son.” He emphasized that these words are not addressed to Christ alone but are also spoken to every person through baptism.

Fr. Boyko reminded the faithful that Christ enters the waters not because He needs purification, but to sanctify all creation and to draw humanity into communion with God. The Feast of Theophany, he explained, calls believers to rediscover their identity as beloved children of God and to live with trust, humility, and hope.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing of Water took place, a central tradition of Theophany that recalls Christ’s sanctification of the Jordan. At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Borys anointed the faithful with the holy oil.

The celebration concluded with prayer and thanksgiving for the gift of baptism and God’s saving presence among His people.

Click here to read a full Homily of Father Ihor.

Christ is Baptized! In the Jordan!