The Orthodox world of South Ossetia celebrated one of the most important Christian holidays—the Epiphany.
Festive events swept the Republic's capital, uniting dozens of believers in prayer and traditional rites.
The celebrations began at midnight, with a festive Divine Liturgy held at the Holy Trinity Church in Tskhinval.
In the morning, the celebration continued at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Alanian Diocese.
Following the morning service, the clergy and parishioners took part in a solemn procession with the cross to the banks of the Bolshaya Liakhva River.
It was here that one of the central events of the feast took place—the rite of the Great Blessing of the Water. Despite the freezing weather, many townspeople gathered by the river to take part in the communal prayer.
This year, minor changes were made to the celebration program. Unlike the previous years, the mass baptism ceremony was not held directly in the waters of the Liakhva River within the city limits.
Those wishing to receive the sacrament did so within the walls of the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. On this festive day, approximately 15 people joined the ranks of the Orthodox believers.
As per tradition, after the river's blessing, townspeople collected holy water to bring a touch of the holiday into their homes. Believers believe that the water of Epiphany possesses a special beneficial power, retaining its properties throughout the year.
As per tradition, after the river's blessing, townspeople collected holy water to bring a touch of the holiday into their homes. Believers believe that the water of Epiphany possesses a special beneficial power, retaining its properties throughout the year.
