In Astana, a Traditional Procession to the Ishim River for the Blessing of Water at the jordan Took Place

On the night of January 18-19, 2025, during the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, following the Divine Liturgy at the Constantine and Helen Cathedral in the city of Astana, the traditional procession to the Jordan—known as the “Procession to the Jordan”—was held at the Ishim River for the Great Blessing of Water.

The sacred procession, led by the dean of the Astana Church District, Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), included clergy from the capital, parishioners of city churches, and residents of the metropolis.

The water blessed on the Feast of the Theophany of the Lord is referred to as the “Great Agiasma,” which in Greek means “Great Sanctity.” Since ancient times, Christians have treated blessed water with special reverence, relying on the grace of God bestowed upon all who partake of or draw from this holy treasure with faith.

At the prepared ice hole, the pastor offered prayers for the sanctification of the water, after which he immersed the holy cross into the water three times while the troparion of the feast was sung.

At the conclusion of the blessing rite, Archimandrite Sergius sprinkled the gathered faithful with holy water, after which anyone wishing to do so was able to immerse themselves in the specially equipped baptismal font.

The Akimat of Astana and the capital’s Department of Internal Affairs assisted in organizing the procession and traditional immersions in the Epiphany font.