Celebration of Theophany in Astana. Traditional Procession to the Ishim River and the Blessing of Water at the Jordan.

18–19 January 2026. Astana. The Dean of the parishes of the capital, Archimandrite Sergy (Karamyshev), led the divine services for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the churches of the Astana Deanery.

On the eve of Theophany, the dean served the Vigil at the Assumption Cathedral.

Upon completion of the service, a procession was held from the Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral to the Ishim River for the blessing of water at the Jordan – a specially prepared ice-hole used for the feast of the Lord’s Baptism.

Taking part in the sacred procession, led by Archimandrite Sergy (Karamyshev), were the clergy of the capital, parishioners of city churches, and residents of the metropolis.

At the prepared Jordan, Father Sergy offered the prayers for the sanctification of the water. Then, while the festal troparion was chanted, he immersed the Holy Cross three times into the water. Afterward, the clergy sprinkled the assembled faithful with the blessed water.

Following the blessing, the Jordan on the Ishim River was opened for the traditional immersion of all those wishing to participate.

Support in organizing the procession and the customary immersion at the Jordan was provided by the Akimat of the city of Astana and the Department of Internal Affairs of the capital.

On the very day of the great feast – 19 January – Archimandrite Sergy celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Assumption Cathedral.

The dean was concelebrated by the clergy of the main cathedral of Kazakhstan.

The choir of the Assumption Cathedral sang under the direction of O. Varentsova.

Following the Prayer Behind the Ambo, the clergy came to the center of the church and performed the Great Blessing of Waters.

Father Sergy sprinkled the assembled faithful with the Great Agiasma, after which the festal glorification of Theophany was chanted.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archimandrite Sergy delivered a sermon to the faithful.