Aurora’s Orthodox churches bless Fox River for annual Epiphany tradition
It was a cold weekend morning on a nearly frozen river, but the warm spirit of unity filled the air, and hot cocoa warmed those in attendance.
Aurora's two Orthodox Christian Churches convened on a bridge over the heart of the Fox River in the heart of downtown Aurora for the second annual Fox River Blessing.
“The Fox River runs through the heart of our city,” said Father Panagiotis Boznos of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Aurora. “So, as Orthodox Christians, we have the opportunity to bless the water and heart of Aurora.”
Father Boznos and the congregants of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church were joined for the holy occasion by Father Daniel Pop and the congregants of Aurora's St. Athanasius Romanian Orthodox Church.
In honor of The Holy Feast of Epiphany, or Theophany, or the Feast of Light, the annual tradition commemorates Christ's baptism, his blessing of the Jordan River, and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. As Christ blessed the Jordan River then, Orthodox Christians today do so by throwing a cross into a body of water.
“Thank you for blessing our river, thus blessing the hearts and souls of everyone in Aurora,” said Mayor Irvin, who joined the congregations along with other members of the Aurora Interfaith Alliance.
Immediately following the ceremony, hot chocolate was provided to those in attendance during the below-freezing temps.