Aurora Orthodox Christians to gather for river blessing

Aurora is the home of two Orthodox Christian Churches that will gather this weekend for a holy occasion.

In honor of the Holy Fest of Theophany, the faithful of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox and St. Athanasius Romanian Orthodox Church, both located on the far east side of Aurora, will convene at the Fox River in downtown Aurora for the Blessing of the River at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11.

The Holy Feast of Epiphany, or Theophany, or the Feast of Light, is greatly celebrated in the Orthodox world. It commemorates Christ's baptism, his blessing of the Jordan River, and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity.

The Rev. Daniel Pop of St. Athanasius Romanian Orthodox Church and the Rev. Panagiotis Boznos of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church will lead the second annual ceremony.

Mayor Richard Irvin will join the congregations and give welcome remarks at the ceremony.