Aurora Orthodox Christians join together for their first river blessing

Posted January 08, 2024 7:41 pm

By Clayton Muhammad, City of Aurora

Father Panagiotis Boznos of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church throws a cross into the Fox River in downtown Aurora. He is joined by Father Daniel Pop from St. Athanasius Romanian Orthodox Church. Courtesy of City of Aurora

Aurora is the home of two Orthodox Christian Churches, and for the first time, the congregations came together to celebrate 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, convened on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Fox River in downtown Aurora for the Blessing of the River.

The Holy Feast of Epiphany, or Theophany, or the Feast of Light, is greatly celebrated in the Orthodox world each year on Jan. 6.

The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity.

The blessing of the Fox River commemorates Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, revealing the blessed trinity for the first time. As a priest incenses the water, it symbolizes the descent of the Holy Spirit. Courtesy of City of Aurora

After the church service, processions of clergy, local authorities, and the faithful head to the nearest body of water – sea, lake, or river – where the Blessing of the Waters takes place.

At the end of the ceremony, the priest throws a cross into the water.

Father Daniel Pop, left, of St. Athanasius Romanian Orthodox Church and Father Panagiotis Boznos of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church join in a Blessing of the River on the Holy Feast of Theophany. Courtesy of City of Aurora

The inaugural Aurora ceremony was attended by some 100 congregants and led by the Rev. Daniel Pop from St. Athanasius Romanian Orthodox Church and the Rev. Panagiotis Boznos of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church.

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