Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany today

Orthodox Christians in Georgia and across the world are celebrating the Epiphany today, during which the Georgian Orthodox Church holds a mass baptism and conducts water blessing rituals.

The Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

Today is a public holiday in the country as the majority of Georgia’s population is Orthodox Christian.

Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II and members of the Holy Synod led a festive liturgy at the country's main cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral in central Tbilisi.

After the liturgy, a water blessing ceremony will be held in the yard of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, led by Patriarch Ilia II.

Those who attend the liturgy are sprinkled with holy water, which they can also take home and drink during the year. It is believed the holy water contains immortal features of the river Jordan. In times of sickness or trouble, believers can drink the water to ease their discomfort.

• See Agenda.ge’s photo reportage about the last year’s mass baptism here.

Meanwhile, last night the Black Sea was traditionally blessed by the Archbishop of Batumi and Lazeti, Dimitry. Hundreds of people braved the cold Batumi waters and took part in the ceremony commonly known as the Epiphany dip.

It is believed the water of the Epiphany is full of healing properties and can purify a believer of their sins.