Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany
A child being baptised in accordance with the Orthodox tradition. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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Orthodox Christians in Georgia and across the world are celebrating the Epiphany today, during which the Georgian Orthodox Church conducts water blessing rituals.
The occasion commemorated the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II and members of the Holy Synod are holding a festive liturgy at the country's main cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral in central Tbilisi.
After the liturgy, he will hold a water blessing ceremony in the yard of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
A child being baptised. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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.