“Today creation is enlightened. Today all things rejoice, in heaven and on earth together. Angels and men join forces,” sings the Church on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

But where is the “creation enlightened” today  or “all things rejoice?” At church, of course, at the festive service! That’s where is true and holy joy.

 The Theophany services in the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery were held in three churches, the Trinity and Dormition Cathedrals and the Church to the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God. The nighttime liturgy services were held there as well, whereas the late-morning Divine Liturgy took place in the Transfiguration Cathedral.

Truly, as the holy hierarch St. Gregory the Theologian was saying, “today the whole universe is filled with joy as the descent of the Holy Spirit to men was brought to fulfillment.”