In the night of Theophany after the liturgy at the Trinity Cathedral, the Blessing of the Waters took place at the springs dedicated to the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan, St. Panteleimon, and the Icon of Tenderness of the Mother of God.

A great number of devotees came to the Blessing of the Waters braving freezing temperatures. There were some of them bold enough in spirit to take a plunge in icy waters for Theophany who proved out their belief in an abundant help given to all who “draw and partake from” the Holy Water.

The rite of the Blessing of the Waters was performed by Rev. Fr. Vladimir Kargin, the senior priest of the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery.