On the eve of the Holy and Great Feast of the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the faithful and clergy of the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA gathered in prayer and thanksgiving at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church.

January 18, 2026 became not merely a date on the calendar, but a sacred threshold - a passage into the mystery of the River Jordan, where heaven was opened and the world was illumined by the Light of the Holy Trinity.

With the blessing and prayerful presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, the Church assembled for the celebration of Great Compline and the traditional Holy Supper - a sacred vigil of expectation, humility, and joy before the radiant dawn of Theophany.

The Great Compline was prayerfully led by the Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas – pastor of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, assisted by Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko of the St. Sophia Seminary Chapel, Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi, Deacon Serhii Khomytskyi and Deacon Andrii Akulenko of St. Andrew Memorial Church. The Seminary Choir lifted their voices in reverent harmony, chanting the responses of the service and guiding the hearts of the faithful into contemplation of the Lord’s descent into the waters of the Jordan.

The hymns of this sacred night lead the Church on a spiritual pilgrimage to the river where Christ stands in humility before His servant John. The One who created the waters enters the waters. The Sinless One receives baptism. The Creator bows before His creation.

“The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders.” (Psalm 28:3)

Here, on the eve of Theophany, the Church stands mystically on the banks of the Jordan. We behold the heavens opening. We hear the voice of the Father. We witness the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. And we fall down in awe before the revelation of the Holy Trinity.

During the service, His Eminence Metropolitan Antony prayerfully led the blessing of the wheat, wine, and oil, calling down the grace of the Holy Spirit upon these sacred offerings. This ancient rite proclaims that God does not merely sanctify water - He sanctifies life itself.

The wheat speaks of the Bread of Life. The wine speaks of the Blood of the New Covenant. The oil speaks of healing, mercy, and divine gladness.

These are not symbols alone - they are signs of God’s living presence among His people, a pledge that He multiplies His blessings in the lives of those who seek Him with faith.

Following the service, the community gathered in the parish center of St. Andrew Memorial Church for the traditional Holy Supper, lovingly prepared by the volunteers of the parish. With warmth and grace, Dobrodiyka Valentyna Vysotskyi served as hostess of the evening, guiding the faithful through the theological and spiritual meaning of this sacred meal.

Rooted in the ancient traditions of Kyivan Rus’ and the caves of holy Ukraine, the Holy Supper is not merely a cultural gathering - it is a confession of Faith. It is a living catechism. Each dish bears witness to the Gospel. Each prayer unites the table to the altar.

At the Holy Supper, the Church becomes a family. The table becomes an altar. The meal becomes a proclamation: Christ is born - glorify Him! Christ is baptized – in the river Jordan!

Adding joy to prayer, parishioners of All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox parish in New York, NY presented the traditional Ukrainian folk play Vertep, proclaiming the Good News of Christ’s Nativity and Theophany through sacred storytelling and song. In both Ukrainian and English, traditional carols resounded throughout the hall, and the faithful joined together in a joyful proclamation of the glory of Christ.

In this holy celebration, generations were united - elders and children, clergy and faithful, parishioners and pilgrims - all gathered around the same mystery: God is with us!

The Eve of Theophany is a sacred pause. It is the Church holding her breath before the waters are sanctified. It is the moment when creation waits for its renewal.

On this night, we stand between earth and heaven. Between promise and fulfillment. Between darkness and divine light.

We stand where the river meets the Cross. Where repentance meets mercy. Where humanity meets God. And we hear the voice of the Father once again: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

On the feast itself, His Eminence Metropolitan Antony presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy together with Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Very Rev. Fr. John Lyszyk, Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko, Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi, Deacon Serhii Khomitsky, and Deacon Andrii Akulenko. The faithful of St. Andrew Memorial Church filled the temple with prayer as the waters of creation were sanctified and the world was renewed.

The hymns of Theophany proclaim: “Today the nature of the waters is sanctified, and the Jordan is parted and turns back its streams, beholding the Master washing Himself.”

The prayerful celebration at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church was not only a remembrance - it was a living encounter. The River Jordan still flows. The waters are still sanctified. The heavens are still open. The Holy Spirit still descends. Christ still stands among His people.

And the Church still proclaims to the world: Christ is baptized! In the Jordan! Let us worship Him!

May the Light of Theophany illumine every heart, sanctify every home, and renew every soul - now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.