Jerusalem Patriarchate Marks Forefeast of Theophany with Solemn Blessings at the River Jordan

By Greek City Times Team
Published: 21 January 2026

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the Forefeast of Theophany (Epiphany) on Sunday, 18 January 2026, with profound liturgical services in the Holy City and at the traditional Baptism site on the River Jordan.

The day commenced at the Monastic Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen within the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, where His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III presided over the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Following the liturgy, the Patriarch led the Small Blessing of the Waters in the narthex. A procession then made its way to the Patriarchate headquarters, where prayers were offered, and the Polychronion for the Patriarch was chanted.

Later, His Beatitude travelled by road through Jericho to the River Jordan, arriving at the historic Baptism site despite persistent heavy rain. Clergy and faithful processed to the western bank of the river, where Vespers were chanted, followed by the Great Blessing of the Waters. In a moving moment, Patriarch Theophilos III immersed the Precious Cross in the flowing Jordan, sanctifying the waters at the very place where Christ was baptised.

The celebrations concluded with visits to nearby monasteries in the Jordan Valley, reaffirming the feast's deep spiritual significance in Orthodox tradition.

The Theophany services highlight the enduring witness of the Jerusalem Patriarchate at Christianity’s most sacred sites, even amid challenging weather conditions.

Related Epiphany Celebrations Around the World