Clergy and faithful of Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow, NY, bless Atlantic Ocean on Theophany

EAST MEADOW, NY [Holy Trinity Orthodox Church]—The clergy and faithful of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, East Meadow, NY celebrated the feast of Theophany by serving the rite of the Great Blessing of Waters along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean after the festal Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, January 6. Nearly 40 parishioners, including parish youth and children, attended the service led by Priest Martin Kraus, parish rector, at Zach’s Bay and Jones Beach, NY.

“Living on Long Island we’re surrounded by water and reminded of the important role it plays in our lives,” Father Martin said. “So we decided to have a blessing of the waters at the ocean to renew our commitment to care for the earth.”

The day began with the Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. in the church, followed by a festive breakfast. Then, despite a harsh winter wind and cold temperatures, Father Martin and his parishioners traveled to Zach’s Bay to continue the feast. After the first waterside service and blessing, the prayers were read over the Atlantic ocean, and a few “die-hards” jumped in the chilly waters retrieve the cross thrown in by Father Martin, who remarked, “Our prayers are for God to again bless and sanctify the waters, in particular in Zach’s Bay and surrounding Long Island.”