Archive: Around Town

Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission held a lake-side service to bless Cayuga Lake Saturday.  Led by Fr James Worthington, a procession wove its way from the entrance to Myers Park to the waterfront, where members of the congregation assembled to participate in the blessing.  Worthington, choir members and alter servers processed in full liturgical vestments.  A highlight of the service featured Worthing tossing a cross made of ice and flowers into the lake.  About 25 people participated in the service.

“Our parish is excited to share this service with the public. Though the weather will be cold, visitors will find warmth in gathering together in prayer over beautiful Cayuga Lake, an ever-present symbol of this great community,” said Worthington.


The weather at the park was clear, about 50 degrees with a mild wind, chilly, but not as cold as expected.  The service lasted about 45 minutes, much of it chanted.  A temporary font was set up on a table in which a gold cross was blessed before the ice cross was thrown into the lake.

The blessing is part of the celebration of Theophany, which was marked this January 6th to commemorate the day Orthodox Christians celebrate Christ's baptism.  Water is blessed in the church, and, in addition, parishes located near bodies of water typically bless them.


Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission meets for regular services in the old All Saints Catholic Church building on Ridge Road.  Partitioners had a spaghetti dinner after the service.

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