Ceremony blesses Lake Glacier and city

Lake Blessing

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Ceremony blesses Lake Glacier and city, praying for prosperity of Youngstown and asking for blessing of its people, members of the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association conducted a Blessing of the Water ceremony Sunday near the shore of Lake Glacier in Mill Creek MetroParks.

This was the first time the clergy held the service at Mill Creek Park.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

YOUNGSTOWN — Praying for prosperity of Youngstown and asking for blessing of its people, members of the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association conducted a Blessing of the Water ceremony Sunday near the shore of Lake Glacier in Mill Creek MetroParks.

About a dozen priests and some 40 people participated. A large flock of geese and some ducks contributed sounds of nature to the outdoor service.

In the service, the priests were “praying for the park and those who use it, for government officials and the military.” They asked for the “blessing of the Jordan to sanctify these waters” and contribute “to healing of soul and body” of all those who “touch and partake” of the water.

The Rev. Thomas Constantine, pastor of St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman, said Eastern Orthodox parishes usually have the ceremony at individual churches.

“We’ve never done it in Youngstown, though I’ve participated in services in Fort Wayne, [Ind.],” Father Constantine said. “And in Tarpon Springs in Florida, thousands attend the service.”

Father Constantine said the Blessing of the Water relates to the feast of Holy Theophany, observed Sunday, which commemorates not only the baptism of Jesus but the revelation of Jesus as divine and as part of the Holy Trinity.

“It’s seeing Jesus as God and the powers on high,” Father Constantine said. The Father (God), Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit were present at the baptism. “Part of the blessing involves tossing a cross into the water,” Father Constantine said.

The priests, acknowledging the baptism of Jesus, noted that “today we are delivered from darkness and bathed in the light of God” and that the “way is open for salvation.”

The clergy also used the herb basil in the service, Father Constantine said. “In 325, the mother of Constantine went on a pilgrimage to find the blessed cross of Christ at Golgotha, where he was crucified,” he said, noting that she found three crosses. One had basil growing by it, and it turned out to be a cross that healed people.

As part of the service, Father Constantine dipped a bunch of basil into holy water and then blessed his fellow priests and those in attendance.

The Eastern Orthodox churches continue the custom of individual blessing of homes of people of the parish, Father Constantine said. Holy water is used to bless the residence and its occupants and prayers ask for health, well-being, forgiveness and God’s blessings in the new year.

Father Constantine said the Blessing of the Water ceremony at Lake Glacier is an extension of those individual blessings.

“We bless the lake and its water, and that water feeds the Mahoning River and flows through the Valley,” Father Constantine said.

“We thought Mill Creek Park would be a scenic and accessible site,” Father Constantine said.

“As clergy in the Youngstown area, we wanted to offer prayers for the Youngstown community ... praying for blessings on our beloved city. The more prayers we have, the better,” he said.

As a gathering of Eastern Orthodox clergy, Father Constantine said, “We all have a deep love of the Lord and wanted to ask the Lord to look kindly on our city. We’re praying for its well-being and prosperity. It’s a positive effort for the city.

Theresa Ritter of Youngstown, accompanied by her well-behaved dog Peaches, attended. Ritter, a Roman Catholic, said, “The ceremony was interesting. I’m glad I came.”

Matthew Siman of Youngstown, a member of the Nativity of Christ Church, said, “This first time at the lake was an interesting service. It would be nice to see this as a new tradition.”

Evie Byers of Boardman and Jim Jaszyn of Poland, members of St. Stephen of Hungary Church, said they like to attend various ethnic and religious events in the community. “I think it gives you a greater sense of understanding other religions,” said Byers, who is Roman Catholic. “This brings us together.”

In the Western church, Sunday was observed as the Feast of Epiphany, (the 12th day of Christmas) marking the day when the Magi (Three Wise Men) visited the baby Jesus.