Annual water blessing takes place amid lake pollution monitoring

YOUNGSTOWN

The Blessing of the Waters service conducted Wednesday on the shore of Lake Glacier at Mill Creek MetroParks by Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Mahoning Valley had even more significance this year, because of the water issue in 2015.

Park administration closed lakes Newport, Cohasset and Glacier for recreational activities after water samples from Lake Newport, taken by Mahoning County Board of Health, revealed high E. coli bacteria measurements.

The lakes are expected to reopen this year.

Traditionally, a cross on a fishing line is tossed into the lake near the service’s conclusion to bless the water that flows into the Mahoning River then into the Valley and residents’ lives.

The Rev. Thomas Constantine, pastor of St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman and organizer of the event, said he was told whatever was tossed into the lake had to remain because of the bacteria issue.

So in place of a wooden cross, the Rev. Joe DiStefano, pastor of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, baked bread in the shape of a cross.

Read more about the event in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.