On the day of the feast of the Epiphany, the Rite of consecration of water was traditionally held on Rynok Square. This year, the water was consecrated by Lviv military chaplains who pray daily in the Garrison Church of St. App. Peter and Paul for our servicemen and spiritually accompany them. Therefore, during the day, those who wish can come to Rynok Square and take holy water to their homes.
“We know that there is a good tradition – the city-wide water consecration. This year, of course, the main topic in society is defenders of Ukraine and their courage. Military chaplains, who try to always be close to the defenders, are invited to consecrate this water this year. I think there is deep symbolism in this – to once again draw people’s attention to the fact that the war is ongoing and that the defenders need prayer and support. Chaplains will probably become a visible sign that prayer is a weapon that is very important,” Fr. Taras Mykhalchuk, abbot of the Garrison Church of St. App. Peter and Paul, head of the Mission “Military Chaplaincy Center” of the Curia of the Lviv Archdiocese of the UGCC.
“In Lviv, there is a wonderful tradition of consecrating water on Epiphany Day near the Town Hall. However, under the current circumstances in our country, this year the consecration takes place modestly and quietly, in prayer to God,” says Yevhen Boyko, director of the “Mayor’s Administration” department of the LMR.
When the fathers were finishing the Rite of Consecration, an air alarm sounded, so all participants in the action were called to collect water already after the alarm was over.
Chaplain of LMR Fr. Pavlo Drozdyak noted that this year’s water consecration was a moment of great unity.
“Together with our chaplains, we experience this Epiphany in a special way, uniting in thought and prayer with our servicemen, volunteers, volunteers, all those who pay the highest price for our freedom, for the fact that we celebrate these holidays in our homes,” – emphasized . Pavlo Drozdyak
Traditionally, anyone who wishes will be able to take holy water home. For this, a tank with a volume of 1500 liters was installed.