THE LITURGY OF EPIPHANY EVE - KRSTOVDAN CELEBRATED IN ST. PETERSBURG

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the morning of Epiphany Eve, which is known in the tradition of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as the Feast of the Holy Cross – Krstovdan, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington–New York and Eastern America, celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with clergy of the Miami Deanery, at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Concelebrating with His Grace were Presbyter
–Economos Dragan Žarić, host priest, Protopresbyter Aleksandar-Saša Djurdjević of North Port and Miloš Ždralić of Clearwater, assisted by Deacon Sreten Stanojević, also of Clearwater. Prayerfully present was Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Miloje Raičević, retired parish priest of the St. Sava Parish.

Leading the melodious singing of liturgical responses was Popadija Izvornika Žarić. Reader John Buffalini, together with altar servers Gavrilo Žarić and Stefan Lukić assisted in chanting and reading the epistles and paroimeia.

During his homily following the Gospel lection, Bishop Irinej explained why in our tradition this day is dedicated to the Holy Cross. In the Serbian language, the word for Cross is Krst, which is also used as a term for a Christian person, one who is Christened, ie., Baptised. In the old Serbian language was blessing of water was known as Vodokršće - Christening of Water.

Thereafter, when Christ was crucified among the last words which He uttered were, “I thirst” as a reference to the unquenchable thirst for life itself - life, which He created. Water is known in Latin as Prima substantia, as it is the primary essence of life. Without water life cannot exist, which is why we bless water, as it is a vital sustenance of life.

Following the Prayer Before the Ambo, the Great Blessing of Water ensued, offering everyone the ability to drink from the sanctified water of life and draw from it for the sanctification their homes.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters of the St. Sava parish offered a delightful Lenten luncheon for the Agape Meal, the “liturgy after the liturgy”, which was served in the community center.


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