Community

Annual blessing of the Ohio River Sunday

WEIRTON -- The fifth-annual Pan-Orthodox Great Blessing of the Ohio River will be held at the Steubenville Marina on Sunday, beginning at 2 p.m.

The parishes involved include St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Weirton, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Steubenville and the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Fountain in Martins Ferry along with other clergy and faithful from surrounding areas.

The blessing is done in conjunction with the Feast of Holy Theophany where Christ was baptized by John in the Jordan River thereby sanctifying the waters.

This fifth-year blessing and service has become an annual January event, bringing together the Orthodox churches and their faithful for a joint service.

In case of inclement weather, would-be attendees are advised to check with their parish priest or visit the St Nicholas Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StNicholasOC26062 to check the status of the event.

For information, contact the Rev. Andrew Nelko at (304) 723-3383.