AUG 1: DIVINE LITURGY – 6:30 PM.
LESSER BLESSING OF WATER: Lesser_Blessing_of_Water
Parishes live-streaming in the Diocese can be found here: https://www.eparchyofpassaic.com/livestream
It became a tradition to carry the wood of the Venerable Cross through the streets of Constantinople for the sanctification of the city starting in the beginning of August. This was done because illnesses were more common in August at that time. On the eve of the feast, it was taken out of the imperial treasury, and laid upon the altar of the Great Church of Hagia Sophia. From this Feast until the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, they carried the relic of the Cross, throughout the city in procession, offering it to the people to venerate. Also, Holy Water is blessed on August 1 in a special service called the Lesser Blessing of Water. This blessing of water asks for the intercession of Mary, the Holy Mother of God at the beginning of the Fast.
NOTE: Father Vasyl is celebrating his 22nd Anniversary of Priestly ordination. We are blessed with his spiritual leadership. May God grant him many happy and blessed years! Mnohaja lita!