Falling on January 19, the Orthodox feast of Vadokhryshcha (Вадохрышча) commemorates the baptism of Christ and the Theophany — the revelation of the Trinity. Blessing of water, whether brought by parishioners or made available by the church from barrels, forms a key part of the ritual and links this feast to a pre-Christian rite. To accommodate the popularity of this ritual, parish priests often hold a short blessing service on the day preceding the feast.
Here Father Ryhor performs the blessing on the eve of Vadokhryshcha for members of his parish in Bjerazhnoje, one of the largest villages in Polesia.
Айцец Рыгор асьвячае ваду напярэдадні Вадохрышча ў Беражным, адной з самых вялікіх вёсак Берасьцейскай вобласьці.
Bjerazhnoe 2014. Беражное 2014 год.
Bjerazhnoje’s parish church of St. Paraskeva Pjatnitsa is one of a series of Pripet Marshes wooden churches which form a priceless part of Europe’s architectural heritage.
Царква Сьвятой Параскевы Пятніцы – адна з шэрагу традыцыйных драўляных цэркваў уздоўж Прыпяці, якія ёсьць бясцэннай часткай еўрапейскай архітэктурнай спадчыны.
This wonderful photograph shows how important the church is in the lives of the people. It is very touching to see so many women and men attending this service.
The salt of the earth.