July 19, 2013
Jackson, NJ: Seventy-five doves will be released on St. Vladimir’s
Day in honor of the 1025th Anniversary of the Baptism of
Rus’
During
the diocesan celebration of the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of
Rus’ and the 75th anniversary of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in
Jackson, NJ, on Sunday, July 28, 75 doves will be released during
the blessing of the waters.
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, Who descended on Christ
during His Baptism in the rivers of the Jordan. Releasing doves in
honor of this sacred event is not a new concept in the Orthodox
world. "For centuries, many Orthodox cultures kept the tradition of
releasing doves on the feast of Epiphany, and in Russia this
tradition even continued on the feast of the Annunciation,"
explained diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov. "Our goal is
to extend this tradition even further, by releasing doves on St.
Vladimir’s Day in honor of the Holy Spirit, Who came down on the
Russian people in the waters of the Dnieper 1,025 years ago."
The doves will be released simultaneously during the blessing of the
waters upon conclusion of the procession around St. Vladimir’s
Church. All clergy and faithful are invited to participate in the
upcoming St. Vladimir’s Day celebrations.
Click here for more
information.
Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese
