The Great Blessing of the Waters in Sandy Lake.

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This past Saturday (Jan. 27th) our sister parish of St. Nicholas in Sandy Lake, co-hosted the traditional Great Blessing of the Waters for the leavetaking of Theophany (OS) with Fr. Jay Korban and the Rossburn Ukrainian Catholic Pastoral District, on what could be described as the most perfect winter day (+1, no wind, and perfect blue skies).

It was St. Nicholas’ turn to bless the lake this year; as the honour went to Fr. Jay and his communities last year; and surrounded by about 40 people from Sandy Lake, and surrounding communities, there was collectively a feeling of joy and thanksgiving. Just like last year, there was a beautiful ice Cross, ice altar, and greenery to accompany the ice cross cut out of the lake, again prepared this year by Chad Davies and David Rystafanchuck and others.

Given that we were unable to get outside and bless the Red River this year because of unstable ice; this service was truly a wonder – made all the more wondrous by the beautiful weather, the fellowship of Fr. Jay and his communities, the people of Sandy Lake, the faithful of St. Nicholas, the visitors from St. Nicholas of Narol and the Mission in Winkler!

We truly offer our thanksgiving to God for the willingness of the people of Sandy Lake to embrace this blessed event, the willingness of Fr. Jay and his parishioners to join us on such a blessed feast this year, and the willingness of some of our faithful to make the road trip for this feast. We also offer our thanksgiving to God for His saving love and mercy manifested creation.

We look forward to next year. Glory to God!