Epiphany in Kyiv 2026: Bishop Ephrem blessed the waters of the Dnipro in Hydropark

Celebration of the Epiphany in Kyiv

According to Главком: On January 6, 2026, festive events were held at Hydropark in Kyiv to commemorate the celebration of the Epiphany. During the festive service led by Bishop Vasylkiv Ephrem (Khomyak), the waters of the Dnipro were blessed. Archbishop Agapit of Vyshhorod and invited clergy also participated in the service.

Diving into the holy waters

For those wishing to immerse themselves in the holy waters, 12 bathing locations were prepared, which operated from 8:00 to 17:00. The press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine reported that prayers were offered during the blessing of the water, specifically for the grace-filled power for all present and the surrounding world.

This year, the celebration of the Epiphany in Kyiv brought together numerous believers who came to honor the tradition of water blessing and to take part in the immersion ritual.

The celebration of the Epiphany is one of the key dates in the Orthodox calendar, and its observance in Kyiv, in particular, demonstrates the importance of religious traditions for the local community. To ensure the safety and comfort of participants in the event, the organizers prepared separate bathing locations, allowing a large number of people to participate in the ritual. This reflects the active involvement of the community in religious practices despite modern challenges and changes in society.