MONTROSE, NY:  Preserving a centuries old tradition from Ukraine, parishioners of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Parish and the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown built a cross of ice together in celebration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Epiphany holiday. Still customary in Ukraine, the crosses are usually carved out of ice from local rivers and lakes, where holes are made for the clergy to bless the waters. The feast remembers Christ's baptism in the Jordan River.

Although seen occasionally in the United States, is believed that the Montrose cross is the first ever in the Greater New York area. According to His Eminence, Vladyka Mykhayil, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Metropolitan of New York and America, "The cross of ice is a sign of God's sanctification of all created things, including the gift of water, which is necessary for life. It also serves as a witness to the unity that is happening among Christians at the local level." The Orthodox community has been sharing the facilities at the invitation of the Reformed Church parishioners since November.

A joint service to bless the cross took place on Sunday, January 18 at 11:00 am. Metropolitan Mykhayil and the Reverend Douglas Leonard, pastor of the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown concelebrated the servie, which was celebrated in the Byzantine Rite and included psalm-antiphons, hymns, readings from scripture and a prayer of blessing. The ice-sculpture will remain at its location until it melts from the effects of nature.

Pictures of the procession and blessing service are included below. Click on each one to enlarge.