Archpriest Michael Sochka, left, discuses the water blessing with Tom Daller before St. Andrew Orthodox Church of Lyndora’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park to celebrate the baptism of Jesus on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
MUDDY CREEK TWP — Members of St. Andrew Orthodox Church of Lyndora braved cold winds and icy roads Sunday, Feb. 9, to witness the annual blessing of the water at Moraine State Park.
The church holds the ceremony every year to coincide with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, deacon Wayne Truckley said.
However, due to the extreme cold weather the area experienced last month, the service had to be delayed for a second-straight year.
“Scientists will tell you the water is special for many reasons. Today, we gather to focus on its spiritual aspects, and how it is a source of life and death.” archpriest Michael Sochka said.
A congregation of churchgoers gathered around 1 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley boat ramp and performed a brief prayer before Sochka dragged a cross over the icy lake.
The church blesses the water of Moraine in hopes of protecting those who use it for recreation.
“It feels especially important for us to do this after the drownings we’ve had over the last few years,” deacon Wayne Truckley said.
Moraine State Park also hosts an annual blessing of the fleet in May.
Archpriest Michael Sochka blesses the water of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park to celebrate the baptism of Jesus on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
A cross is used during St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka says a prayer as church parishioners watch during St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka says a prayer for St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park to celebrate Theophany on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka says a prayer for St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka touches the ice-covered Lake Arthur with a cross for St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of the lake at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka says a prayer for St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park to celebrate Theophany on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka touches the ice covered lake with a cross for St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park to celebrate Theophany on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka touches the ice-covered lake with a cross for St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka says a prayer as church parishioners watch during St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka says a prayer as church parishioners watch during St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Archpriest Michael Sochka says a prayer as church parishioners watch during St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s blessing of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
