Cologne: Church honors the Rhine: Oh, leever Jott, bless us water | Regional
Cologne – Did the Rhine get out of bed on the occasion of this festival? In any case, its waves splashed against the steps on the banks of the Rhine in Deutz when Archpriest Radu Constantin Miron threw a small wooden cross on a cord three times into the water …
On Thursday the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of theophany, which among other things commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan – and blesses the Rhine!
About 200 believers came to the church of the Greek Orthodox community “Dormition of the Theotokos” on the banks of the Rhine in Deutz, which is also known as Alt-St. Heribert is known. Out of solidarity, Cologne’s city dean, Monsignor Robert Kleine, also took part in the Orthodox service. “The Rhine is a lifeline of the Rhineland and our city,” he said.
Archpriest Miron then led the community in a procession to the Rhine to bless the river. In addition to the baptism of Jesus, this act also reminds us of the importance of water as part of living creation. “The water is coming towards us this year, the way is not that far,” he said, referring to the current flood.
The loud municipal drainage company reached its peak yesterday at 6.85 meters. From 6.20 meters, ships are only allowed to travel at reduced speed and in the middle of the river. As of today, the flood is expected to recede.