A Pan-Orthodox Ohio River blessing was held Sunday afternoon at Steubenville Marina with participants from parishes on both sides of the river. The Rev. Nick Halkias of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Steubenville, right, reads a prayer, with the assistance of the Rev. Andrew Nelko of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Weirton, left, and the Rev. Michael Ziebarth of the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Fountain in Martins Ferry. The blessing is done in conjunction with the Feast of Holy Theophany where Christ was baptized by John in the Jordan River whereby sanctifying the waters, according to the priests. This second river blessing and service have become an annual January event, bringing together the Orthodox churches and their faithful for a joint service. — Mark Law