Orthodox Christians in the Philippines marked the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord by performing the Great Blessing of Waters at one of the world’s most unusual bodies of water — the volcanic Lake Taal on the island of Luzon. The event was reported by the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese.

The celebrations began with the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in the city of Tagaytay, led by the parish rector, Priest David Grubbs. Following the service, he conducted the rite of the Great Blessing of Water and then traveled to Lake Taal, where he blessed the waters of the crater lake located at the center of an active volcano.

Lake Taal is the third-largest lake in the Philippines and is unique for containing an island with the Taal Volcano at its center. Although one of the smallest volcanoes in the world, Taal is also among the most active. Situated just several dozen kilometers from Manila, it remains under constant scientific monitoring. A major eruption in January 2020 forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 people. Most recently, volcanic activity was recorded in December 2025, when a column of ash rose two kilometers above the crater, prompting the country’s emergency management authorities to advise residents to avoid the area.

For the local Orthodox community living near a zone of heightened volcanic risk, the blessing of waters on Theophany carries special significance. According to the diocese, church services and prayer gatherings at Lake Taal are held not only on major feast days but also as spiritual support for residents who have endured eruptions and their aftermath. Many families in the region continue to struggle with psychological trauma, losses, and the fear of future natural disasters.

Photo: Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia / t.me/exarchateasia