On 11th January 2013, in the city of Ismailia on the Suez Canal, the Sanctification of the Waters took place, officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel of Leontopolis, accompanied by His Grace Niphon Hegumen of the Patriarchal Holy Monastery of St George in Old Cairo, with all due splendour and solemnity and in the presence of many faithful.
Earlier on a bi-hierarchal Divine Liturgy had been celebrated at the Holy Metropolitan Church of St Minas in Ismailia followed by the Service of the Greater Sanctification of Theophany.
Following the ceremony of the Sanctification of the Waters, a festive lunch was hosted on behalf of the Holy Metropolis and the Vasilopita of the New Year was cut.
