Georgia, Tbilisi, Jan.19 / Trend N. Kirtskhalia /
The Orthodox world celebrates Epiphany today. Christening is a major Christian holiday celebrated by the Orthodox Church in the old style on Jan. 6 and in the new style on Jan. 19.
According to scripture, nearly 20 centuries ago, John the Baptist christened Jesus Christ in the Jordan River in Israel.
Catholicos Patriarch of All-Georgia Ilia II will hold a solemn service at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Today, he will christen more than 500 children. The patriarch has about 7,000 godchildren.
The patriarch made the initiative of christening children on Jan. 19, 2007. He christens every third and subsequent child in families. Last week, Ilia II declared his godchildren as the guardians of the throne of the patriarch.