On January 18, 2016, on the Eve of the Theophany (Eve of Baptism), the day before the great Christian holiday Holy Theophany and Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Bishop Nicholas ministered the festive prayer service and accomplished the first Great Rite of Water Consecration in the Transfiguration of the Lord Temple.

I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire (Matthew 3:11).