This feast was kept in the East from the third century and its observance spread to the West towards the end of the fourth. The word Epiphany means manifestation, and just as at Christmas, it is the mystery of God appearing in visible form; only no longer does He show Himself to the Jews alone but “on this day" it is “to the Gentiles that God reveals His Son" (Collect). In a magnificent vision, Isaias beheld the Church as typified by Jerusalem, whither should flock kings and nations, the “multitude of the sea" and the “strength of the Gentiles,” coming from afar with countless caravans, singing the Lord’s praises and bringing Him frankincense and gold (Epistle). “The kings of the earth shall adore Him, all nations shall serve Him" (Offertory). In to-day’s gospel we see this prophecy fulfilled.

While at Christmas we extolled the umon of our Lord’s divinity with His humanity, at the Epiphany we honour the mystic union of souls with Christ. “This day a star led the Wise Men to the manger; this day water was turned into wine at the marriage feast; this day Christ chose to be baptised by John in the Jordan for our salvation, alleluia." So we read in to-day’s liturgy which thus connects this feast with that of the Octave Day and of the Second Sunday after the Epiphany.

At St. Peter’s, where are the relics of the Church’s first visible head, the liturgical celebration of the entry of the Gentiles into the Church takes place. “In the adoring Magi,” says St. Leo, “let us acknowledge the first-fruits of our own calling and faith; and let us commemorate with hearts full of joy the foundations of this our blessed hope. For from this moment we have begun to enter our heavenly patrimony.”

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Maronite Catholic Church. During the Epiphany liturgy, water is blessed. Burning charcoal, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, is placed into the water. With this water, the pastor will visit the homes of the faithful, to bless them. Bottles of water were also blessed and distributed to those in attendance.

Epiphany

The Glorious Epiphany (Denho)
January 6

Titus 2:11-3:7 Transformation of Life
Brothers and Sisters:
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one look down on you. Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Praise be to God always!

Luke 3:15-22 The Baptism of Jesus
The Evangelist said: As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, added to them all by shutting up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” This is the truth. Peace be with you.

We all (Orthodox) celebrated the Great Feast of Theophany today—the Baptism of our Lord and the Revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan
The worship of the Trinity was made manifest
For the voice of the Father bore witness to You
And called You His beloved Son.
And the Spirit, in the form of a dove,
Confirmed the truthfulness of His word.
O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself
And have enlightened the world, glory to You!

http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsLife.asp?FSID=100106

http://oca.org/fs/sermons/discourse-on-the-day-of-the-baptism-of-christ

We celebrated Divine Liturgy, and then the Blessing of the Waters. We partook of the sanctified water, and took some home with us. Many others in our parish will do the same on Sunday.

On the way back, we saw many Christmas trees discarded on the sidewalks for recycling. That is the main meaning of Epiphany/Theophany for many. However, in the Orthodox Church, Theophany is second only to Pascha.

For those Orthodox on the Old Calendar, this is Christmas Eve—for Serbs, Badnje Vece. Srecno Badnje vecce to all!!!!

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