The Feast of Theophany

In my Protestant experience over the years, there have been no major observances in the church between Christmas and Easter.  However, Christians who maintain the ancient traditions of the East will honor The Feast of Holy Theophany (or Ephiphany) tomorrow, January 6th.

The Feast of Holy Theophany respectfully recognizes the baptism of Christ and the revelation of the divine Trinity. The name of the Feast is sometimes called Epiphany, meaning manifestation.  Other times it is called Theophany, meaning manifestation of God.

Several days of Forefeasts and Afterfeasts precede and follow January 6, each commemorated with specific hymns. One hymn goes like this, referring to the appearance of all three persons of the Trinity at Jesus’ baptism - Father, son, and Holy Spirit - and preparing us to receive “fuller understanding” of the Light.

Today You appeared to the world,

And Your Light, O Lord,

Has left its mark upon us as in fuller understanding we sing to You:

“You came, You were made manifest, the unapproachable Light.”

Another encourages even more specific personal involvement.  It challenges and inspires us to also embrace Holy Theophany by “honoring His baptism with pure deeds.”

Let us come with Christ to the Jordan,

Let us flee from every impure passion,

Come thoughtfully with purifying streams of tears

To the worthy baptism of the divine image

That with the Light being specially revealed,

Cleansing all with divine rays,

O Master,

We are revealed everything.

Look upon Christ

Who voluntarily humbled Himself.

He even took the form of a servant.

Let us humble ourselves beneath His mighty hand,

Who was adopted by the Spirit:

That we may honor His baptism with pure deeds.