Feast of the Holy Theophany of Our Lord God and Savior
Jesus Christ
January 6
Theophany means the "Manifestation of God". Our Lord's Baptism by St.
John the Forerunner in the Jordan was the beginning of His public
ministry. All three Persons of the Trinity were shown forth at one time
and place: the Father testified from on high to the Divine Sonship of
Jesus; the Son received His Father's testimony; the Holy Spirit was seen
in the form of a dove descending from the Father and resting upon the
Son.
Our holy father John Chrysostom in his Discourse on the Baptism of
Christ explains clearly this Feast: "Why then is this day called
Theophany? Because Christ made Himself known to all - not then when He
was born - but then when He was baptized. Until this time, He was not
known to the people and the people did not know Him."
On the Feast of Theophany, every year a great miracle is performed in
our
Holy
Churches. The Holy Spirit, coming down upon the water, changes its
natural properties. It becomes incorrupt, that is, it does not spoil,
remains transparent and fresh for many years, receives the grace to heal
illnesses, to drive away demons and every evil power, to preserve people
and their dwellings from every danger, to sanctify various objects
whether for Church or home use. Therefore, with reverence we drink Holy
Water - a great Agiasma (Holy Thing), as the Greeks call it.
| 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, who has
revealed Yourself and has enlightened the world, Glory to You! -Troparion for the Feast |
Copyright 2019.St. George UGCC. All Rights Reserved.
