Feast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Categories: hymns, feast-days
Date: 05 January 2008 08:06:39
Tomorrow [January 6], is the Feast of Theophany/Epiphany [Fr Thomas Hopko has a very good explanation of the Feast here] for those of us on the New Calendar [our Old Calendar cousins are yet to celebrate Christmas: they will celebrate it on the date we call January 7].
Wikipedia describes one of the wonderful events celebrated on this Feast: the Great Blessing of the Water. This page from Byzantines.net details the Great Blessing of Water as well as providing some historical information. After Theophany, the priest also makes trips to each parishioner's home to bless it with the water blessed at Theophany. We also take home some blessed water to use in times of need.
A blessed Feast of Theophany to all! As well as the hymns for the day, I have also included today's [Eve of Theophany] as I find them beautiful also.
Eve of Theophany:
Troparion - Tone 4:
Of old, the river Jordan
turned back before Elisha's mantle at Elijah's ascension.
The waters were parted in two
and the waterway became a dry path.
This is truly a symbol of baptism
by which we pass through this mortal life.
Christ has appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters!
Kontakion - Tone 4:
Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John:
"Do not be afraid to baptize me.
For I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man."
Theophany:
Troparion - Tone 1:
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!
Kontakion - Tone 4:
Today You have shown forth to the world, O Lord,
and the light of Your countenance has been marked on us.
Knowing You, we sing Your praises.
You have come and revealed Yourself,
O unapproachable Light.