Categories: uncategorized
Date: 09 January 2007 11:30:02
Jan 6th is Theophany, or Epiphany. Since neither one of these words is familiar to me, I'll use Theophany, which means a manifestation of God. Epiphany means manifestation. If I was going to use the word Epiphany in my everyday speech I'd be meaning a revelation, a big one, a life changing one.
Jesus baptism is remembered, or celebrated. At this time, all three members of the Trinity were present, God's voice from heaven, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, and Jesus in the flesh. It seems a big revelation - God saying, out loud, "This is my beloved son." There's a great icon, fabulous colours, of it here There's also a little explanation of the icon if you scroll down a bit.
We also had the "Blessing of the waters" service. A bowl of water is blessed, with prayers asking God to do so. Then we all drink some, and get a bottle to take home. Last year I remember being freaked out about it. A friend was at this service too, and he was freaked out too. We both took some holy water home. This year it seems quite normal. And my friend was back to get some more holy water. As weird as it sounds to have God present in a bottle of water, it is so good to be able to go and get the holy water, and bless people and things with it. It's great to have something physical to use when praying.
And just for Ian, here are a two of the songs for the day.
Apolytikion: (First Tone)
Lord, when You were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father gave witness to You, calling You Beloved; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of His words. Glory to You, Christ our God, who appeared and enlightened the world.
Kontakion: (Fourth Tone)
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.”