Meaning and Purpose of Epiphany Celebrations
On this day You have appeared unto the whole world, and Your light of Sovereign Lord is signed on us who sing Your praise and chant with knowledge:
You have now come, You have appeared, O Light unapproachable.” ~Kontakion of Epiphany, an adapted translation from St. Anthony’s Monastery, Arizona
Dearest Spiritual ‘Ohana!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!
From the Feast Day of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on December 25th, thru January 4th, there has been continuous feasting, without fasting, even on Wednesdays and Fridays. Then on January 5th, the Eve of Epiphany, we undertake a strict fast day. Then on January 6th, we celebrate Epiphany with feasting, once again, concluding a series of celebrations on January 7th, with the “Synaxis” of St. John the Baptist and Forerunner. “Synaxis” means a “gathering” and “getting together.” You may ask, who is gathering or getting together? We may think the multitudes of the Heavenly Bodiless Powers and the Saints. Yes, this is partially correct, but mainly it is the gathering of “us” as the Church, the Body of Christ. A “Synaxis” often falls after a Major Feast Day of the Church. In the case of January 7th, we remember a significant personality in the
celebration of Epiphany. I would like to share with you a brief overview of the meaning and purpose of the Epiphany Celebrations.
• Commemoration of Christ’s Baptism Epiphany, called Theophany in Orthodoxy, primarily celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. This event marks the beginning of His public ministry.
• Manifestation of the Holy Trinity The feast reveals God as Trinity: the Father’s voice from heaven, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove. This is
considered the first clear revelation of the Trinity to humanity.
• Meaning of “Epiphany”/“Theophany” Both terms mean “manifestation” or “appearance of God.” The feast signifies God’s “shining forth” to the world through Christ.
• Spiritual Renewal and Purification The Great Blessing of Waters is central to the celebration, symbolizing sanctification of creation and renewal of baptismal vows. Holy water is distributed for blessing homes and personal use throughout the year.
• Liturgical and Cultural Traditions Customs include church services, processions, and water-related celebrations such as immersions or retrieving a cross from water, emphasizing purification and divine grace.
• Date and Calendar Celebrated on January 6 in most Orthodox Churches, but on January 19 in those following the Julian calendar.
With Love in Christ,
+Fr. Alexander