Orthodox Christmas: Theophany

Esteemed Readers, as you know we celebrate the Orthodox Christmas on the 7th of January. Our Christmas festivities include the day of Theophany celebrated on the 19th of January. Theophany is different from the Catholic Epiphany as it stresses the fact of Christ’s baptism symbolizing the connection of the Lord with the entire world & purification of the humankind. Our Christian tradition focused more on Saviour’s personality regards this act as a fundamental event of the Christian life. Strangely enough, at least for me, the adoration of the Magi is hardly mentioned. You can see it on the Icons but it is a minor event for the Russian Orthodox Church.

This period is time of the Holy Water. It is sanctified by priests & anybody might come to any church to pour as much Holy Water as one needs. Most of baptisms usually happen at Theophany. Plunging in ice holes is also a part of the Orthodox customs. A curious fact: 6-19 January is named Sv’iatki & unofficially permits future-telling, for example with a wax candle.

Happy Epiphany & Merry Orthodox Christmas! 🎄✨✨✨

Maria KethuProfumo