The Blessing of the Waters and Other January Traditions

Greek Epiphany – January 6

The Orthodox Christian Feast of Theophany, or Epiphany, held each January 6, marks the end result of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Recognized in Greek as “Ta Fota” (the Lights), this historic feast celebrates the revelation of God in the course of the baptism of Jesus within the Jordan River by John the Baptist. In response to three of the 4 Gospels (excluding St. John’s), the voice of God declared from heaven, “You might be my Son, the Beloved; with you I’m nicely happy,” because the Holy Spirit descended within the type of a dove. This divine revelation, generally known as the Holy Trinity, is central to the day’s symbolism, emphasizing mild, purification, and renewal.

The day additionally commemorates the go to of the Three Kings (“Magi,” or Sensible Males) to the toddler Jesus in Bethlehem, symbolizing Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles, and underscores the sanctity of the River Jordan, the place numerous pilgrims collect yearly to resume their religion.

In Greece right now, the Feast of Theophany is steeped in solemn ritual, starting on its eve with kids singing “kalanta” (carols) to recount the story of Jesus’ baptism. Clergymen conduct the Lesser Sanctification of Water (“Mikros Agiasmos”) in church buildings and go to houses to sprinkle Holy Water and bless residents. On Epiphany morning, the Nice Sanctification of Water takes place in church buildings, adopted by processions to the closest physique of water – be it a river, lake, sea, and even the native municipal swimming pool – for the “Blessing of the Waters” ceremony.

A spotlight of this ceremony is the casting of a cross into the water by a priest, adopted by males, younger and previous (and, more and more, girls), diving into the icy depths to retrieve it. The lucky particular person who recovers the cross is believed to obtain a 12 months of blessings and luck. Whereas the nationwide celebration in Piraeus, Greece’s most important port, garners important consideration, numerous native ceremonies throughout the nation supply their very own distinct attraction, mixing spiritual devotion with group spirit.