Do Greek Orthodox celebrate the Epiphany?
By Victoria Loutas. The Epiphany is one of the most sacred Greek Orthodox celebrations that dates back to ancient times. This Christian tradition is celebrated on the 6th of January around the world and is a day of joy and brightness.
What is Orthodox Epiphany?
In the Greek Orthodox Church, Epiphany is celebrated as the revelation of Christ as the messiah and second person of the trinity, at his baptism, by John the Baptist, in the River Jordan. …
What does Epiphany mean in Greek?
appearance
The name Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation,” and refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The holiday is also called the Feast of Epiphany, Theophany, or Three Kings’ Day.
Who got the cross in Tarpon Springs?
Diver Colten Sakadales
Epiphany 2021: Diver Colten Sakadales, 16, retrieves cross in Tarpon Springs. Colten Sakadales, of Tarpon Springs, will receive a year of blessings, tradition says. Coronavirus forced a scaled-back version of the annual event.
How does the Orthodox Church celebrate the Epiphany?
Celebrated on 19 January, Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. To mark the event many Orthodox Christians submerge themselves in holes of icy water. They may dip themselves three times in the water to honour the Holy Trinity.
What is the spiritual meaning of Epiphany?
Epiphany is a feast that recognizes the manifestation of God in Jesus, and of the risen Christ in our world. It is a time for believers to consider how Jesus fulfilled his destiny and how Christians can fulfill their destiny too.
What do you eat on the Epiphany?
It’s traditional to eat a special cake called ‘Rosca de Reyes’ (Three Kings Cake). A figure of Baby Jesus is hidden inside the cake. Whoever has the baby Jesus in their piece of cake is the ‘Godparent’ of Jesus for that year.
How is Epiphany celebrated in Greece?
On Epiphany, the Greek Orthodox Church performs the ‘Great Blessing of the Waters’. This ceremony is usually performed twice, once on the eve of Epiphany which is performed in the church, and then again on the actual day outdoors with priests blessing large bodies of water, sea, rivers, lakes etc.
How is Epiphany celebrated in Tarpon Springs?
The Epiphany festivities date back to 1906 in Tarpon Springs. In a normal year, the day would begin with a special mass at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, followed by a procession down to Spring Bayou, for the “cross dive”. The cross dive is seen as a right of passage for young men in the town.
Who got the cross at Epiphany?
Colten Sakadales
16-year-old Colten Sakadales was the lucky teenager to retrieve the cross this year. Colten happens to be the younger brother of the cross retriever from last year, Hunter Sakadales. It’s the first time in 115 years that two brothers have retrieved the cross back-to-back.
When does the Orthodox Church celebrate the Feast of Epiphany?
The Orthodox Celebration of the Feast of Epiphany. The celebration of this Feast of our Lord begins on January 5, a day known as the Forefeast of Theophany. Depending on the day of the week, this could be an evening service with Vespers followed by the Liturgy of Saint Basil or a morning service with Matins and the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom.
Why is January 6 the Feast of Theophany?
Thus, January 6 is also known as the Feast of Lights. The Church celebrates on this day the illumination of the world by the light of Christ. The Icon of the Feast of Theophany tells the story from the Gospels in images and color.
What is the significance of the Epiphany of Our Lord?
Epiphany, or Theophany commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by St. John the Baptist. Of all the observances of Epiphany throughout the world, none is more deeply religious in tradition and significance, or more colorful, than in the Greek Orthodox Church.