By Philip LeMasters

Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of Theophany (or Epiphany) on January 6. The focus of the celebration is Jesus Christ’s baptism in the Jordan river, when the voice of the Father identified Him as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. (e.g., Mark 1:9-11)

The feast also celebrates how Jesus sanctified and restored the entire creation by His immersion in the water. Holy water is blessed at Epiphany, and it is customary during the weeks following the feast for parishioners to have their homes blessed with it as a sign of God’s healing presence in their lives. 

Saint Luke Orthodox Christian Church, 501 Sunset Drive, will hold services for Theophany on Friday, January 5, with Matins beginning at 6 p.m. followed by the Divine Liturgy at 7 p.m. with the Blessing of Water. 

The public is welcome to attend. For more information, visit the parish’s website:  www.stlukeorthodox.net or listen to this podcast on Epiphany by Father Philip LeMasters, the pastor at St. Luke:  https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/easternchristianinsights/christs_baptism_as_an_epiphany_of_the_salvation_of_the_world.

The Very Rev. Dr. Philip LeMasters is pastor of St. Luke Orthodox Church and professor of religion at McMurry University