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Epiphany (Greek: επιφάνεια, "the appearance; miraculous phenomenon")
is a Christian feast intended to celebrate the 'shining forth' or revelation
of God to mankind in human form, in the person of Jesus. The observance had
its origins in the eastern Christian churches, and included the birth of Jesus;
the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and
Balthasar) who arrived in Bethlehem; and all of Jesus' childhood events, up
to his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist.
One of the most impressive ceremonies of the Byzantine Rite is the Solemn Blessing of the Water on the Feast of the Epiphany commemorating Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. The Epiphany, one of the most ancient and venerable festivities, originated in Palestine where it was celebrated with a vigil and special services on the spot where, according to Christian tradition, Our Lord was actually baptized. St. Gregory the Wonderworker [of Pontus] (died about 270) is the first witness to present the Epiphany to us as the "saving proclamation of Christ’s Baptism." (cf. Homily on Christ’s Baptism, 1) |
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Epiphany is celebrated on the twelfth day after Christmas, to commemorate the birth and infancy of Christ. The three wise men or Magi visited Bethlehem to honor the holy child with prayers and gifts.
In western Christian tradition, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names in various church traditions. In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day (Span: el Dia de los Tres Reyes, la Fiesta de Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag).
Because of differences in church calendars, mainly between the Eastern Orthodox and the western Catholic and Protestant traditions, both Christmas and Epiphany have been observed at different times in the past. Today, most of the Eastern Orthodox traditions follow the western church calendar. The exceptions are some Greek Orthodox Churches and related traditions (e.g., Russian and Serbian Orthodox) that still follow the older calendar and celebrate Epiphany as the Theophany on January 19th.
The feast was initially based
on, and viewed as a fulfillment of, the Jewish Feast of Lights. This was fixed
on January 6. Ancient Liturgies speak of Illuminatio, Manifestatio, Declaratio
(Light, Manifest (show), Declare) cf St. Matthew's Gospel (iii, 13-17); St.
Luke's (iii, 22); and St. John's (ii, 1-11); where the Baptism and Cana are
dwelt upon. The Christian Churches have traditionally also talked of a Revelation
to the Gentiles where the term 'Gentile' meant all non-Jewish people. The
Biblical Magi represent the non-Jewish people of the world.
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