After Easter and Pentecost, Theophany is considered the third greatest feast of the Orthodox church, more so even than Christmas. It commemorates the baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The Holy Trinity was revealed to the world. The Father spoke saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Holy Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, hovering over the waters. And John the Baptist bore witness saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders, I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praises to Your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1-2)

Jesus said, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15).

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin, Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name forever. Amen.

When you lie down on your bed to sleep, remember with thanksgiving the blessings and the providence of God. - Anthony the Great

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 45:10)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. (Hebrews 13:8-9)

“Grace is given not to them who speak [their faith] but to those who live their faith.” ― St. Gregory the Theologian

Prayer uplifts and unites human beings with God (St. Gregory Palamas).

“Let us then be trustful and in all things which befall us let us rejoice and give thanks to the merciful God, that we may pass through this present life with serenity, And obtain the blessings to come, by the grace and loving kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ,” - Saint John Chrysostom

This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100 because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. The three saints appeared to a monk, John Mauropus, who became Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor and revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal. They told the Bishop to compose a common service for both of them which he did.

This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100 because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. The three saints appeared to a monk, John Mauropus, who became Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor and revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal. They told the Bishop to compose a common service for both of them which he did.

Prayer is holding all people in our hearts through love (St. John of Krondstadt).