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.”

One important truth revealed to us at Jesus’ baptism is the dogmatic truth of God in three divine Persons. The Father is revealed as the one (voice) who bore witness to Jesus’ Sonship; the Spirit is symbolized as a dove descending from heaven. Christ is identified as the Son by the Father’s voice: “You are my Beloved Son.”

The Troparion of the feast of the Epiphany explains the feast and its iconographic portrayal. “When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest for the voice of the Father bore witness to You and called You His beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word.”

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)

The psalmist often refers to his delight in the house of God—the place of public worship; his love to be there united with the people of God in the solemn services of religion.

It is always an evidence of piety, for there can be no true religion where the soul does NOT find pleasure in the worship of God. A person who does NOT delight in such a service here, is not prepared for heaven, where God eternally dwells.

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)

Saint Xenia of Rome lived in fifth century Rome to wealthy and noble parents. She secretly left home and dedicated her life to God. A spiritual father, Paul, an abbot, from Mylasa compelled her and her two maid servants who accompanied her to move close to his monastery and provided them with a hermitage. Xenia built a church there to Stephen the first martyr, and the hermitage later became a convent for many. She never strayed from her prayer rule that was always accompanied by tears. She gathered the sisterhood on the day of her death and asked for them to pray for her. When she died, a lovely fragrance pervaded the place. The sick who touched her relics with faith were always healed.

“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).