Theophany (from Greek theophania, meaning "appearance of God")
is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on
January 6. It is the feast which reveals the Most Holy Trinity
to the world through the Baptism of the Lord (Mt.3:13-17; Mark
1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). Baptism of Christ This observance
commemorates Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner in the
River Jordan, and the beginning of Christ's earthly ministry.
The Feast of Theophany is the culmination of the Christmas
Season, which starts on December 25 and ends on January 6. In
mystic commemoration of this event, the Great Blessing of Water
is performed on this day, and the holy water so blessed is used
by the local priest to bless the homes of the faithful. The
feast is called Theophany because at the baptism of Christ the
Holy Trinity appeared clearly to mankind for the first time --
the Father's voice is heard from Heaven, the Son of God is
incarnate and standing physically in the Jordan, and the Holy
Spirit descends on Him in the form