[ewriggs]

Today is the Old Calendar Feast of the Theophany. In the Western Churches it is called "Epiphany" and is the "12th" day. On the New Calendar, it is celebrated on Jan 6th. As the Old Calendar is 13 days later, today, Jan 19, is Jan 6th!

The Theophany of the Lord in the Eastern Churches is the celebration of His Baptism in Jordan by St. John the forerunner and Baptist.

The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on January 6. The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God.

Christ’s baptism in the Jordan was “theophany,” a manifestation of God to the world, because it was the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. It was also a “theophany” in that the world was granted a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All three Persons were made manifest together: the Father testified from on high to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son received His Father’s testimony; and the Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, descending from the Father and resting upon the Son.
The theme of “manifestation” or “revelation” is also expressed in Scripture with the symbolism of light. In the hymn of the Feast we sing, “Christ has appeared and enlightened the world.” Thus, January 6 is also known as the Feast of Lights. The Church celebrates on this day the illumination of the world by the light of Christ.

The Orthodox Celebration of the Feast of Epiphany
The celebration of this Feast of our Lord begins on January 5, a day known as the Forefeast of Theophany. Depending on the day of the week, this could be an evening service with Vespers followed by the Liturgy of Saint Basil or a morning service with Matins and the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. Following the service on January 5, the service of the Blessing of the Waters is conducted. Prior to the evening or morning service the Royal Hours with the Typika are said.
On January 6, the day of the Feast, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is conducted preceded by Matins and followed by the second Blessing of the Waters.
The Blessing of the Waters is conducted in the church; however in many places throughout the world services are conducted near open bodies of water. As a sign of blessing as Christ blessed the Jordan, holy water is poured into the body of water. An associated tradition has been the tossing of a cross into the water to be retrieved by divers.
The holy water from the church is given to the faithful to consume and to use in blessing their homes. In the weeks following the Feast, clergy visit the homes of parishioners and conduct a service of blessing using the holy water that was blessed on the Feast of Theophany.

In the period of time between the Great Blessing of Water at Theophany and the beginning of the Pre-Lenten season on the Sunday of Zachaias, the priest visits the home of each member of the parish and blesses the home with Holy Water. There is a prayer service, and the priest then goes through the home, sprinkling each room with Holy Water.

Among the Orthodox, there are few real "divisions" in the year. One prefeast blends into a feast and then blends into the prefeast of another feast. So the blessing of homes is, in a way, a cleansing that once again prepares us for another prefestal season of preparation - Great Lent.

Thre are no "special foods" for Theophany that I'm aware of. But it is a major feast day, so when it falls on a Friday, fish, wine and olive oil are permitted. So here is a wonderful recipe for a Tuna Loin. My DH adapted it from an Alton Brown recipe:

Chimney Tuna Loin

1/2 cup dark soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup dry wasabi powder
2 lbs tuna loin, cut into 2 pieces
1/2 cup sesame seeds
2 Tbs peanut oil

1 In a non-reactive bowl combine soy, honey, and wasabi powder. Reserve 1/4 cup for dipping sauce. Roll each piece of tuna in this mixture to coat evenly. Marinate from 1 hour to overnight. Remove the tuna from the marinade and discard the marinade.
2 On a plate, lay the sesame seeds. Roll the tuna in the seeds to evenly coat.
3 Fire up the chimney and top with a well-oiled grate. Sear for 15 to 30 seconds per side or to desired temperature. (In lieu of a chimney, you can saute in a hot skillet with a little olive oil in it. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side depending on how "done" you prefer it. Then follow the rest of the directions.) Remove to rack and rest for 3 minutes. Cover with foil or plastic wrap to achieve carry over cooking. Slice thinly and serve with the dipping sauce.

Comments: You can substitute Panko (Japanese bread crumbs) for the sesame seeds if desired. They work just fine!

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Recipe Source Author: Alton Brown
Source: Good Eats: Tuna: The Other Red Meat

Fish is a frequent dish in most Orthodox households. Many cultures use dried fish. I hope you will enjoy this recipe. Fresh ocean fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 oils which help to lower cholesterol.

Enjoy!
Cheerio!
Elizabeth

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When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father gave witness to Thee, calling Thee His Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfullness of His words. Glory to Thee, O Christ our God, Glory to Thee who hast appeared and enlightened the world.
Troparion of the Theophany
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