Epiphany Vespers Service

In continuation of the Christmas commemorations, we invite you to come celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with a Vespers service on Wednesday January 6 at 3 pm. We will add a few traditional seasonal readings from scripture and the saints, punctuated by some of our favorite carols. Afterwards, we will enjoy victuals and hot tea. Please RSVP.

The Eve of the Epiphany marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and the beginning of Epiphanytide. During this time, we continue to mediate on the humble grace of the coming of our God in the flesh, that his glory may be known, worshipped, and partaken.

Eastern commemorations of Epiphany follow the Gospel of John. The readings focus on the baptism of Jesus, which begins John’s narrative right on the heels of his wonderful prologue celebrating the Incarnation: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was toward God, and the Word was God. ... and the Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us ... full of grace and truth” (John 1). Epiphany celebrations in the East include the Solemn Blessing of Waters, since all waters are redeemed by Christ’s baptism, just as all flesh is redeemed by his coming in the flesh. The Blessing of Waters often includes a polar bear plunge (in northern climes) by the fully vested priest! In this context, consider the Genesis 1 narrative, as well as Psalm 65 (LXX 64), which celebrates the coming Messiah “who stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.” This link will take you to a wonderful description of these liturgies: http://www.liturgies.net/Epiphany/Baptism/water.htm.

Western lections have us meditate on the gentile (non-Jewish) Magi who come from the East bearing gifts to the Messiah, claiming the infant Jesus as their Lord and King. This represents the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, that through his children all the nations will be blessed, that Israel shall be “a light to the nations” (see, for example, Genesis 22:18, Isaiah 49, and Luke 2:29–32).

“He shall come down as rain upon a fleece of wool; as drops falling upon the earth. ... The kings of Tharsis and the isles shall bring presents: the kings of the Arabians and Saba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all the nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72 (LXX 71).