Epiphany (1)

Epiphany
Jan 6th

Epiphany is celebrated by both the Eastern and Western Churches. The difference between them concerns which historical event is being commemorated. Western Christian observance involves the coming of the Magi. The Eastern Church celebrates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan. In both cases the focus of the feast is the same: the revealing of Christ to the world and the Mystery of the Incarnation.

In the orthodox tradition the Epiphany is usally called the Feast of Theophany, "God shining forth" or "divine manifestation". It is one of the Great Feasts of the liturgical year being third in rank, behind only Pascha (Easter) and Pentecost in importance. Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 6

In traditional Christian churches Christmas as well as Easter are celebrated as a period of time, a season of the church year, rather than just a day. The Season of Christmas begins with the First Sunday of Advent ( or the 17th of November as observed by the Celtic and Eastern traditions)marked by expectation and anticipation, and concludes with Epiphany

Epiphany a word of Greek origin means an appearance, a displaying, a showing forth, a making clear, public or obvious. On this day, Christians traditionally celebrate the making known of Jesus to the world, the Incarnation,

readings for epiphany
Psalm 72; Isaiah 60:1-6,9; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

for more information about Epiphany

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(Christian)

The picture is the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan by Andrea Del Verrachio assited by Leonardo DiVinci.

http://www.lairweb.org.nz/leonardo/baptism.html