Greeks gather to celebrate a different kind of Theophania at Frankston and Geelong

The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) is celebrated each year on 6 January.

The feast commemorates Jesus Christ’s journey from Galilee to Jordan where he sought and received baptism from John the Baptist.

A commemoration of the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity, it is a special day of Orthodoxy. Affected by COVID-19, there was no traditional Great Blessing of Waters marked by cross catchers in many parts of the world, however the feast was commemorated in churches where social distancing was observed.

Today is also the name day of Theofanis, Theofania, Theano, Iordanis, Jordan, Iordania, Dana, Fotios, Fotis, Fotinos, Fotini, Fani, Ourania, Ranyia, Rania, Peristera.

Geelong

In Geelong, the Blessing of the Holy Waters was observed.

Victorious Thomas Anastasopoulos (left) and Fr Kosmas Damianides and Yianni Zavitsanos (right). Photo: Emily Palioudis

Frankston

The Service of the Holy Unction was held by the Greek Orthodox Community of Frankston and Peninsula at 7pm on 5 January on the eve of the feast, followed by a divine liturgy and holy water blessing (sanctification) this morning at Theofania Church.