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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Epiphany (Jan. 6 annually) and Theophany (Orthodox term some traditions): definitions

from PBS "Religion and Ethics News Weekly" web main page:
Tuesday is January 6, the date of the Feast of the Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.
In Western churches, the focus of Epiphany is on the visit of the three kings / magoi (Matthew chapter 2). Many Orthodox Christians observe the Theophany by jumping into an icy river to retrieve a cross thrown in by an Orthodox priest, and the water is believed to bring health and purification.
Most Orthodox Christian churches will celebrate Christmas on January 7.

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