Epiphany 2023

Epiphany (older and traditional spelling Theophany) is a major Christian celebration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It is celebrated on January 6 and is the third and last celebration of the Twelve Days (Christmas holidays). The name derives from the manifestation of the three persons of the Holy Trinity that occurred according to three relevant Gospel passages. The feast of Epiphany is also called Epiphany, Phota or Phota or Feast of Lights.

In Greece, but also in the countries where there are expatriate Greeks, the Epiphany customs are as follows:

1. On the eve of the holiday and the next day, the children sing the Carols of Lights. From a theological point of view, only what is said on Patmos is considered free from any other influence. They begin with the creation of the world and the day God appointed the waters. They continue with the original sin of Adam and Eve and then announce the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River with a permanent chant "Good day Master with the Lady"
2. The raising of the Cross (the "grasping of the Cross") by swimmers, the divers. He who takes hold of the Cross after first kissing it, carries it around the houses and receives rich gifts. The custom is depicted in the film Maddalena
3. The sanctification of houses by the priests
4. The "washing" of the images
5. The goblin dance