Celebrating the Holy Day of the Epiphany in the Orthodox Church in New York

A number of clergymen and the Faithful gathered together at the New York church of Saint Eleftherios during the celebration of the Holy Day of Epiphany. 

His Grace Irinej, Bishop of Eastern America led the Divine Liturgy. Accompanying His Grace were the Dean of the Cathedral of St. Sava in New York, V. Rev. Dr. Zivojin Jakovljevic, V. Rev. Aleksa Micich, V. Rev. Protodeacon Milos Zdralic, V. Rev. Protodeacon Dr. Jovan Anicic and Deacon Stefan Djordjic. Srdjan Maksimovic, doctoral candidate in the Department of Theology at Fordham University in New York and George Tomic, graduate student at New York’s St. Vladimir Seminary, sang the responses.

Following the reading of the Gospel, Bishop Irinej reminded those in attendance of the historic significance of the Epiphany and its profound theological message. The meaning of the Epiphany, continued Bishop Irinej, is present in the Holy Trinity, when Christ is baptized and God revealed Himself. His Grace particularly stressed the importance of opening up our spiritual sense of hearing in order to recognize the voice of our Lord, the voice of Jesus Christ, Who, with His descent into the River Jordan, blessed the water and announced His mission to the human race.

At the end of this festive Liturgy, His Grace blessed the water, which the faithful took to their individual homes. One could notice the radiance on the faces of those present and the joy they experienced during this very festive occasion.

Source: Diocese of Eastern America