| Dick Fichter, parishioner with support by Rev. Dina |
| January 3, 2024 |
the manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth
EPIPHANY the DAY
| How did Epiphany begin? The winter solstice was kept on Jan. 6 at some places during the first centuries of the Christian Era. In opposition to pagan festivals, Christians chose this day to celebrate the various manifestations, or “epiphanies,” of Jesus’ divinity. These showings of his divinity included his birth, the coming of the Magi, his baptism, and the Wedding at Cana where he miraculously changed water into wine. The day was called “The Feast of Lights.” Celebration of the Son of God replaced celebration of the sun. Baptisms were done, and a season of preparation was instituted. It was later called Advent. Things changed, right? Of course they did. The solstice was kept on Dec. 25 by the fourth century. Jesus’ birth was celebrated on this day in both eastern and western churches. The western church commemorated the coming of the Magi on Jan. 6. The eastern church continued to celebrate the Baptism of our Lord and the Wedding at Cana on Jan. 6. In the east the day was called “Theophany” (manifestation of God). The coming of the Magi is celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, in the BCP. The Baptism of our Lord is celebrated on the First Sunday after the Epiphany. EPIPHANY the SEASON  Why is the season sometimes short and sometimes longer? The length of the season varies according to the date of Easter (more on determining that in a later HDM). Epiphany can be as short as four weeks and as long as nine weeks! It always begins at the Feast of the Epiphany (Jan. 6) and lasts through the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. What Gospel stories do we hear? The gospel stories of this season describe various events that manifest the divinity of Jesus. The coming of the Magi is celebrated on the Epiphany. The Baptism of our Lord is observed on the Sunday after Epiphany. The gospels for the other Sundays of the Epiphany season describe the wedding at Cana, the calling of the disciples, and various miracles and teachings of Jesus. The Last Sunday after the Epiphany is always devoted to the Transfiguration. Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is dramatically revealed in the Transfiguration gospel, as well as the gospel of the baptism of Christ. We are called to respond to Christ in faith through the showings of his divinity recorded in the gospels of the Epiphany season. EPIPHANY here at Epiphany! Epiphany is special to us since we are, after all, The Epiphany Episcopal Church. Technically, our Bylaws provide that we are The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany DBA The Epiphany Episcopal Church. While Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated widely on January 6th, we celebrate it on the Sunday closest to the 6th because it is our namesake. This is also the time of year when we welcome a bishop to come and visit and we often have confirmations, receptions, reaffirmations, and baptisms! Speaking of which, join us this coming Sunday for the Feast of the Epiphany! We will have The Rt. Reverend E. Mark Stevenson joining us and we will have a great reception following our time in worship together and welcoming and receiving so many into the Body of Christ. |
| Sources: (source: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary and the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), The Online Book of Common Prayer (bcponline.org) Do you have any questions for The Camel? Submit them to You can email your questions clergy@epiphanyec.org. Your name will be kept anonymous. |
 God Loves You. No Exceptions. Feast of the Epiphany celebrated at Epiphany on 1/7, 10am Join us for worship with Bishop Stevenson Baptisms, Confirmations, Receptions, & Reaffirmations! Celebratory Fellowship Time to follow |