The Holy Theophany or Baptism of our Lord and God Jesus Christ.
When Jesus Christ was 30 years old, He has gone to the river Jordan to John the Baptist to be christened by him. At first John refused, and said
"I have to be christened by you, and you came to me". But Jesus replied: "
Let it go, we need to fulfill the truth". Then John christened Him. When Jesus Christ came out of the water, suddenly the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit came down onto Him in the form of the dove and the voice was heard from the heaven from God the Father: "
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased".
Since during Christening of the Lord the Holy
Trinity appeared, this holy day is called Appearance of God (Bogoiavlenie).
Christening of the Lord is observed on January, 6/19. On this Holy Day, in churches, water is blessed twice. First time after the Liturgy which is served a day before the Holy Day (January, 5/18). This water is referred to as "Evening Water". The second time on the day of the Holy Day after the Liturgy, there is a Cross procession which is called "Walk to Jordan". During this walk the water, which is called "Christening water" is blessed.
Troparion, tone 1
Trinity made its appearance.
For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, when He called Thee His beloved Son.
And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truth of the word.
O Christ our God Who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
Konlakion, tone 4:
Thou hast appeared today to the world, and Thy light,
O Lord, has been signed upon us who with full knowledge sing to Thee.
Thou hast come, Thou hast appeared, O Unapproachable Light.
