Happy Epiphany!
January 6 is one of the most beautiful and significant holidays in our Orthodox calendar. This is the day that marks the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. On this day we believe that the heavens open up and the Holy Spirit descends upon Christ in bodily form like a dove. The Epiphany, or St. Jordan's Day, is also celebrated as Krastov day, Voditsi, or Vodokrashti. On this day people hoping for good health during the year would bathe or wash themselves in the river. Settlements that have ponds organize a ritual of throwing of the cross by the local priest. A solemn liturgy, called the Great Water Service, is held after the cross is taken out of the water. It is used to sanctify water in the temples and people take some of it home. This water is believed to repel disease and purify the soul. Holy water is kept in the household through the year and is to be used in times of trouble. If people feel sick, sprinkling holy water on them is believed to help them get better!
The following people celebrate January 6 as their name day: Bogomil, Bonislav, Yordan, Yordanka, Dancho, Bogdan, Bogdana, Bozhidar, Dinko, Dino, Dana, Dan, Bozhan, Bozhana, Bozhil, Boyan, Boyana, and others.
Happy holiday!
