Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season in many Christian traditions, but it is also observed as celebrating the Visit of the Magi (Luke 2). In the West we have few traditions surrounding this Feast (King Cake, anyone?). But in Eastern (Orthodox) Churches, Christians commemorate the day with a surprising custom.   In  Greece , Epiphany (Jan 6) is a public holiday, and is focused not on the Visit of the Magi but rather marks the Baptism of Jesus Christ. In the Blessing

The Baptism of Christ, early 6th century. Ceiling mosaic, Arian Baptistery, Ravenna, Italy. Photo: Peter Milošević Mark 1:1-8   John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his wa

“The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God: 2  As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3  the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”   4  John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and we