The Feast of Theophany, celebrated on January 6th in the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic Church (according to the Julian calendar), is one of the most significant and joyful celebrations in the liturgical calendar. The feast commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, an event that is also seen as a manifestation (or epiphany) of the Holy Trinity—God the Father’s voice from heaven, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove. Theophany marks not only the revelation of Christ as the Son of God but also the sanctification of all creation through water. It is a day of spiritual renewal and a reminder of the purification that comes through baptism.
On the feast day, Ukrainian churches hold special liturgical services to honor this momentous event. The day begins with the Divine Liturgy, where the faithful gather to receive the Word of God and partake in the sacrament of the Eucharist. During the service, the church emphasizes the theological significance of Christ’s baptism, connecting it to the broader themes of salvation, purification, and the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
A key part of the liturgy is the Blessing of the Water, which takes place during the Great Blessing of the Waters service. This blessing is one of the most sacred and revered rituals of Theophany, symbolizing the sanctification of water and its transformative power. Just as Jesus sanctified the waters of the Jordan River, the water is blessed so that it becomes a means of grace, healing, and protection for all believers.
After the indoor church service, the outdoor blessing of water is one of the most iconic and dramatic parts of the Theophany celebration in Ukraine. In many areas, this takes place at rivers, lakes, or even the sea, often in a ritual known as the Blessing of the Waters by the Ice Cross. A cross made of ice is often placed in the water, and the priest leads the faithful in a solemn procession, where they sing hymns and prayers. The priest then blesses the water, symbolically reenacting Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River.
In some places, people will even dive into the icy waters as a sign of their faith and desire for purification, which is believed to bring spiritual renewal. This tradition is not only a beautiful expression of faith but also emphasizes the power of water as a means of purification and sanctification. It is a profound symbol of the baptismal grace that all Christians receive through the Holy Spirit, and the courage of the faithful to enter the cold water demonstrates their commitment to renewal.
On the Feast of Theophany and in the days following, many Ukrainian homes are visited by the priest for a house blessing. The priest brings the blessed water from the church and sprinkles it throughout the home, marking each room and the entrance with the sign of the cross. This ritual symbolizes the sanctification of the home and the protection of the family by God’s grace. It is believed that the blessed water drives away evil and brings blessing, peace, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Families often prepare their homes for the priest’s visit by placing icons of Christ or the Holy Trinity in the main areas, lighting candles, and gathering to pray together. The priest will also offer prayers for health, peace, and well-being, asking for God’s blessings to fill the home with grace and protection.
The Feast of Theophany is a profound celebration in the Ukrainian tradition, one that encapsulates both the joy of Christ’s manifestation as the Son of God and the deep spiritual renewal that comes through baptism. The blessing of the water—whether indoors at church, outdoors at the ice cross, or in the home—symbolizes the purification of all creation and the sanctification of the faithful. As families gather to receive blessed water, share a meal, sing carols, and offer prayers for the new year, the Feast of Theophany becomes a time of joy, reflection, and community—a reminder of the divine grace that continues to flow into the world and into each believer’s heart.
