Epiphany 2018 Season Schedule for Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

Contrary to popular belief, the weeks preceding Christmas are not the Christmas season. The traditional Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, also known in the Orthodox Church as the Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. This season concludes with the Feast of Theophany (Epiphany) on January 6. Theophany is one of the most important Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church. Whereas Epiphany in the Western churches commemorates the visitation of the three Magi, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan on Theophany. This event also marks the manifestation (“epiphany” in ancient Greek) of the Holy Trinity and the beginning of Christ’s ministry. We bless holy water both at the church and at a body of running water, in our case, Alhambra Beach of Massapequa. Orthodox Christians use the holy water of Theophany to bless and sanctify their homes for the coming year. Orthodox Christians believe that since the Son of God has taken human flesh and has been immersed in the streams of the Jordan, all matter is sanctified and made pure in Him.

We welcome the Long Island community to worship and celebrate with us during this holy season. The schedule of services is found below. All services are conducted in English.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is located at 369 Green Avenue in East Meadow. For more information, call 516-483-3649, email info@htocem.org, or visit www.htocem.org.

Eve of Theophany, January 5

· Royal Hours served at 8:00 AM.

· The Divine Liturgy is celebrated at 9:30 AM.

· The Vigil (Great Compline and Matins) is held at 7:00 PM.

Feast of Theophany, January 6

· The Divine Liturgy is celebrated at 9:30 AM.

· The Great Blessing of Water will be held at Alhambra Beach, Massapequa at 1:00 PM.

Sunday after Theophany, January 7

· The Divine Liturgy is celebrated at 9:30 AM.

· Coffee hour will follow the service.

· Holy water will be available to all. Please bring a bottle.

About Holy Trinity Church:

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, founded in 1924, was the first Orthodox Christian parish established in the Nassau/Suffolk area. Holy Trinity Church is a parish of the autocephalous Orthodox Church in America. Originally founded by Russian and Eastern European immigrants, the parish now encompasses Orthodox Christians of all traditional Orthodox ethnicities as well as many converts. All services are conducted in English. Holy Trinity Church proclaims the Gospel to all people on Long Island and has been engaged in many local and international philanthropic projects.