Feast of the Theophany in Melbourne

Clergy and parishioners of the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Melbourne gathered for joint prayer on the occasion of the Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is one of the oldest Christian feasts and one of the biggest feasts in the liturgical year. Fr. Myroslav Vons, an assistant priest of the Cathedral, protodeacon Edward Kostraby, and deacon Michael Zylan co-served the bishop.

Reflecting on the history and meaning of the feast of the Theophany, Bishop Mykola noted that the main message of this holiday is that God does not abandon man, and this holiday itself is very revealing. “God in the person of Jesus Christ comes to be baptised. A God who is holy, a God who does not need a baptism of repentance. But he, being also a man, seems to show all of us this great example to follow.”

Addressing the audience, Bishop Mykola emphasised that today’s feast also aims to remind us of our baptism. After all, although most of us do not remember the moment of our baptism, this event should remind us that after baptism we must change our lives. “That is why today we sing, ‘All you who have been baptized into Christ has been clothed with Christ.’ Every person who is baptised cannot live as he did before. She must constantly live in repentance and conversion to God. She should, as it were, clothe herself in Christ, in all those virtues, in that holiness, in that perfection,” Bishop Mykola emphasised.

After the Liturgy, the Rite of consecration of water took place, with which Bishop Mykola generously sprinkled all those present. And so, everyone was able to take some Jordan water to his home.

See also

January 7 Pastoral visit of Bishop Mykola to Tasmania, January 25–26 January 5 Solemn opening of the Jubilee Year in Melbourne December 30 Bishop Mykola to the members of the CYM in Buxton: “We remember all those who are fighting for independence at this very moment”