The Theophany of Our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Epistle: Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7

(2:11) Brethren, the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearance of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he may redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (3:4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercyHe saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; 6 which He shed on us abundadntly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

13 At that time, Jesus cometh from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbade Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. 16 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: 17 and lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Troparion, tone 1 When thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father bore witness to thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, proclaimed the truth of His words. O Lord, who hast revealed thyself, Glory be to thee!