Theophany – The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and Its Significance at St. Nicholas and St. George Church in Woodside, NY

On January 6, Orthodox Christians worldwide celebrate Theophany, also known as Epiphany, a holy day dedicated to the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist. This feast marks a central moment in the liturgical year, commemorating the revelation of the Holy Trinity: the Son is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, and the voice of the Father is heard from heaven, proclaiming the divinity of Christ: “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Theophany is not merely a historical commemoration but also a time of spiritual renewal for the faithful. On the eve of the feast and on Theophany Day, the Great Blessing of the Waters is performed, during which Holy Water, known as the “Great Agiasma,” is sanctified. This water is given to the faithful to use in their homes for blessing, protection, and spiritual strengthening. Through this sacred service, believers renew their covenant with God, and the entire community reaffirms its unity in faith.

At St. Nicholas and St. George Church in Woodside, NY, Theophany is celebrated with prayer, devotion, and love under the guidance of the parish priest, Father Marius Dumitrescu. Father Marius, a dedicated servant of the altar, is known for his deep care for the parishioners and for the warmth and understanding with which he welcomes everyone who crosses the church’s threshold. Under his leadership, this parish continues to be a place of communion, prayer, and the strengthening of Orthodox faith. During Theophany, Father Marius ensures that the profound beauty and significance of this feast are brought into the hearts of the faithful through his insightful sermons and his efforts to organize events that unite the community.

A Tribute to Father Vasile Vasilache

For the community of St. Nicholas and St. George Church, January 6 holds a double significance. It is also the day, in 2003, when Father Vasile Vasilache, the founder and spiritual protector of this church, fell asleep in the Lord.

Father Vasile Vasilache was a model of self-sacrificing service, dedicating his life to proclaiming the Gospel and supporting Romanian Orthodox Christians in the American diaspora. Through his love for faith and the Romanian people, he established a united community, and the church he founded became a sanctuary of peace, hope, and Christian love.

The spiritual legacy of Father Vasile lives on in the prayers of the faithful and in the devoted efforts of Father Marius Dumitrescu, who continues his mission with dedication. Today’s parish priest’s care for the well-being of the parishioners and his commitment to preserving Orthodox faith among the Romanian community testify to the continuity of the missionary work begun by Father Vasile.

From Theophany to the Synaxis of St. John the Baptist

Theophany is followed on January 7 by the Synaxis of St. John the Baptist, a day when we honor the one who prepared the way for the Lord and bore witness to Christ. These two connected feasts underline the message of salvation brought by Christ and the call for each of us to cleanse our souls and turn to God.

Theophany, with its profound spiritual meaning, is a day of blessing, sanctification, and communion for the faithful of St. Nicholas and St. George Church in Woodside, NY. Through the devotion and pastoral care of Father Marius Dumitrescu, this feast becomes an occasion to strengthen the spiritual bonds within the community and to reaffirm the Orthodox faith.

May the light of Theophany guide our steps in everything we do, and may our prayers serve as a bridge of love between generations past and those yet to come. We pray for the repose of the soul of Father Vasile Vasilache, the founder of this holy church, and for the health and strength of Father Marius Dumitrescu, as he continues the noble mission of shepherding this vibrant Orthodox community.