The Eastern Church has long celebrated Epiphany as the Baptism of the Lord, when the 30-year-old Jesus was manifested as God and King at the River Jordan before thousands of people. The Church also threw in the mystery of Cana on this day, the first public manifestation of Christ's great miracles. "And the disciples began to believe in Him," writes St. John after the miracle of 150 gallons of water made wine at Cana.
A venerable tradition of the Church today, on the Eve of Epiphany, is to bless the waters. Today I will bless several hundred gallons of water, brought by hundreds of the faithful, in the annual blessing of Epiphany Water. If you are nearby, bring a gallon or two of your own to Star of the Sea Church at 6pm tonight. This water will refresh and sanctify your family throughout the year.