by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

The Feast of the Epiphany, which has been called “Three Kings Day,” ”Little Christmas” and other names around the world, is a holiday that is observed annually on January 6 while standing as one of the oldest and most profound celebrations in the liturgical calendar. This feast commemorates the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

In our Western Christianity, it primarily honors the visit of the Magi, often referred to as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, to the infant Jesus. This was to symbolize the inclusion of Gentiles, non-Jewish, in God’s salvation plan.

In Eastern Christianity, known as Theophany, the focus shifts to Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, where the Holy Trinity is dramatically revealed with the Father’s voice from heaven, saying “this is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased,” and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove. In either event, and most important, it highlights Jesus as the light for all nations and the Eternal Savior.

For us Roman Catholics, this holy day marks the end of the Christmas season with the culmination of the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is a wonderful period of joy and reflection. It is the liturgical season known as, “Twelvetide,” the celebration of the Incarnation, from the  Nativity on December 25 to the arrival of the Magi on January 6. 

It is important to note that this Feast not only bridges the Nativity with the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, but also embodies themes of light overcoming darkness, enlightenment, and universal redemption. Across the globe, it blends solemn religious rites with vibrant cultural customs, from parades and gift-giving to water blessings and feasts. In an increasingly secular world, the Epiphany reminds believers of divine intervention in human history, offering a moment to ponder the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, and the Manifestation. 

Strangely enough, when you do the research, you find out that historically, the Epiphany, has evolved from a unified feast which encompassed multiple events in Christ’s life to distinct emphases in Eastern and Western churches. Interestingly, its significance extends beyond theology into art, literature, and community life, influencing everything from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to our modern Carnival seasons. I thought it would be interesting to explore the history, biblical roots,  observances, and traditions of this Feast. We will also dive into how this feast continues to illuminate faith and culture in the 21st century. 

The term “Epiphany” originates from the Greek word epipháneia, which translates to “manifestation” or “striking appearance.”

This word stems from the verb phainein, meaning “to appear” or “to bring to light.”

Within the biblical context, the Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, is used to denote manifestations of the God of Israel, as in 2 Maccabees. I know..allot to understand…LOL.

In the New Testament, epiphaneia appears in passages like 2 Timothy which refers to Christ’s incarnation, His post resurrection appearances, and multiple times in relation to His Second Coming at the end of time. Essentially, it underscores the feast’s core theme, which is the unveiling of the divine truth to humanity. As I mentioned earlier, the Greek Orthodox tradition calls it “ta Theophánia,” emphasizing God’s self-revelation, or The Day of the Lights, highlighting illumination and  baptismal themes. In Arabic-speaking regions like Egypt, it’s known as Eid al-Ghitas, evoking the immersion or “dipping” associated with baptism. 

Despite all the different names, the meaning of Epiphany transcends is much clearer. It addresses humanity’s spiritual blindness caused by sin and the need for the divine light to reveal truths. In the Eastern perspective, it signifies God’s reclamation of creation through Christ’s baptism, restoring harmony disrupted by the Fall of man with Adam and Eve. In our Western world, interpretations focus on the Magi’s adoration as a revelation to all nations, promoting inclusivity. In both cases, the Epiphany represents enlightenment. Christ, as the Light of the World, guiding believers from ignorance to faith.  

History tells us that the origins of the Epiphany trace back to the early Christian Church, seemingly emerging in the 2nd  century among Greek-speaking communities. Early references suggest it began as a celebration of Jesus’ baptism, with groups observing it around January 6 or 10 as early as AD 200, according to writings of Clement of Alexandria. By AD 361, Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus documented it as a feast day, combining Christ’s birth and baptism. This dual focus reflected a broader commemoration of Christ’s manifestations which would include the Nativity, the Magi’s visit, his baptism, and the miracle at Cana.

In the 4th century, as Christianity started to spread, things started to evolve. Epiphanius of Salamis, a bishop of Salamis, Cyprus at the end of the 4th century, is considered a saint and a Church Father by the Eastern Orthodox. In 374 he assigned January 6 to Christ’s birth and the Cana miracle, while placing the baptism on November 6. 

Meanwhile, by 354, the West began separating the Nativity to December 25. Interestingly, early Christians believed Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same anniversary day. If Jesus died on March 25th, which is the date of the Annunciation, then his birth would be nine months later, which would be on December 25th. This shift allowed the Epiphany to emphasize the Magi’s visit in the West, symbolizing revelation and inclusion to Gentiles.

The Council of Tours in 567 formalized December 25 for Christmas and January 6 for Epiphany, establishing the Twelve Days of Christmas. In the East, Theophany retained its baptismal focus affirming Christ’s divinity and the Trinity. These episodes collectively highlight themes of  revelation, light, and redemption. In Eastern theology, baptism dominates, illuminating the Trinity and sanctifying  creation. Western focus is on the Magi underscoring missionary outreach.  

For clarification, when I use the term, in Western Christianity, I am encompassing the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and other Protestant denominations of the western world. The Feast falls on January 6, though in the U.S., it’s transferred to the nearest Sunday for pastoral reasons, such as January 4 in 2026. 

Cultural observances around the world blend religion with festivity. In Spain and Latin America, it is known as Día de los Reyes Magos, meaning Three Kings Day, with parades depicting the Kings on camels, distributing sweets. Children leave shoes out for gifts, echoing the Magi’s offerings. In Mexico, the Rosca de Reyes, a ring-shaped sweet cake with a hidden baby figurine, (sound familiar?) symbolizes Jesus’ hidden divinity.

The finder of the baby in the cake hosts a party on Candlemas. Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, is the day Mexicans commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary  after childbirth, according to Jewish law and the presentation of Christ in the Temple.

France’s Galette des Rois, or King Cake, is a traditional French pastry eaten to celebrate the Epiphany which hides a fève (bean), crowning the finder of the bean,  king or queen.

In Ireland, Epiphany is called “Little Christmas,” where women rest while men manage household tasks, enjoying tea and treats. Poland observes Trzech Króli as a public holiday with processions. In the U.K., Twelfth Night Wassailing is an ancient English winter tradition that involves visiting orchards to sing, make noise, and offer spiced cider to apple trees to scare off evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest. This later evolves into house-to-house caroling and communal toasts with a spiced drink called wassail, which means, “be well.”

In Middle Eastern customs, awamat, a honey drizzled fried dough, is shared, while priests visit homes with holy water for blessings. All of these observances foster community, charity, and reflection on Christ’s universal kingship. 

Of course, we all know of the major tradition worldwide that we Christians share on the Epiphany. All over the world, chalk marks doors of Christian homes with “C+M+B+” and the year, invoking Christ’s blessing. The interpretation of  the C, M, B as Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar (The Three Kings) or the term, Christus mansionem benedicat. Christus mansionem benedicat is a Latin phrase meaning May Christ bless this house. 

In our contemporary society, Epiphany retains spiritual depth amid our world’s crazy and divisive trends. Themes of the Epiphany address modern “blindness” to truth, promoting hope and unity. As I mentioned earlier, this coming Feast Day of  the Epiphany will be celebrated on Sunday January 4, 2026.

Here in our hometown, Bishop Louis F. Kihneman, III, Bishop of the Biloxi Diocese, will lead the Eucharistic Celebration at Holy Family Parish, Menge and Evangeline Drive in Pass Christian, at the 8:30 am mass. It can be  a special way for you and your families to celebrate this holy day. 

The Feast of the Epiphany is a day we reflect on exposing to the world that Jesus is the light of the world, the Son of God  and the Eternal Savior. We are invited to encounter Christ’s light and then shine that light on the rest of the world.

It is as good place to start the New Year on a positive note and use the Feast of the Epiphany to let the Lord know we will answer His call. You are all invited to come to the mass led by our Bishop on January 4 and celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with the whole community.

A Blessed Christmas Season and a Happy Healthy New Year to you and your families…Peace my  Brothers ands Sisters until next week…