The significance of Epiphany and its continuation of Christmas

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Christmas may be over for us, but for others, the last day of Christmas is almost here.

Saturday is Epiphany, which is the 12th day of Christmas.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan by John the Baptist.

In Roman Catholicism, Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Three Magi, or “Wise Men” to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus.

Steven Klund is the pastor of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

He said while everyone loves Christmas, Epiphany helps teach the bigger meaning of it.

“You know people understand the flashy things, the grand entrances, we understand Christmas and gift giving and all of the things that come with it,” Klund said. “And I think that there’s a deeper message behind that, a message of hope and I think Epiphany starts to expand on that conversation, deepen that conversation, deepen that understanding to a more profound faith.”

A common way to celebrate Epiphany is with a cross dive, where a wooden cross is blessed and then thrown into a body of water.

Parishioners then dive down to get the cross.

Saint Nicholas will be holding its cross dive on Saturday, January 6th at 10:30 am at Bluewater in Wrightsville Beach.

Registration for divers is closed, but anyone is welcome to watch.