HolyTransfigurationOrthodoxChurcH

Karlo Irakli Tarinas, an Orthodox Christian kisses a crucifix presented by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul

Karlo Irakli Tarinas, a 29-year-old Orthodox Christian kisses a crucifix he retrieved from the cold waters of Golden Horn in the Bosphorus during a ceremony celebrating baptism of Jesus Christ, Istanbul, January 6, 2005. Swimmers raced to retrieve the wooden crucifix thrown by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of world's orthodox Christians, into the Bosphorus traditionally following a mass at Aya Yorgi Church marking the Epiphany Day attended by hundreds of ethnic Greeks and visitors from Greece.

We are planning a new church. It was suggested that we research options online. Although the church planning is in its infancy, here is a drawing I found.

Notice, there is a bell tower! As well, there are "two" buildings connected by a "breezeway" (some of the suggestions I'd heard already). There are large detailed drawings including floor plans here. As well, there are a few other churches and diagrams on this page (of which these drawings may also be helpful … especially the entrance canopy drawings ¹).

Katholikon of Monastery of Daphni: Mosaic Depicting the Baptism of Christ

Vespers are celebrated at 5:30 pm, this evening (Saturday). The Liturgy includes special prayers for Theophany.

The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on January 6. The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God.

We've only had icons for the deacon door less than a month. They've only recently been installed (within the past couple of weeks). I was there when they took the icons out of their shipping crates! It was a very happy moment: We celebrated the occasion. I don't recall when they were blessed with holy water (I believe that ceremony was performed at the St. Nicholas service this past Sunday). I do know that the Father typically performs a blessing on new acquisitions (I was at the church when the chair lift for the front stairs was blessed).