Forefeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Commemorated on January 4.

The third day of the Forefeast of Theophany falls on January 4. The hymns compare the Feast of the Nativity with the coming Feast. “There shepherds saw the Child and were amazed; here the voice of the Father proclaims the only-begotten Son.”

Troparion

Prepare, O Zebulon,
and adorn yourself, O Naphtali;
river Jordan, cease flowing
and receive with joy the Master coming to be baptized.
Adam, rejoice with our First Mother
and do not hide yourself as you did of old in Paradise;
for having seen you naked,
He has appeared to clothe you with the first garment.
Christ has appeared to renew all creation.

Kontakion

Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John:
“Do not be afraid to baptize me.
For I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man.”