Epiphany in Cyprus (06/01)

The Day of Epiphany in Cyprus is called the day of St. Epiphanius or Photus. Otherwise, Phota is called the Feast of Light (from the Greek photo — light). In ancient times, there was a custom to baptize people on this night, that is, to educate them spiritually.

In 332 and 342 AD, major earthquakes occurred in Cyprus, causing serious damage to the island. The cities of Salamis, Paphos and other cities in Cyprus were destroyed. Salamis was restored after four years at the expense of Constantine, son of Emperor Constantine the Great. The city of Salamis was therefore renamed Constance. Paphos regained its status as the capital of Cyprus and became the seat of an episcopal see. The first archbishop of Cyprus was Epiphanius, who led the Church of Cyprus from 386 to 403 and was subsequently canonized.

Epiphanius himself, a man who worked so hard for the benefit of Cyprus, was born in Palestine. At the age of 17, he firmly decided that he would accept the sacrament of Baptism and become a Christian. From Palestine, Epiphanius retired to the monasteries of Egypt and spent three years there, fascinated by history, comprehending the foundations of asceticism and its traditions. After taking monastic vows, he returned to his homeland and was then consecrated as Bishop of Salamis-Constance in Cyprus. He remained in this rank for 33 years until his death.

The day of glorification of this saint will coincide with the Feast of Epiphany, so January 6 — is a very significant holiday for Cypriots.

This day is also called the Day of the Three Magi. As you know, the Magi came to worship the born Savior not empty-handed, but with gifts: gold, incense and myrrh. It is on Epiphany that children collect the largest harvest of gifts. Hotels, money, souvenirs, books and toys are given to children by relatives and guests. People receive especially generous congratulations on this day from their godparents.

On the entire Mediterranean coast of Cyprus, the sacrament of water consecration is celebrated on the holiday. The local bishop takes a large cross out of the temple and goes to the shore with a religious procession along with his flock and with everyone who wants it. Under solemn church chants, the bishop lowers the cross into the sea and consecrates the water with special prayer.

Women try to visit the church on the eve of the holiday, where they bless the water for the house, so that when they return, they can sprinkle it on their home. They also save water in order to sprinkle the land around the house, and in rural areas they sprinkle land and livestock with Holy Water (agiasma). Also, as a rule, women try to take fire from the lamp in front of the icon of the Mother of God after the festive service, so that prosperity always reigns in the house and there is no place for the cunning tricks of crafty spirits.

Sometimes you can observe such a picture. According to an ancient tradition passed on to the Cypriots by their ancestors, young people jump into the water to quickly catch up with a cross thrown into the sea from the shore. It is believed that the man who picks up the cross first will receive a special blessing for the whole year. But this — is the only prank that Cypriots allow themselves in relation to water. Otherwise, everything goes according to established strict rules.

According to popular belief, on the night before the holiday, all water becomes blessed. But it’s in vain to indulge in it and you can’t disturb the water. You need to take care of the cleanliness of your body and your home in advance in order to celebrate the holiday only in pleasant troubles.

Epiphany in Cyprus is a — public holiday and a day off, so you can safely go on a visit, go outside, or go to a cafe. There will be fun anywhere! Dances, songs, competitions take place everywhere — on such a day there is no reason for despondency and bad mood!

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