Theophany/Epiphany: Breaking 400 Years of Silence

Some missed Thanksgiving/Christmas columns this season appreciating lack of AI content/feel reading “Think” submissions to the Gazette. Not sure how to take that... further observation of poor wordsmith skills which have grown more endearing? Certainly not my human text superior to artificial. This piece emphasizes 400 years of silence in Old Testament biblical writings; prolog to Jesus enlightenment in His teachings and wisdom on the journey to Calvary/Pascha.

Every January 6th or 19th, dependant upon the New or Old Calendar, Orthodox Christians celebrate Theophany (known as Epiphany in the West) commemorating Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River, recognizing/venerating the start of His ‘public’ ministry. Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian [1/5/26] wrote, “Placing at the heart of the liturgical experience the sacramental role of water in transmitting God’s grace. From the frozen lakes of Minnesota to the balmy shores of Florida, and from the Pacific to the Atlantic, Orthodox Christians come together to bless waters — whether in a small font or a mighty river — by plunging a cross into them. The most courageous participants, often braving icy waters, compete to retrieve the cross, a powerful act symbolizing faith and renewal. These celebrations transcend mere historical reenactments of ecclesial events from 2,000 years ago. They serve as visible signs of the Church’s mission in the world, embodying its sacramental reality. By entering the waters of baptism, Christians participate in Christ’s death and resurrection.” Kazarian cited St. Paul:

By our baptism, then, we are buried with Him and share His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life. Romans 6:4

Western Christians more often align Epiphany with the Magi, highlighting Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles. Root translation of Theophany is “manifestation of God” aligned with more encompassing divine revelation of the Holy Trinity enabling a more complete, closer understanding/relationship with God. Kazarian again cited St. Paul to explain Christ’s illumination and meaning for Christians today:

For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised with Him through your faith in the active power of God, who raised Him from death. Colossians 2:12

Through baptism, Christians affirm faith in the Holy Trinity; unification with Christ in Death and Resurrection. In the Orthodox tradition, home blessings are an integral part of the Theophany/Epiphany celebration, inviting the priest to bless their residence during this season. While not done at our rural home these past decades, nonetheless we pray God blesses our home each Theophany knowing how tenuously homes are respected/easily taken residing in one of the most corrupt areas in the State.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66623746

By Unknown author - Ancient Icon, CC BY-SA 4.0,

In keeping with reader comments of past seasonal columns, I’ll revisit some. The column receiving the most attention addressed the ‘Sovelika’ of East Alabama’s Sodom and Gomorrah. Reporting on Opelika faithful entering 2025 in prayer for Epiphany

(https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2024/12/01/opinion/after-another-snopelika-job-some-lee-county-faithful-still-pray-for-epiphany/5131.html) in fact witnessed (re)installing Nimrod tree, Gig City, BCA folly subsidies, etc. candidates. Little hope for restoring a better quality of life in this once delightful town I now avoid. Tax incentives increasingly burden existing businesses and citizens neglected proffering cancerous growth which will plague Opelika/Auburn next economic contraction... inevitably terrible to witness in places where government is god. All who know the Power of Jesus Christ’s teachings and take Him into their hearts must overcome the distraction of consumerism, Gig Cities, a State’s Tallest Pagan Tree and destruction by politburo members who’ve made government their god. With the exception of modern nimrods - who doubts the ‘Trump Tower of Babble’ will soon fall?

For those unfamiliar with the Christian heritage I was raised in, excerpts from my 2021 Christmas column [https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2021/12/01/opinion/christ-is-born-glorify-him/2272.html] explain many orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day circa January 7th to remember Jesus Christ's birth. This date uses the Julian calendar which pre-dates the Gregorian calendar, more commonly applied/used today. Santa (along with the Easter Bunny) was something morphed into my grandparents’ ‘New World’ education. The ‘Santa Claus’ of my grandparents’ understanding began with Nicholas, born in the village of Patara in 3rd century Asia Minor, then part of Greece on the southern coast of now Turkish territory. Wealthy parents raised Nicholas a devout Christian; they died in an epidemic while he was young.

Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used all his inheritance to aid and comfort needy, sick, and suffering. This great dedication to serve God shepherded Nicholas to coronation as Bishop of Myra at a very young age where he became known for generosity to those in need, his joyful love of children, and genuine concern for sailors. Under Roman Emperor Diocletian (a ruthless persecutor of Christians) Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith... exiled and imprisoned. Prisons were full of bishops, priests, and deacons hated by despotic Romans as Christians received more favour and respect as ones truly “Philoptochos” - i.e., “Friends of the Poor.” After his release (surviving imprisonment) Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325; died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and buried in his cathedral church. Anniversaries of his death became a celebration day in remembrance (St. Nicholas Day) on December 6th; December 19th on the Julian calendar. Continuous veneration of any person who died almost 1700 years ago in the Spirit of Christ is noteworthy. Understandable why ‘progressive’ national socialists championing more command and control government would want St. Nicholas’ story modified.

A favorite Gazette Christmas column (https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2019/12/01/opinion/mary-and-joseph-unplanned-parenthood-33bc/1790.html) from 2019 addressed the theme of ‘unplanned’ (in this world) birth we venerate each year evoking a similarly titled 2015 Christmas column. After accusation of over-emphasis upon the ‘tax-terror kings’ part of the story - i.e., the cruel tax Caesar Augustus levied coercing Mary and Joseph’s travail to Bethlehem determining Christ’s birthplace -- it focused on the righteous example of this brave union in God’s love who brought Jesus into this world 2,000 years ago. Modern application cited US District Court Judge Myron Thompson’s 2015 Planned Parenthood ruling, further assaulting civil rights of citizens who do not wish to subsidize infanticide. Thompson AGAIN in the Christmas season news for reinserting the federal government into the abortion debate, some still ask why Hyde amendment prohibiting use of federal funds for abortion (except cases where the mother's life is in danger or pregnancy results from incest/incest) didn’t apply to his flawed injunction ruling. Hyde addressed a symptom; the source of the problem is unconstitutional federal programs/policies like Medicare/Medicaid imposed by extremists scores ago. In a world of ‘fungiblity’ Hyde doesn’t matter; sad how many churches allow government(s) to be their moral compass instead of God’s word. A remarkable thing to recall each Christmas season is God’s willingness to send His Son into a world which shown (since Adam & Eve) a strong proclivity to sin/NOT follow God’s will.

Matthew 1:18-20 explains Joseph’s love for Mary and belief in God was so strong he followed the angel’s instructions to continue the betrothed course and not quietly divorce Mary as she was indeed bringing the Son of God into this world. I find the two Josephs among the most ‘unsung heroes’ of the Bible. Joseph’s (of Nazareth) courage in bringing Jesus into this world and Joseph’s (of Arimathea) courage to go to Pilate for Jesus’ body/preparation for burial exiting this world and His revealed resurrection three days later. Admire Josephs of today who take responsibility for their station. I’ve known good men (and even given testimony in court for some of my former students) who fought to be a part of their child’s lives. I’ve also consoled men who were devastated their child was killed as they were helpless to stop it. The world may be a more grim or more joyful place - God’s word is the key to paradise in the long-run. There was no guarantee Mary and Joseph (especially under such cruel circumstances) would do right; how many young couples today would do a fraction as well? Foolish to assert ‘abortion’ wasn’t known/available then to reduce the illustration of their righteousness. Abortion/infanticide was also an option in 33 BC, Mary and Joseph EARN our veneration each year’s Nativity celebration.

In keeping with the Christmas story, little surprise potentates installed by the central authority used fear and killing of many innocent children to reassert/hold onto power. Matthew 2:1-16 explains Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea during King Herod’s reign as the wise men travelled to Jerusalem from the East asking, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” Following His star, they came to behold and worship Him. Herod was troubled by this and gathered his chief priests and scribes demanding where Christ would be born and they answered Bethlehem. Herod ‘privily’ summoned the wise men and inquired on the star’s appearance. Departing for Bethlehem Herod implored the wise men, “Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” Witnessing newborn Jesus with Mary, they fell down to worship Him giving gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. After God’s caveat in a dream to not return to Herod, the wise men traveled back another way.

Similarly, the Lord’s angel appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt and be thou there until I bring thee word; for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” When Joseph woke, among the most obedient recorded in the Bible, he took young Jesus and Mary by night, departed for Egypt (how’s that for irony?) and remained there until Herod’s death. The wise men averting Herod triggered great rage. King Herod slew all Bethlehem’s children and in the coasts thereof, from two years old and under according to the time he diligently inquired of the wise men. Our modern Roman potentiates are just as adept using fear and killing innocent children as Herod in efforts to (re)affirm power and tyranny.

My first Gazette Christmas column [revisited 2017 https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2017/12/01/opinion/a-decree-from-caesar-augustus-for-all-to-be-taxed/1233.html] remains cherished, contemplating how many were still haunted by Miss Greer Garson’s voice opening narrative [1958 animated] of “The Little Drummer Boy,” one of my few indelible remaining ‘Christmases long past’ memories. Garson read the KJV of Luke 2:1, “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Her narration continued with, “To disobey the Roman Emperor meant certain death,” as the viewer watched the diverse procession to Bethlehem, “…young and old; famous and mighty; and some not yet known, but would be revered for all time. They were good people who could ill afford the cruel tax about to be imposed upon them.” The Gospels make it difficult to dismiss this Roman decree determined Christ’s grim birthplace into this world - in a cave with lowly animals and shepherds in the City of David.

Readers of past columns on despotic taxation weren’t surprised I found it timely to type once again about current politburo machinations unfolding in our modern Rome on the Potomac. I often shepherd those interested in reading more on world tax history from ancient times to present to Prof. Charles Adams’ book entitled, “For Good & Evil: the Impact of Taxes on the Course of Civilization,” which includes how encompassing the power of Rome applied to Christ’s time on earth. Again, Christ’s earthly journey begins with His birthplace soiled and dictated by Roman despotism as Caesar Augustus mandated return to cities of origin to be taxed.

To understand the meaning of Jesus coming from the lineage of David is very powerful, if not predictable to anyone familiar with the history of that era and Old Testament teachings; the emperor’s role in destroying their Empire. Understand the magnitude of the mission Jesus’ Father set Him upon. If you truly believe and adhere to His teachings, it destroys the power of death and darkness in this world. Without this fear Rome’s (and many leviathans to follow) ability to advance despotic ends is thwarted. Jesus shows us the way - have the courage, faith and wisdom to follow. Failing to fight evil and corruption in our everyday lives fails Him and the righteous efforts many suffered so mankind may not be compelled to (re)endure the agony of Roman despotism.

In closing St. Paul reminds us:

You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed with Christ Himself. Galatians 3:27

To clothe oneself in Christ throws off the shame of naked sin from the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden start on Jesus’ path to the Garden of Gethsemane. 400 years of silence under the SPOR [Senate and People of Rome] after finally overwhelming the Greeks - think Pyrrhic victories -- who held Rome at bay as Greece no longer championed Empire over decentralized, more representative rule. As Rome allowed the Grecian model decay into despotic empire, deploying hegemonic tetrarchs like Herod... the self-sacrifice of Cato the Younger types (Cato Uticensis well noted by Dante 13 centuries later) wouldn’t suffice against Caesar Augustus despotism where God speaks again, breaking 400 years of silence. When a scribe hands Jesus the coin to trick Him into “Tiberius, worshipful son of the god Caesar Augustus” fidelity - our Saviour couldn’t be fooled. Indeed, “render under Caesar that which is Caesar’s” but no Caesar, past or present is my God.

Postscript: appreciate feedback on initial AU Perspective submissions. Writing a few times each month on Auburn University, there’ll be less AU content in future Think columns, Deo volente.

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.