Epiphany 2024 - cancelled!

Note- we are cancelling the Epiphany service listed below due to inclement weather! If we have it, Fr. Ben will teach on epiphany and offer a blessing of the chalk at Adult Forum Sunday morning.

Join us as we commemorate the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6 2023! We will have Holy Eucharist, Rite II, in the Chapel at 4:30p.

Epiphany is both the conclusion of the Christmas story, with the arrival of the three wise men, as well as the beginning of the unfolding story of Jesus’ life and ministry. This feast has been celebrated by early Christians since before the Christmas season took shape. At it, we will include a Blessing of the Chalk, and the Epiphany Proclamation!

The Blessing of the Chalk is an ancient tradition that connects the Magi (Wise Men) and the Hospitality of Mary and Joseph with our own homes, and blessing them. Traditionally chalk is blessed and a door is marked with chalk in the following manner:

20 + C + M + B + 24

20 and 24 represent the year (the second set of digits changes every year). The ‘+’s represent the cross of Christ, and C, M, and B have two meanings. First, they are the traditional names of the Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. It is also a blessing in Latin: Christus mansionem benedicat, or may Christ Bless this House (mansion). Those who come will be sent home with a blessed piece of Chalk and instructions on how to chalk their own homes to pass that blessing on!

The Epiphany Proclamation is another Christian tradition that dates back to before calendars were in widespread use. Clergy would “announce” the date of Easter, and gradually the other major feasts at Epiphany. This year we will read the proclamation and share it online as well for those who are not able to be present for the service.