For the Feast of the Epiphany

(Resp.— Let the bodies rejoice which the Evil One had made naked, that in the water they have put on their glory!)

1. Give thanks, O daughter, that your crownings have been doubled—for lo! Your temples and your sons rejoice.— The dedication of your temples is in the ministration—The dedication of your sons is in the anointing.— Blessed are you that at once......—......the tabernacle for them that dwell in you—and the Spirit has abode upon your sons!

2. Our Lord opened up Baptism— in the midst of Jordan the blessed river.— The height and the depth rejoiced in Him—He brings forth the first fruits of His peace from the water—for they are first fruits, the fruits of Baptism.— The good God in His compassion will bring to pass— that His peace shall be first fruits on earth.

3. Moses stretched out the temporal Tabernacle;— the priests bathed themselves in water—and went in and ministered; and were stricken and punished—because their heart within was not cleansed.— Blessed are you that in the Passover of the great Passion,— the priests by the savour of their oblations,— lo! Are cleansing souls in you!

4. Great was the mystery that the Prophet saw—the torrent that was mighty.— Into its depths he gazed and beheld— your beauty instead of himself; you it was he saw, for your faith passes not away—you whose flood unseen shall overwhelm— the subtleties of idolatry.

5. Though John was great among them that are born of women—yet he that is little is greater than he—in this that his baptized were again baptized—in the baptism that was of the Apostles.— Blessed art you that your priest is greater than he— in this alone that forever— abides his baptism.

6. The baptism that was of Siloam— did not bring mercy to the man that was laid there— who for thirty and eight years awaited it—for he was a respecter of the persons of the Levites.— Blessed art you that your healing is in you for all men—and your priests are devoted and ready— for all that are in need of your help.

7. The Prophet healed the waters that were unwholesome,— and cured the disease of the land that was barren—so that its death was done away and its region resounded, for its offspring increased and its bosom was filled.— Greater is Your grace, Lord, than Elisha's!— Multiply my lambs and my flocks— at the great stream of my fountain!

8. Great is the marvel that is within your abode—the flocks together with the Shepherds,— those at the stream of the waters—two unseen with one manifest who baptizes.— Blessed is he who is baptized in their fountains!— for three arms have upheld him—and three Names have preserved him!