Happy Epiphany Eve: gifs, heartfelt greetings in prose
On January 18, Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve - the evening before one of the main holidays for believers, the Epiphany of the Lord. In 2025, it falls on Saturday. In honor of the holiday, Izvestia prepared shimmering cards and greetings in prose.
Happy Epiphany Eve: shimmering gifs and animations
Epiphany Eve is a day of strict fasting and prayer, preceding the feast of the Epiphany (Epiphany), which the Orthodox celebrate on January 19 (according to the Julian calendar). This evangelical event has a deep spiritual meaning connected with the remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by the prophet John the Baptist.
In the first centuries of Christianity the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord was called Epiphany, because on this day for the first time three faces of the Holy Trinity appeared to the world: God the Father in the form of the voice "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him", Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove.
Fasting before the feast appeared in the tradition of the Eastern churches as a way of preparing the faithful through prayer and repentance.
The water on Epiphany symbolizes cleansing from sin, renewal of the soul and the beginning of a new life. Subsequently, there was a tradition of consecrating water on the Feast of the Epiphany and the day before, on Epiphany Eve. Water is sanctified through prayers, threefold immersion of the cross and invocation of the Holy Spirit. The sanctified water is called great hagiasma (Greek ἁγιασμός - sanctification). It is kept in homes all year long, believing it to have healing and protective properties.
In Orthodox countries, especially in Russia, there has recently been a tradition of taking a dip in an ice-hole cut in the shape of a cross. Ablution symbolizes spiritual purification and strengthening of faith, although it is not obligatory for believers. It is much more important to attend the solemn divine service, which takes place on Christmas Eve and includes Matins, Vespers and the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. The liturgy ends with the Great Consecration of Water. A special place in the divine service is occupied by the reading of passages from the Gospel connected with the baptism of Christ.
In Russia, on this night girls used to guess their fiancé, although today the Church does not welcome it. It was believed that on the night before Epiphany the connection between the world of people and the world of spirits opens.
Epiphany Eve - 2025: original congratulations in prose
On Epiphany Eve it is customary to wish relatives and friends health, peace in the soul, well-being, as well as God's help and grace. Congratulations on this day are associated with spiritual purification, faith, love and hope for the best. "Izvestia" prepared variants of congratulations in prose for relatives and friends.
"My dear ones, I congratulate you on Epiphany Eve! May this holy evening fill your home with light, and your hearts with peace and joy. May God grant you good health, prosperity and love. May the consecrated water wash away all worries and cares, leaving only happiness and harmony. Happy Feast!"
"Happy Epiphany Eve, my loved ones! May this evening all prayers be answered and your hearts be filled with faith and warmth. I wish that joy always reigns in your home, and the Lord protects you from all evil. May this evening be the beginning of bright and gracious days for the whole family"
"Dear family, congratulations on Epiphany Eve! May the water of the Epiphany bring health, strength and prosperity to our home. May there be peace in the soul of each of us, and faith and love in our hearts. I thank the Lord for you and wish that happiness and harmony will always be with us. Happy Feast!"
"My dear ones, I congratulate you on this holy evening - Epiphany Eve! May each of us feel God's love and protection on this day. I wish you good health, light in your soul and fulfillment of all good wishes. May our home always be a place of joy, comfort and warmth. God bless you!"
"Mom and Dad, happy Epiphany Eve! May this holy evening bring you good health, peace of mind and confidence in the future. I am grateful to you for all that you do for me, and I pray that the Lord will always protect you. May happiness and God's grace reign in your home."
"Beloved brother and sister, Happy Epiphany Eve! May this evening fill your hearts with joy and your life with bright moments. I wish you good health, love and success in everything. May the consecrated water protect you from troubles, and God's blessing will always be with you. Love you!"
"Grandparents, I congratulate you on Epiphany Eve! May God send you health, strength and joy on this holy evening. May your home always be filled with love, and your soul with peace and light. Thank you for your kind hearts and the wisdom you share with us. God bless you!"
"Dear friends, I congratulate you on Epiphany Eve! May this holy evening give you good health, harmony and God's help in all matters. May the consecrated water wash away worries and sorrows, and a new, bright stage in life begin. I wish you joy, inspiration and prosperity in everything. Happy Feast!"
