Happy Epiphany!

Dear friends! Congratulations on the feast of the Epiphany! Epiphany in Russia is celebrated as the commemoration of our Lord Jesus Christ when He came to the shore of the Jordan to John the Baptist in order to be baptized with the other people. His desire to be baptized was incomprehensible and surprising for John the Baptist, who baptized people as a sign of their repentance and humility before God. He called this baptism one of repentance. But Christ, the sinless Son of God, also received this baptism, merging with the rest of humanity. “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” said John the Baptist about Him (John 1:29). Christ received this baptism and went on to fulfill his main mission on earth. “For them I consecrate Myself,” He said to His Father (John 17:19).

Christ, in obedience to the will of the Father, in love for humanity, took the way of the Cross and became the Savior of the world. Having completed His ministry, He gives the commandment to his church: “Therefor, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). 

Our baptism in Christ symbolizes our unity with the divine Holy Trinity. Such a gift was granted to us by Christ. "All of you who were baptized into Christ are clothed in Christ" (Gal. 3:27). Our baptism becomes symbolic, as the beginning of fulfilling our mission on earth, as messengers of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will continue to be faithful and obedient, looking at the wonderful, gracious example of our Savior. 

Blessings and strength from God for the successful fulfillment of God's trusted ministry to you! 

Peter Mitzkevich 
Victor Ignatenkov