Happy Theophany to the New Calendarists... a few days late :)
And Merry Christmas to the Old Calendarists!
Three years ago (my, was it that long ago?), I went to the monestary in Goldendale on the day of Theophany. There was a little boy there visiting with his family, and he was (and still is) quite the little saint. At least in my opinion... I'm not his mama :D But I remember him, just five years old, and he was singing the Theophany hymn to me. He knew it by heart! Naturally, I had probably heard the hymn several times before, but for some reason it felt like I was hearing it for the first time when he sang it to me. I think he sang it for me several times, and I listened, captivated. And you want to know what? I never forgot that hymn. Ever. To this day when I sing the hymn I think of the little saintly boy, who sang it for me with words so clear and strong.
When you were baptized in the Jordan O Lord
The worship of the Trinity was made manifest
And the voice of the Father bear witness to Thee
Calling Thee His beloved Son
And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed
the certainty of the word
Oh Christ our God who hast appeared and enlightened the world
Glory be to Thee!
7 comments:
Is that the little boy named Theophan? He is about that age I think.
He was pretty grown up acting.
Just wondering!!
Missed you today, Im too sick to go out:( COLD?FLU)
What a beautiful memory!
Theophan's grandmother attends my parish.
Before I even read the comments, I was sure it was Theophan. I guess there was something wrong when he was born (and he's a twin), so the nuns think he's a "miracle child." They love him, and he usually stands up front with the nuns, singing the hymns at the top of his lungs with the nuns - in Greek!
Do you go to Goldendale often? I hope to go there more often once the passes clear up - maybe I'll see you there!
PS It just occured to me that you have not the foggiest idea who I am. I am Arielle, from Seattle, and I came across your blog somehow and check it out every so often. So, hi!
It is indeed Theophan! I was hesitant to post someone else's child's name, but apparently the description fit :D That is so funny... This Orthodox world of ours in small indeed!
Arielle--
So nice to meet you! I enjoyed perusing your lj for the first time :) Unfortunately I don't get to the monastery as often as I'd like (normally about once a year), but perhaps one of these days I'll see you there? Theophan, I believe, was born with encephalitis, or something having to do with water in the brain? I think. Regardless, he is a miraculous little boy, and his family is very special.
Susan!
I'm sorry you're sick!!! I saw Petros at church, but not you. Get well soon!
Lovely standing on the dock with you and Job in the rain for the Blessing of the Waters on Sunday.
I have a new blog, one for me personally and not my work Me...though of course they are very nearly the same! :-)
Kiera/Kristin
He has hydrocephalis, which means, in Greek, water and head, or water on the brain. Those Greeks have invented every word we use:)
Im feeling better today, just the sniffles and sneezes. Was all achey yesterday.
Im babysitting Pavlos today...he keeps me on my toes!
Susan
I love that hymn too because my very first Liturgy was also during the Feast of Theophany (St. Nicholas, '98)
But I have to admit that the philologist in me cringes every time we get to this line:
"And the voice of the Father bear witness to Thee..."
It should be either "bore witness" or "bears witness" :)
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