Epiphany in 2026: on what date will the holiday come?

Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays, filled with deep spiritual meaning and rich traditions. This day symbolizes the purification of the soul and body, the appearance of the Holy Trinity and the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus Christ. Many believers are looking forward to this celebration to take part in divine services, rituals and traditional bathing in ice holes. For more information about the meaning and history of the holiday, as well as how it will be celebrated in 2026, see the Izvestia article.

Epiphany of the Lord: the history of the holiday

The feast of Epiphany, also known as Epiphany, occupies a special place in the Christian tradition and is considered one of the most ancient and significant celebrations in the church calendar. This day is dedicated to the commemoration of the evangelical event — the baptism of Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River by the prophet John the Baptist, who called people to repentance and spiritual purification.

According to the biblical narrative, it was at this moment that the Holy Trinity appeared: the voice of God the Father sounded from heaven, the body of Jesus was immersed in water as a manifestation of the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove. This act symbolizes the beginning of the Savior's public ministry and becomes a key moment for all believers in Christianity.

The origins of the holiday go back to the first centuries of Christianity. Already in the III–IV centuries, Epiphany was mentioned among the main church celebrations. At that time, this holiday was celebrated together with Christmas and the adoration of the Magi. Over time, the holidays were divided, and Epiphany became an independent event with its own liturgical rituals and special traditions.

In the early Christian era, especially in the East, the custom arose to consecrate water on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, which symbolizes purification from sins and the renewal of the spirit and body. This tradition was developed in the practice of water consecration, which today is an integral part of the celebration services in the Orthodox Church.

The date of the celebration of Epiphany in 2026

Epiphany is one of the twelve and most revered church holidays, the date of which remains fixed and does not change from year to year. In 2026, Orthodox Christians will celebrate this great holiday on January 19, which corresponds to January 6 according to the old Julian calendar. In the church calendar, this day falls on a Monday, opening a new week of spiritual light and celebration.

The day before the holiday, on January 18, Epiphany Eve is celebrated — a special day of strict fasting and spiritual preparation. On this day, believers prepare for the great day by prayer, meditation, and abstinence from food. Traditionally, on the evening of Epiphany Eve, sochivo is served — a festive lenten dish of grains with honey and dried fruits, symbolizing spiritual purification and rebirth. The end of the fast and festive meals begin only after the liturgy and the reception of holy water on the day of Baptism itself.

In Orthodoxy, the Epiphany of the Lord symbolizes the end of the Christmas season, marking the arrival of divine light and the charm of the world of God. On this day, solemn services with the consecration of water are held in churches, as well as processions and prayer processions.

What is customary to do on Epiphany?

Epiphany is not only a profound spiritual event, but also a time of special traditions and customs that believers observe with special reverence. The main church ceremony on this day is the festive divine service, which includes Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy, at which the Great Rite of the Consecration of Water takes place.

The consecration of water takes place twice: first on the eve of the feast in the evening, and then on the day of the Epiphany itself. The holy water received at these moments is considered healing and cleansing, it is used by believers throughout the year, and it is kept at home as protection from ailments.

Epiphany bathing is another of the most famous and popular traditions. On the night of January 18-19, people plunge into ice holes specially cut in the icy waters of the Jordan River. It symbolizes the purification of the soul and body, rebirth and renewal of strength. Bathing requires preliminary preparation: warming up the body and being careful when diving into cold water.

In addition to health-improving rituals, it is customary to spend time on this day in prayer and spiritual reflection. Believers direct their thoughts to repentance, ask for forgiveness and strive to get rid of negative emotions — anger, resentment, slander. The holiday calls for peacefulness, mercy and attention to others.