Talk of the Town on Feast of Jordan

Talk of the Town on Feast of Jordan

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

People in Vegreville and area recently shared how they celebrate Feast of Jordan or Epiphany, which is when the wise men visited Jesus and He was baptized.

Ukrainian Catholic and other faiths honour the Eve of Jordan for this occasion on January 5 and the day on January 6 and those who base their holy days on the Julian calendar celebrate the Eve of Theophany for this occasion on January 18 and the day on January 19.

Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton stated that on January 6 or 19, the Feast of Jordan is celebrated which is one of the most important feast days in the church year where the priest or minister blesses water usually in a river if they can, or at a cross made out of ice.

The blessed water is taken home where believers feel this water has the ability to heal, purify, sanctify, protect them from danger, help them in troubles, restrain their passions, and drive away evil spirits.

Decorations of the Wise Men by Vegreville United Church.

(Rosanne Fortier/File Photo)

A few other traditions they can follow are dough was formed with flour and the holy water and with it; crosses were made for the four walls of the home commemorating the Baptism of Jesus. The priest also visits homes with the holy water.

Laura Lynn Hewko said her family is Ukrainian Catholic. “On January 5, we would attend mass at church where they blessed water. Then we would go to the Mundare National Hall where the ladies prepared the traditional 12 meatless dishes. After we ate we would sing traditional Christmas carols. Sadly, we don’t do this anymore as the hall is now sold. Also many of the women who prepared the meal have passed away,” Laura explained. Jacob Friesen said he honours the occasion by going to church. Susan Bradfort Prestach said they don’t do much but sometimes they do a traditional house blessing.

Teresa Makowecki mentioned that they do have a meatless supper. “We used to celebrate it every year when my grandmother was here. After she passed away 25 years ago, it became less.”