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Hasbrouck Heights
Ecumenical Epiphany Procession

Photos by [Karen Fels]

An Ecumenical procession was held  from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., on January 6, 2002.

The procession started at Corpus Christi and proceeded to The First Reform Church, then to The First Methodist Church, then onto the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and ended at St. John the Divine.

At each church there was a tableau to recount the Journey of the Magi, and included brief reciting of liturgy, and a short refrain.

The service concluded at St. John's,  followed by refreshments (cookies, warm apple cider and hot chocolate) in the Parish Hall.

Participants:
Star Bearer: Robert Faulkner, Corpus Christi
Magi. Gaspar: Mahlan Earle, First Reformed Church
Magi, Melchior: Harry Maisch IV, First Methodist Church
Magi, Belthasar:  Anthony Gugliotti, Trinity Lutheran Church
Holy Family, Joseph: Paul Fels, St. John's Episcopal Church
Holy Family, Mary:  Nicole Rios, St. John's Episcopal Church
Angel:  Katherine Elison, St. John's Episcopal Church

Participating Clergy and Congregations
Corpus Christi RC Church:  The Rev. Lewis Papera, The Rev. Ray Holmes, The Rev. Jim Whelen
The First Reformed Church:  The Rev. Fred Diekman, Pastor
The First Methodist Church: The Rev. Eileen Murphy, Pastor
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church:  The Rev. George Yoder, Pastor
St. Hohn the Divine Episcopal Church:  The Rev. Joseph Picard, Vical
Montclair State University:  The Rev. Dr. Katherine Ellison, Protestant Chaplain
Sojourners Family Resource Center: The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Avila, Executive Director

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About "Epiphany"

The word "Epiphany", from the Greek language epiphaneia, means "manifestation" or "appearance". In the Church’s celebration, it is a reminder of the visit to the Christ Child by the Magi, the Wise Men. It is also a symbol of Christ’s manifestation to the "Gentiles", the "other-than-Hebrews", and not for one group of people only. Christ is therefore seen as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12). Consequently, the celebration of The Epiphany is often called the Christian "Festival of Lights."

In many European countries, especially France, Portugal and Spain, children place their shoes, filled with oats on the doorsteps of their houses on the eve of Epiphany. This is done to care for the animals (traditionally camels, horses and elephants) of the Magi may have something to eat while they are "en route to Bethlehem." The next day, children awake to find that the Wise Men have left gifts in the shoes. This tradition has also found its way to many Latin American traditions where children leave their shoes at the foot of their beds in anticipation of gifts left for them by the benevolent Wise Men.

The Season of Epiphany includes the time between The Epiphany, January 6^th, and the coming of Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13^th), which begins the Lenten Season. The Season after Epiphany (sometimes called "Ordinary Time") signifies Christ’s public ministry and his working in our souls for all the world’s care.

The Church colors for celebration of Epiphany include both white and green. The white is used for The Epiphany (January 6^th). White marks our major festivals as a symbol and reminder of the purity of the Lord, and of our participation in his forgiveness. Green is the Church’s color for "life and growth." The Season of Epiphany is green because it represents the growth of the Church in all the world, as the Magi take what they have learned of the Christ Child’s birth back to their homes and native lands. The seeds are sown for the Church’s growth throughout the world.

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