God of majesty and light,

you hold the whole world in your hand.

So we give you our great praise

that in Jesus Christ all people may see your glory.

We thank you for revealing Jesus to be your Son

and for claiming our lives in baptism to be his glad disciples.

By your Spirit, may peace descend upon us,

that we may follow him with grateful hearts.

Take us and all we have to be useful in your service,

God of all nations,

in the gracious name of Jesus Christ, your Son,

by the power of your Holy Spirit,

now and forever. Amen.

Lord God, gracious and merciful,

you anointed your beloved Son with the Holy Spirit

at his baptism in the Jordan,

and you consecrated him prophet, priest, and king.

Pour out your Spirit on us again

that we may be faithful to our baptismal calling,

ardently desire the communion of Christ’s body and blood,

and serve the poor of your people and all who need your love,

through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Eternal God,

at the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan

you proclaimed him your beloved Son

and anointed him with the Holy Spirit.

Grant that all who are baptized into his name

may keep the covenant they have made

and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior;

who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,

one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Your voice, O God,

is powerful and majestic,

strengthening and blessing your people with peace.

By your Spirit help us to hear today

the majesty and blessing of your voice. Amen.

—based on Psalm 29:6, 11

The text of this Russian Orthodox chant is closely based on the account of the baptism of Jesus found in all four Gospels. In Western churches, the baptism of Jesus is often celebrated the Sunday nearest January 6, Epiphany Day, which marks the 12th day of Christmas. But in Russia and in many Eastern Orthodox churches, Christmas, Ephiphany, and the Baptism of the Lord are all wrapped together in the Great Feast of the Theophony (revelation of God to humankind), beginning with Vespers on January 6 and concluding on January 7, a profound and treasured liturgical celebration. Typical of Russian chant, the text is set syllabically, following the rhythm of speech; is intended for unaccompanied choral singing; and is not identified as to composer. In singing this chant, we acknowledge our unity with that part of the body of Christ whose songs are rooted in a very different musical tradition from contemporary Western and Protestant churches.