Epiphany Hymn 5: Greater Than the Jordan

Go down, my brothers and sisters, and put on the Holy Spirit from the waters of baptism;

be joined with the spirits who serve the Godhead!

Refrain: Blessed be he who ordained baptism for the atonement of the children of Adam!

For look, he is the fire that secretly seals his flock as well,

by the three spiritual Names, by which the Evil One is put to flight.

When John cried out and said, “This is the Lamb of God,”

he showed by it that the Gentiles are Abraham’s children.

This is he who testified of our Savior that he would baptize with fire and the Spirit.

Look, the fire and the Spirit, my brothers and sisters, are in the baptism of truth.

For baptism is greater than the Jordan, that little river;

for in streams of water and oil the misdeeds of all people are washed away.

Elisha, by a sevenfold washing, cleansed Naaman’s leprosy;

in baptism the hidden misdeeds in the soul are cleansed.

Moses baptized the People in the midst of the sea, yet could not

wash their heart within, which was full of the stains of misdeeds.

Look, the priest, in the likeness of Moses, cleanses the stains of the soul;

and with the oil of anointing, look, he seals new lambs for the Kingdom.

Samuel anointed David to be king among the People;

but look, the priest anoints you to be heirs in the Kingdom.

For with the armor that David put on after the anointing he fought,

and laid low the giant who sought to subdue Israel.

Look, again, in the chrism of Christ and in the armor that comes from the water,

the arrogance of the Evil One is humbled, who sought to subdue the Gentiles.

By the water that flowed from the rock the thirst of the People was quenched.

Look, in the fountain of Christ the thirst of the peoples is quenched.

The rod of Moses opened the rock, and the streams flowed out;

and those who had grown faint with thirst were refreshed by its drink.

Look, from the side of Christ flowed the stream that gave life.

The Gentiles who were weary drank, and in it forgot their pains.

Sprinkle my vileness with your dew, and my crimes will be atoned for in your blood!

And I will be at your right hand, O my Lord, and I will be joined with your saints!