The Difference Between the Lakan on Theophany, Covenant Thursday, and the Feast of the Apostles

This article is to explained the meaning and order of the Lakan prayer as celebrated on three different occasions in the Church calendar:

1. Theophany – Baptism and New Creation

“The Lakan on the Feast of Theophany is a symbol of baptism. Through the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, we became a new creation in Him. That’s why the Lakan, or the blessing of water, takes place before the Raising of Morning Incense on this day—to express that we are a new creation in Christ.

It also points to how John the Baptist preceded and baptized the Lord, preparing the way for Him.”

2. Covenant Thursday – Repentance and Confession

“The Lakan on Covenant Thursday symbolizes repentance and purification, recalling how the Lord washed the feet of His disciples to prepare them spiritually. When St. Peter said, ‘Wash all of me,’ the Lord replied, ‘He who has bathed (been baptized) has no need to bathe again, except to wash his feet’—that is, through ongoing repentance and confession.”

3. The Feast of the Apostles – Service and Mutual Love

“The Lakan on the Feast of the Apostles is a symbol of service, self-sacrifice, and love. The disciples washed one another’s feet as a sign of unity and one spirit among them. This is how the world would recognize them as true disciples.

‘By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’