His former pupil G. Babu Rao mentioned that E. C. John pointed out parallels for Epiphany and Theophany from Vaishnavism and Saivism respectively.
===Regarding the Fast of the Paramon of the Feasts of the Nativity and of Theophany===
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The day or days preceding the Feast of the Nativity and the Feast of Theophany is/are a fast day(s) in preparation for the Feast day.
The tall white candle in many ways signifies the Divine pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that lead the Israelites in their Exodus from slavery in Egypt.