What is prepared for Epiphany (January 19): traditions. Epiphany of the Lord - history, traditions and customs of the Orthodox holiday

On January 19, one of the main holidays of the Orthodox Church is celebrated - the Epiphany. According to legend, on this day Jesus Christ was baptized in the holy waters of the Jordan River. People believe that on this day water has unique properties, thanks to which a person can heal not only the soul, but also the body. Water gives a person strength and vitality. On this day, it is customary to observe certain traditions that came to us from our ancestors. The rituals that a person performs on this day have special power. If you follow all the rules and signs, then a person’s future will be bright and happy.

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Prohibitions on Baptism

Christians begin to celebrate baptism on the evening of January 18th, Epiphany Eve. On the holiday, it is customary to pray and ask the Lord for forgiveness for your sins. Since ancient times, signs and traditions for Epiphany have come to us, which every believer must observe on this holiday. There are customs associated with prohibitions:

• 

  • You should not be stingy on holiday. This rule applies to holy water. People should not argue with each other in church over the right to score as much as possible. more water- it is unacceptable. Such actions can bring disaster upon yourself.
  • Epiphany is one of the main church holidays. It has nothing to do with paganism, so magic rituals are prohibited on this day. For folk fortune-telling, which was so loved in Ancient Rus', also taboo. They should be held on Christmastide, but not on January 19th. This prohibition is often ignored. Each person has the right to decide how to behave on holiday. Most importantly, sincere faith in the Lord God must live in his heart.
  • The Church does not approve of drinking alcohol. Alcohol should be kept to a minimum.

  On the holiday, it is customary to attend a church service, swim in an ice hole and gather with the whole family for festive table. If a person is worried about some issue or is in a difficult life situation, he should pray and turn to the Lord for help.

  

  Traditions

  Not only representatives of the older generation believe in omens. Young girls are also interested in traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. There are a lot of them, but there are key ones that cannot be ignored. In particular, they relate to the weather on the day of the holiday.

  If there is heavy snow outside, the harvest will be rich. Clear and cold weather is a bad sign. Even in ancient times, people believed that they foreshadowed dry summers and crop failures. Since the Slavs were farmers and collected berries and nuts, the yield of these crops was of great importance to them. At Epiphany they peered into the sky. If it was clear and the stars were shining brightly in the sky, then this was a good sign.

  Warm weather portends health problems. If there is a lot of snow outside, then people’s health will be good. Hearing dogs barking means financial well-being.

  

  Rituals for a rich life

  To carry out a ritual for a rich life, a person must take consecrated water into a small glass container on the night of January 19. With water in your hands, you need to walk around your house. Important point: The liquid should not splash. Therefore, you should walk with a careful, measured step. At the doorstep of the house, a person should ask that his house be filled with prosperity, like a cup of water. The request must be made sincerely, with faith that the wish will come true. In the morning you need to drink holy water. This is one of the most popular rituals, which is not difficult to perform.

  The second ceremony is usually performed on the evening of January 18th. Holy water should be sprinkled on all corners of the house. At the same time, the person makes his request for material wealth. After this procedure, the bowl of water should take the place in which the family stores their financial savings and jewelry.

  

  Conspiracy for health and youth

  Turning to God, people ask him for health for themselves and their loved ones. Therefore, there is a widespread conspiracy that women use to preserve their health and youth longer. For the ceremony it is necessary to melt the snow from the yard. When it turns into water and cools to room temperature, the woman should wash her face with it. During ablution, you need to ask the water to smooth out wrinkles on your face and give it freshness and youth.

  For the second rite you will need fresh milk (preferably homemade) and rose oil. For a liter of milk you will need 10 drops of oil. The liquid must be placed on low heat. While the milk is boiling, you need to say the following phrase: may my beauty be more beautiful than a rose, and my skin white as milk. Then the liquid must be poured into a bathtub filled with water and plunged into it three times.

  

  In order for a person to have good health, it is customary to make a conspiracy using melted snow. Favorable time for the ceremony - the night of January 18-19. Snow has the same healing properties as water. You need to collect it on the street and bring it into the house. All family members should wash themselves with warm water. In Rus', it was customary that the most revered (elder) relatives wash first. At the very end, small children are bathed. If the water remains, you can give it a light wet cleaning in the house. It is recommended to pay special attention to windows and doors.

  How to make wishes correctly?

  It is important not just to correctly formulate and pronounce your request on a holiday. Exist certain rules, compliance with which guarantees the fulfillment of all desires:

  • You need to take a handful of small items, such as hazelnuts, and scatter them on the table. Then you need to clearly state your desire to yourself. If an even number of nuts falls, then the dream will come true. But you shouldn’t rely on your Fate for everything. A person must make an effort to achieve what he wants. This increases his chances of success.
  • You need to write a wish on the mirror using a soap. Then, before going to bed, the mirror is placed under the bed. If the inscription disappears by morning, then the wish will come true.
  • The following method is suitable for people who have many desires and cannot choose the most important among them. A sheet of paper must be divided into twelve equal parts. On each of them you need to write one wish. In the morning you need to draw three pieces of paper at random. What is written on them will soon come true.
  • On the eve of baptism, people often have prophetic dreams. It is impossible not to take advantage of this opportunity. Before going to bed, you need to remember your desire and mentally turn to Saint Samson, ask him to show you the dream. At night, the dreamer will see her future. To understand the meaning of the dream, the next morning she can turn to dream books. Based on the details that the sleeping woman managed to remember, a detailed interpretation can be made.
  • If a person has a cat or dog in his house, then he can take advantage of quite in a simple way fortune telling. You need to make a wish and invite your pet to come to you. It remains to consider which paw he will cross the threshold with. If on the left, then the wish will come true.

  Thus, there are many ways that are designed to help a person achieve what he wants. But do not forget that the desire must come from the heart. On this holiday, the requests of kind and sincere people who want to change lives in better side. Making wishes is not an easy process. On this important day, selfish desires or those that could harm people are inappropriate.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany, or Epiphany, on January 19. On this day, the Church remembers the gospel event - how the prophet John the Baptist baptized the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. We will talk about the history, traditions and meaning of the holiday.

What is the Baptism of the Lord

When is the Epiphany celebrated?

Events of the Epiphany

What can you eat on Epiphany?

Epiphany of the Lord - the history of the holiday

Iconography of the Baptism of the Lord

Features of the Epiphany service

Epiphany Prayers

Epiphany Cathedral in Elohovo

Folk traditions of Epiphany

Gospel of the Baptism of the Lord

Holy Epiphany water

When to collect Epiphany water?

Is all the water for Epiphany holy?

Epiphany frosts

Swimming in an ice hole (Jordan) for Epiphany

Epiphany Christmas Eve

Poems about the Baptism of the Lord

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh: sermon on the Epiphany of the Lord

Saint Theophan the Recluse, thoughts for every day of the year - Epiphany

What is Baptism of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ is one of the most important Christian holidays. On this day, Christians around the world remember the gospel event - the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The Savior was baptized by the prophet John the Baptist, who is also called the Baptist.

The second name, Epiphany, was given to the holiday in memory of the miracle that occurred during baptism. The Holy Spirit descended from heaven on Christ in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven called him Son. Evangelist Luke writes about this: The heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove, and there was a voice from heaven, saying: You are My Beloved Son; My favor is in You! (Matt. 3:14-17). That's how it was revealed in visible and accessible to human images, the Holy Trinity: the voice is God the Father, the dove is God the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is God the Son. And it was testified that Jesus is not only the Son of Man, but also the Son of God. God appeared to people.

The Epiphany of the Lord is the twelfth holiday. The twelfths are holidays that are dogmatically closely connected with the events of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God and are divided into the Lord's (dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Theotokos (dedicated to the Mother of God). Epiphany is the Lord's holiday.

When is the Epiphany celebrated?

The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany on January 19 according to the new style (January 6 according to the old style).
The Feast of the Epiphany has 4 days of pre-celebration and 8 days of post-celebration. Forefeast - one or several days before a major holiday, the services of which already include prayers dedicated to the upcoming celebrated event. Accordingly, after-feasts are the same days after the holiday.

The celebration of the holiday takes place on January 27 according to the new style. The celebration of the holiday is the last day of some important Orthodox holidays, celebrated with a special service, more solemn than on ordinary days of post-feast.

Events of the Epiphany

After fasting and wanderings in the desert, the prophet John the Baptist came to the Jordan River, in which the Jews traditionally performed religious ablutions. Here he began to talk to the people about repentance and baptism for the remission of sins and to baptize people in the waters. This was not the Sacrament of Baptism as we know it now, but it was its prototype.

The people believed the prophecies of John the Baptist, many were baptized in the Jordan. And then, one day, Jesus Christ himself came to the banks of the river. At that time He was thirty years old. The Savior asked John to baptize Him. The Prophet was surprised to the depths of his soul and said: “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Christ assured him that “we must fulfill all righteousness.” During baptism, the sky opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove, and there was a voice from heaven, saying: You are My Beloved Son; My favor is in You! (Luke 3:21-22).

The Baptism of the Lord was the first appearance of Christ to the people of Israel. It was after the Epiphany that the first disciples followed the Teacher - the apostles Andrew, Simon (Peter), Philip, Nathanael.

In the two Gospels - Matthew and Luke - we read that after Baptism the Savior withdrew into the desert, where he fasted for forty days in order to prepare for his mission among people. He was tempted by the devil and did not eat anything during these days, and after they were over, he finally became hungry (Luke 4:2). The devil approached Christ three times and tempted Him, but the Savior remained strong and rejected the evil one (as the devil is called).

What can you eat on Epiphany?

There is no fasting on the feast of Epiphany. But on Epiphany Eve, that is, on the eve of the holiday, Orthodox Christians observe strict fasting. The traditional dish of this day is sochivo, which is prepared from cereals (for example, wheat or rice), honey and raisins.

Epiphany of the Lord - the history of the holiday

The Epiphany of the Lord began to be celebrated even when the apostles were alive - we find mention of this day in the Apostolic Decrees and Rules. But at first, Epiphany and Christmas were a single holiday, and it was called Epiphany.

Starting from the end of the 4th century (in different places in different ways), the Epiphany of the Lord became a separate holiday. But even now we can observe echoes of the unity of Christmas and Epiphany - in worship. For example, both holidays have a Eve - Christmas Eve, with strict fasting and special traditions.

In the first centuries of Christianity, converts were baptized on Epiphany (they were called catechumens), so this day was often called the “day of Enlightenment”, “feast of Lights”, or “holy Lights” - as a sign that the Sacrament of Baptism cleanses a person from sin and enlightens with the Light of Christ . Even then there was a tradition to bless water in reservoirs on this day.

More details Here

Iconography of the Baptism of the Lord

In early Christian images of the events of the Baptism of the Lord, the Savior appears before us young and without a beard; later He began to be portrayed as an adult man.

Since the 6th-7th centuries, images of angels have appeared on icons of Baptism - most often there are three of them and they stand on the opposite bank of the Jordan from the prophet John the Baptist. In memory of the miracle of Epiphany, an island of sky is depicted above Christ standing in the water, from which a dove in rays of light descends to the Baptized One - a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The central figures on all icons of the holiday are Christ and John the Baptist, who lays on his right hand ( right hand) on the head of the Savior. The right hand of Christ is raised in a blessing gesture.

Features of the Epiphany service

Clergy on holiday Epiphany dressed in white robes. main feature Epiphany service is the consecration of water. The water is blessed twice. The day before, January 18, on Epiphany Eve, there was the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, which is also called the Great Hagiasma. And the second time - on the day of Epiphany, January 19, at the Divine Liturgy.

The first tradition most likely dates back to the ancient Christian practice of baptizing catechumens after the morning service of Epiphany. And the second is connected with the custom of Palestinian Christians to march on the day of Epiphany to the Jordan to the traditional place of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

More details Here

Epiphany Prayers

Troparion of the Baptism of the Lord

voice 1st

In the Jordan I am baptized to You, Lord, Trinitarian adoration appeared: for the voice of the Parents testified to You, naming Your beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove, the affirmation known to Your words. Appear, O Christ God, and enlighten the world, glory to Thee.

When You, Lord, were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Most Holy Trinity appeared, for the voice of the Father testified about You, calling You the beloved Son, and the Spirit, appearing in the form of a dove, confirmed the truth of this word. Christ God, who appeared and enlightened the world, glory to You!

Kontakion of the Baptism of the Lord

voice 4th

Thou hast appeared this day to the universe, and Thy light, O Lord, has appeared upon us, in the minds of those who sing Thee: thou hast come and appeared, the unapproachable Light.

You have now appeared to the whole world; and Your light, Lord, is imprinted on us, consciously chanting You: “You have come and appeared, Unapproachable Light!”

The Greatness of the Baptism of the Lord

We magnify You, Life-Giving Christ, for our sake now baptized in the flesh by John in the waters of the Jordan.

We glorify You, Christ, Giver of life, because You have now been baptized in the flesh by John in the waters of the Jordan for us.

Epiphany Cathedral in Elohovo

The Epiphany Cathedral is located in Moscow, on Spartakovskaya Street, 15, not far from the Baumanskaya metro station. In the XIV-XVII centuries the village of Eloh was located here.

In the second half of the 15th century, the famous Moscow saint, St. Basil the Blessed, was born in the parish of the local Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.

At that time, the Epiphany Cathedral was an ordinary rural church. In 1712-1731 it was rebuilt in stone, bricks were donated personally by Emperor Peter I. The new building was consecrated in 1731.

At the end of the 18th century, the Pushkin family became parishioners of the Epiphany Church. It is known that the great poet was born in the German settlement and was baptized in the old Epiphany Cathedral in 1799. The successors were the grandmother, Olga Sergeevna, nee Chicherina, and Count Vorontsov, the grandson of the minister Artemy Volynsky, who was martyred under Biron.

The old Peter's Cathedral stood until the middle of the 19th century. In the 1830s, the famous Moscow architect Evgraf Tyurin received an order for its reconstruction. The renovated cathedral was consecrated in 1853.

During the years of Soviet power, the temple was not closed. On the Feast of the Presentation in 1925, the solemn Liturgy was served there by His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon. In 1935, the Baumansky district council decided to open a large cinema in the Epiphany Cathedral, but the decision was soon reversed.

And a few more facts from the history of the temple. In the Epiphany Cathedral rest the relics of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, and are buried His Holiness Patriarch Sergius of Moscow and All Rus' and His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus'. In 1992, the Epiphany Cathedral became a cathedral.

Shrines of the cathedral: the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the relics of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” particles of the relics of St. John Chrysostom, Apostle Andrew the First-Called and St. Peter of Moscow.

Folk traditions of Epiphany

Every religious holiday is reflected in folk traditions. And the richer and ancient history people, the more complex and interesting interweavings of folk and church are obtained. Many customs are far from true Christianity and close to paganism, but they are nevertheless interesting from a historical point of view - to get to know the people better, to be able to separate the essence of this or that Christ's holiday from the colorful stream of folk fantasy.

In Rus', Epiphany was the end of Christmastide, girls stopped fortune telling - a purely pagan activity. Ordinary people were preparing for the holiday, which, it was believed, would cleanse them of sins, including the sins of Christmas fortune-telling.

At Epiphany, a great blessing of water was performed. And twice. The first one is on Epiphany Christmas Eve. The water was blessed in the font, which stood in the center of the temple. The second time the water was blessed on the feast of Epiphany itself - in any local body of water: river, lake, well. A “Jordan” was cut into the ice - an ice hole in the form of a cross or a circle. Nearby they placed a lectern and a wooden cross with an ice dove - a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

On the day of Epiphany, after the liturgy, people went to the ice hole procession. The priest served a prayer service and lowered the cross into the hole three times, asking for God's blessing on the water. After this, all the villagers collected holy water from the ice hole and cheerfully poured it over each other. Some daredevils even swam in ice water so that, according to popular belief, to be cleansed of sins. It should be noted that this belief has nothing to do with the teachings of the Church. Swimming in an ice hole (Jordan) is not a church sacrament or ritual, it is folk tradition celebration of Epiphany

Not only rural reservoirs were blessed, but also rivers in big cities. For example, here is a story about how water was blessed in Moscow on the Neglinnaya River on January 6, 1699. Emperor Peter I himself took part in the ceremony. And the Swedish envoy to Moscow, Gustav Korb, described the event:

“The Feast of the Three Kings (Magi), or rather, the Epiphany of the Lord, was marked by the blessing of the Neglinnaya River. The procession moved to the river in the following order. The procession was opened by the regiment of General de Gordon... Gordon's regiment was replaced by another, called Preobrazhensky, which attracted attention with new green clothes. The captain's place was occupied by the king, whose tall stature inspired respect for his Majesty. ...A fence (theatrum, Jordan) was built on the solid ice of the river. Five hundred clergy, subdeacons, deacons, priests, archimandrites (abbates), bishops and archbishops, dressed in vestments befitting their rank and office and richly decorated with gold, silver, pearls and precious stones, gave the religious ceremony a more majestic appearance. In front of the wonderful golden cross, twelve clerics carried a lantern in which three candles burned. An incredible number of people crowded from all sides, the streets were full, the rooftops were occupied by people; spectators also stood on the city walls, huddled closely together. As soon as the clergy filled the vast space of the fence, the sacred ceremony began, many candles were lit, and first of all the invocation of the grace of God followed. After duly invoking the mercy of God, the Metropolitan began to walk around the entire fence with censing, in the middle of which the ice was broken with an ice pick in the form of a well, so that water was discovered. After censing her three times, the Metropolitan consecrated her by immersing a burning candle three times and the usual blessing. ...Then the patriarch, or in his absence the metropolitan, leaving the fence, usually sprinkles on His Royal Majesty and all the soldiers. To finally complete the festive celebration, a salvo was fired from the guns of all regiments. ...Before the start of this ceremony, a vessel covered with red cloth was brought on six white royal horses. In this vessel the blessed water was then to be taken to the palace of His Royal Majesty. In the same way, the clergy carried a certain vessel for the patriarch and many others for the boyars and Moscow nobles.”

Holy Epiphany water

Water is blessed twice on Epiphany. The day before, January 18, on Epiphany Eve, there was the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, which is also called the “Great Hagiasma.” And the second time - on the day of Epiphany, January 19, at the Divine Liturgy. The first tradition most likely dates back to the ancient Christian practice of baptizing catechumens after the morning service of Epiphany. And the second is connected with the custom of Christians of the Jerusalem Church to march on the day of Epiphany to the Jordan to the traditional place of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

According to tradition, Epiphany water is stored for a year - until next holiday Baptism. They drink it on an empty stomach, reverently and prayerfully.

When to collect Epiphany water?

Water is blessed twice on Epiphany. The day before, January 18, on Epiphany Eve, there was the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, which is also called the “Great Hagiasma.” And the second time - on the day of Epiphany, January 19, at the Divine Liturgy. When to bless the water is completely unimportant.

Is all the water for Epiphany holy?

Archpriest Igor Fomin, rector of the Alexander Nevsky Church at MGIMO, answers:

I remember when I was a child, we left the church for Epiphany and took with us a three-liter can of Epiphany water, and then, at home, we diluted it with tap water. And all year they accepted the water as a great shrine - with reverence.

On the night of the Epiphany of the Lord, indeed, as Tradition says, all aquatic nature is sanctified. And it becomes like the waters of the Jordan, in which the Lord was baptized. There would be magic if the water became holy only where the priest consecrated it. The Holy Spirit breathes wherever it wants. And there is an opinion that at any moment of Epiphany, holy water is everywhere. And the blessing of water is a visible, solemn church rite that tells us about the presence of God here on earth.

Epiphany frosts

The time of the Epiphany holiday in Rus' usually coincided with severe frosts, so they began to be called “Epiphany”. People said: “The frost is crackling, not crackling, but Vodokreshchi has passed.”

Swimming in an ice hole (Jordan) for Epiphany

In Rus' simple people They called the Epiphany “Vodokreshchi” or “Jordan”. Jordan is an ice hole in the shape of a cross or a circle, cut in any body of water and consecrated on the day of the Epiphany. After the consecration, the brave boys and men plunged and even swam in the icy water; It was believed that this way one could wash away one’s sins. But this is just a popular superstition. The Church teaches us that sins are washed away only by repentance through the sacrament of Confession. And swimming is just a tradition. And here, firstly, it is important to understand that this tradition is completely optional. Secondly, one should remember the reverent attitude towards the shrine - Epiphany water. That is, if we nevertheless decide to swim, we must do it wisely (taking into account our state of health) and reverently - with prayer. And, of course, not replacing swimming as a substitute for attending a festive service in church.

Epiphany Christmas Eve

The Feast of Epiphany is preceded by Epiphany Eve, or the Everlasting Epiphany. On the eve of the holiday, Orthodox Christians observe strict fasting. The traditional dish of this day is sochivo, which is prepared from cereals (for example, wheat or rice), honey and raisins.

Sochivo

To prepare sochiva you will need:

Wheat (grain) – 200 g
- peeled nuts – 30 g
- poppy seed – 150 g
- raisins – 50 g
- fruits or berries (apple, blackberry, raspberry, etc.) or jam - to taste
- vanilla sugar - to taste
- honey and sugar - to taste
- cream – 1/2 cup.

Wash the wheat well, add hot water, covering the grain, and cook in a saucepan over low heat until soft (or in a clay pot, in the oven), topping up periodically hot water. Rinse the poppy seeds, steam with hot water for 2-3 hours, drain the water, grind the poppy seeds, add sugar, honey, vanilla sugar or any jam, chopped nuts, raisins, fruits or berries to taste, add 1/2 cup of cream or milk or boiled water, and combine all this with boiled wheat, place in a ceramic bowl and serve chilled.

Poem about Baptism

Ivan Bunin

Epiphany night
Dark spruce forest with snow like fur,
Gray frosts have descended,
In sparkles of frost, like in diamonds,
We dozed off, leaning over the birch trees.

Their branches froze motionless,
And between them on the snowy bosom,
As if through lace silver,
The full month looks down from the sky.

He rose high above the forest,
In its bright light, numb,
And the shadows creep strangely,
In the snow under the branches turning black.

The bowls of the forest were covered with a blizzard, -
Only traces and paths wind,
Running between the pines and fir trees,
Between the birch trees to the dilapidated gatehouse.

The gray blizzard lulled me to sleep
The forest is deserted by a wild song,
And he fell asleep, covered in a blizzard,
All through, motionless and white.

Mysteriously slender thickets sleep,
They sleep, dressed in deep snow,
And glades, and meadows, and ravines,
Where streams once roared.

Silence - not even a branch will crunch!
And maybe beyond this ravine
A wolf makes his way through the snowdrifts
With a cautious and insinuating step.

Silence - maybe he’s close...
And I stand, filled with anxiety,
And I look intensely at the thicket,
On tracks and bushes along the road.

In the distant thickets, where the branches are like shadows
In the moonlight patterns are woven,
Everything seems to me like something alive,
It's like animals are running by.

Light from the forest guardhouse
It flickers cautiously and timidly,
It's like he's lurking under the forest
And waits for something in the silence.

A diamond radiant and bright,
Playing green and blue,
In the east, at the throne of God,
The star shines quietly, as if alive.

And above the forest higher and higher
The month rises, and in wondrous peace
Frosty midnight freezes
And the crystal forest kingdom!

What kinds of life-giving and what kind of terrible waters there are... At the beginning of the Book of Genesis we read about how the breath of God hovered over the waters and how all living beings arose from these waters. Throughout the life of all mankind - but so clearly in the Old Testament - we see water as a way of life: they preserve the life of the thirsty in the desert, they revive the field and forest, they are a sign of the life and mercy of God, and in the sacred books of the Old and New Testaments there are waters represent an image of cleansing, washing, renewal.

But what terrible waters there are: the waters of the Flood, in which everyone who could no longer resist the judgment of God perished; and the waters that we see throughout our lives, terrible, destructive, dark flood waters...

And so Christ came to the Jordanian waters; into these waters no longer of a sinless land, but of our land, defiled to its very depths by human sin and betrayal. People who repented according to the preaching of John the Baptist came to these waters to wash themselves; how heavy these waters were with the sin of the people who washed themselves with them! If only we could see how the waters washing these gradually became heavier and became terrible with this sin! And Christ came to plunge into these waters at the beginning of His feat of preaching and gradual ascension to the Cross, to plunge into these waters bearing the entire burden of human sin - He, the sinless one.

This moment of the Baptism of the Lord is one of the most terrible and tragic moments of His life. Christmas is the moment when God, out of His love for man, wants to save us from eternal destruction, puts on human flesh, when human flesh is permeated by the Divine, when it is renewed, becomes eternal, pure, radiant, that flesh which through the Cross, Resurrection , the Ascension will sit at the right hand of God and the Father. But on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, this preparatory path ends: now, the Lord, already matured in His humanity, having reached the full measure of His maturity, the Man Jesus Christ, united by perfect love and perfect obedience with the will of the Father, goes with his free will, freely to fulfill what the Eternal Council has ordained . Now the Man Jesus Christ brings this flesh as a sacrifice and as a gift not only to God, but to all humanity, takes on His shoulders all the horror of human sin, human fall, and plunges into these waters, which are now the waters of death, the image of destruction, they carry within themselves all evil, all poison and all sinful death.

The Baptism of the Lord, in the further development of events, most closely resembles the horror of the Garden of Gethsemane, the excommunication of death on the cross and the descent into hell. Here, too, Christ is so united with human fate that all its horror falls on Him, and the descent into hell is the final measure of His unity with us, the loss of everything - and victory over evil.

That is why this majestic holiday is so tragic, and that is why the waters of the Jordan, bearing all the heaviness and all the horror of sin, by touching the body of Christ, the sinless, all-pure, immortal body, permeated and shining with Divinity, the body of the God-man, are purified to the depths and again become primary, primeval waters of life, capable of cleansing and washing away sin, renewing a person, returning him to incorruption, communing him with the Cross, making him a child no longer of the flesh, but of eternal life, the Kingdom of God.

How exciting this holiday is! That is why, when we consecrate the waters on this day, we look at them with such amazement and awe: these waters, by the descent of the Holy Spirit, become the waters of the Jordan, not only the primeval waters of life, but waters capable of giving life not only temporary, but also eternal; that is why we partake of these waters reverently, reverently; That’s why the Church calls them a great shrine and calls on us to have them in our homes in case of illness, in case of spiritual sorrow, in case of sin, for cleansing and renewal, for introduction to the newness of purified life. Let us taste these waters, let us touch them reverently. Through these waters, the renewal of nature, the sanctification of creation, and the transformation of the world began. Just as in the Holy Gifts, and here we see the beginning of the next century, the victory of God and the beginning of eternal life, eternal glory - not only of man, but of all nature, when God becomes all in all.

Glory to God for His infinite mercy, for His Divine condescension, for the feat of the Son of God, who became the Son of man! Glory to God that He renews both man and our destinies, and the world in which we live, and that we can still live with the hope of an already won victory and the rejoicing that we are waiting for the great, wondrous, terrible day of the Lord , when the whole world will shine with the grace of the received, and not just given, Holy Spirit! Amen.

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. Sermon on Epiphany

With what a feeling of reverence for Christ and gratitude to our relatives who lead us to faith, we remember our Baptism: how wonderful it is to think that since our parents or people close to us discovered faith in Christ, vouched for us before the Church and before God, we , By the Sacrament of Baptism, we became Christ’s, we are called by His name. We bear this name with the same reverence and amazement as a young bride bears the name of the man whom she loved for life and death and who gave her his name; How we cherish this human name! How dear it is to us, how sacred it is to us, how terrible it would be for us to act, to give it up for blasphemy to ill-wishers... And this is how we unite with Christ, Christ the Savior, our God, who became Man, gives us to bear His name. And just as on earth they judge the whole race that bears the same name by our actions, so here they judge Christ by our actions, by our lives.

What a responsibility this is! The Apostle Paul almost two thousand years ago warned the young Christian Church that for the sake of those who live unworthy of their calling, the name of Christ is blasphemed. Isn't that the case now? Aren’t there millions of people all over the world now who would like to find the meaning of life, joy, depth in God, moving away from Him, looking at us, seeing that we, alas, are not a living image of the gospel life - neither personally nor as a society? ?

And on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, I would like to say before God on my own behalf and call on everyone to say to those who were given the opportunity to be baptized in the name of Christ: remember that you have now become bearers of this holy and divine name, that God, your Savior, the Savior of all will be judged by you what if your life is my life! - will be worthy of this gift of God, then thousands around will be saved, and if she is unworthy, they will perish: without faith, without hope, without joy and without meaning. Christ came to the Jordan sinless, plunged into these terrible Jordanian waters, which seemed to become heavy, washing away human sin, and figuratively became like dead waters– He plunged into them and became familiar with our mortality and all the consequences of human fall, sin, humiliation in order to make us capable of living worthy of our human calling, worthy of God Himself, Who called us to be relatives to Him, children, to be His relatives and our own...

Let us respond to this work of God, to this call of God! Let us understand how high, how majestic our dignity is, how great our responsibility is, and let us enter the year that has now already begun in such a way as to be the glory of God and the salvation of every person who touches our lives! Amen.

Saint Theophan the Recluse. Thoughts for every day of the year - Epiphany

Epiphany (Tit. 11-14; Z. 4-7; Mt. 13-17). The Baptism of the Lord is called the Epiphany because in it the one true God, worshiped in the Trinity, revealed Himself so tangibly: God the Father - by a voice from heaven, God the Son - incarnate - by baptism. God the Holy Spirit - by descending on the Baptized One. Here the mystery of the relationship between the persons of the Holy Trinity is revealed. God the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and rests in the Son and does not proceed from Him. It is also revealed here that the incarnate economy of salvation was accomplished by God the Son incarnate, co-inherent with Him the Holy Spirit and God the Father. It has also been revealed that the salvation of everyone can be accomplished no other way than in the Lord Jesus Christ, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, according to the good will of the Father. All Christian sacraments shine here with their divine light and enlighten the minds and hearts of those who celebrate this great celebration with faith. Come, let us mindfully look up to the mountain, and let us immerse ourselves in the contemplation of these mysteries of our salvation, singing: in the Jordan I am baptized to You, O Lord, Triple adoration has appeared, a salvation that arranges for us in a triple way and saves us in a triple way.

Holiday January 19 - Epiphany (Epiphany)

Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays. Feast of Epiphany The Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19, are ending. The holiday begins on the evening of January 18, when all Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve.

The holiday of Epiphany is celebrated every year on January 6 for Catholics and January 19 for Orthodox believers., according to the official modern calendar. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During his earthly life, only adults were baptized who fully felt faith in one God and realized in themselves this, at that time new, religion, because at that time Christians were persecuted and monotheism was rejected. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of 30.

In churches, water is blessed on this day. Previously, it was taken from the nearest river or lake by drilling a hole in the ice in the shape of a large cross. The priest prayed over the water, lowered a church cross into the hole, and parishioners of the nearest church sang psalms. After all these actions, the water in the river was considered baptized. It was collected into various vessels and carried home. They believed that such water healed various ailments, gave vigor and health, so the custom of plunging into ice holes was widespread. Currently, water is practically not taken from rivers and lakes - the ecology is not the same. It is immediately poured after the service near the church. Agree - this is very practical. The custom of plunging into an ice hole has survived to this day. But more often, “walruses” show the audience miracles of endurance. The rest are stomping around on the shore, and, widening their eyes, look at the wonderful people in swimming trunks and in the snow.

In addition to cooling mortal bodies, water was also used in the active struggle against various evil spirits, which “besieged” the houses of poor Belarusians in armies. In order to drive out this very household evil spirits from the corners, they sprinkled baptized water on all rooms, the courtyard and outbuildings. After such rituals, each person tried to drink plenty of holy water in order to be healthy, happy, and therefore carefree and cheerful all year. At least, drinking this water, many dreamed about it and hoped only for the best.

For Catholics Baptism coincides with the holiday of the Three Kings - the three wise men who were the first to convey the news of the birth of Christ to the whole world.

On this holiday, every Catholic brings chalk from the church to the “pasvenchans” and writes three letters on the doors of the house: “K, M and B”, according to the names of the Three Kings - Kaspel, Melchon and Baltosar, respectively. They believe that these letters drive away evil forces and evil thoughts from the house and from the well-being of the family living in it. Chalk is stored all year, like water for the Orthodox. Only, in this case, chalk acts as a cure for abdominal pain. Why is that? In fact, no one will really answer. Maybe, main role Does faith come into play here?

Baptism was not celebrated with large festivities, except for the third kutya falling on it. But it was also called Lenten.

There are no songs, fortune telling, round dances or special dances associated with this holiday. It just happened that way. In contrast to this, there are a lot of beliefs and signs associated with Baptism.

For example, the owners tried to come home first after the service. It was believed that they would be the first to reap the harvest. The hay on which kutya stood during Kolya was gradually given to domestic animals as a remedy for illnesses and the not-so-good influence of witches.

In the courtyards of churches there are long lines for holy water. If for some serious reason a person cannot go to service or lives a thousand kilometers from the nearest church, he can resort to the healing power of simple water taken from an ordinary reservoir on Epiphany night, although such water cannot actually be considered holy. On Feast of the Epiphany water in churches is consecrated according to a special rite - the great Jordanian consecration and is called baptismal. There is a Greek word - “agiasma”, which is translated as shrine. And the attitude towards it, towards the great shrine, should be special.

Epiphany water. Properties of Epiphany water

She eats it on an empty stomach, a spoonful at a time, a little at a time. The man stood up, crossed himself, asked the Lord for a blessing on the day that had begun, washed himself, prayed and accepted the great agiasma. If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then first take holy water, followed by the medicine. And then breakfast and other things to do. Devotees of Christian piety call consecrated water the best cure for all spiritual and physical ailments. Often confessors “prescribe” Epiphany water to their sick children - a spoonful every hour, with faith, of course, but without faith, drink at least half a canister. You can wash the patient with it and sprinkle the bed with it. True, women in critical days It is not blessed to receive Epiphany water. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter. May Epiphany water help her!

There is a pious tradition of sprinkling on this day Epiphany water your home with the singing of the troparion of Epiphany. Epiphany water is consumed on an empty stomach in small quantities all year round, usually together with a piece of prosphora “so that we can receive strength from God that supports health, heals illnesses, drives away demons and turns away all the slander of the enemy.”

Holy water. Prayer

At the same time, the prayer is read: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities according to Your boundless mercy through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen". For illnesses or attacks evil forces You can and should drink water without hesitation, at any time.

Signs for Epiphany (Folk signs)

According to the weather that was Baptism, people tried to determine the weather of the coming summer: if it was cold that day, then “the harvest will be sleepy and garachy.” If Epiphany turned out to be clear, sunny and frosty, then they talked about the possibility of a hot and hot summer. They said (sitting on the stoves): “Trashchy maroz, trashchy, Vadokhryshchy has already passed (the second name of Epiphany)” or “On Vodakhryshchy zen tsoply - budze bread of tsemny.” Again, in all these sayings, proverbs and signs, the hope for a rich harvest is veiled. This is not surprising, because the peasant’s life completely depended on the harvest - whether he would starve after Kolya or not.

Feast of the Epiphany or Epiphany, is also called the Day of Enlightenment and the Feast of Lights - from ancient custom perform the baptism of the catechumens on the eve of it (on Vespers), which is, in essence, spiritual enlightenment. A description of the event of Baptism is given in all four Evangelists (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John 1:33-34), as well as in many stichera and troparia of the holiday . “Today the Creator of Heaven and earth comes in flesh to the Jordan, asking for Baptism, the sinless one... and is baptized by a servant, the Lord of all...” “To the voice of him crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord (i.e. to John), you have come, O Lord, taking on the form of a servant, asking for Baptism, not knowing sin.” The baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ is in the closest connection with all His Theanthropic work of saving people; it constitutes the decisive and complete beginning of this ministry.

Christ the Savior in Baptism bestows (through water) grace “decisive for soul and body.” Epiphany in the matter of redemption of the human race had great salutary ontological significance. Baptism on the Jordan exudes forsakenness, remission of sins, enlightenment, recreation of human nature, light, renewal, healing and, as it were, a new birth (rebirth) to mortals.

“New creators of the earth, New Adam was the Creator, performing a strange rebirth and wonderful renewal with fire and Spirit and water...” The baptism of Christ in the waters of the Jordan had not only the meaning of a symbol of purification, but also a transformative, renewing effect on human nature. By immersing Himself in the waters of the Jordan, the Lord sanctified “the whole nature of the waters” and the whole earth. The presence of Divine power in the watery nature transforms our corruptible nature (through Baptism) into incorruptible. Baptism had a beneficial effect on the entire dual human nature - on the body and soul of man. “By the spirit of the soul you create new things, and with water you sanctify the body, folded, edifying (recreating) animals... having in themselves eternal life.” The Baptism of Christ the Savior was actually a prefiguration and foundation of the mysteriously grace-filled method of rebirth by water and the Spirit in the sacrament of Baptism given after His Resurrection and Ascension. Here the Lord reveals Himself as the Founder of a new, grace-filled Kingdom, which, according to His teaching, cannot be entered without Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). “Whoever comes down with Me and is buried in Baptism, with Me he will enjoy the glory and resurrection,” Christ now proclaims.”

The threefold immersion (of every believer in Christ) in the sacrament of Baptism depicts the death of Christ, and the coming out of the water is communion with His three-day Resurrection. Christ the Savior “made from water (by baptism) mysteriously by the Spirit... a Church with many children, first (before) childless.”

At the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan, true worship of God (religion) was revealed to people, the hitherto unknown secret of the Trinity of the Divine, the secret of the One God in three Persons was revealed, and the worship of the Most Holy Trinity was revealed.

“Trinity our God, show Himself to us today inseparably: for the Father proclaimed the revealed (open, obvious) evidence of kinship (kinship), the Spirit descended from Heaven in the form of a dove, the Most Pure Son bowed the top of His Forerunner...”
The chants comprehensively and touchingly describe the experiences that the Forerunner experiences upon seeing Christ come to be baptized by him. John the Baptist points to the people listening to him about the coming Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, awaited by all Israel: “This, deliver Israel, free us from corruption.” And when the Lord asked him for baptism, “the Forerunner trembled and exclaimed loudly: how can a lamp illuminate the light? How can a slave lay his hand on the Master? Savior, who took upon yourself the sins of the whole world, You yourself sanctify me and the waters.” “Although You are the Child of Mary,” says the Forerunner, “I know You, the Eternal God.” And then the Lord says to John:
“Prophet, come to baptize Me, who created you, and enlightens with grace and cleanses everyone. Touch My Divine top (head) and do not doubt. Leave everything else now, for I have come to fulfill all righteousness.”

Having been baptized by John, Christ fulfilled “righteousness”, i.e. fidelity and obedience to the commandments of God. Saint John the Baptist received the command from God to baptize the people as a sign of cleansing of sins. As a man, Christ had to "fulfill" this commandment and therefore be baptized by John. By this He confirmed the holiness and greatness of John’s actions, and gave Christians an example of obedience to the will of God and humility for eternity. The prophecy of St. is widely used in the hymns. The Psalmist (ps. 113) that the Jordan will stop its flow “from the face of the Lord.” “Today the psalm prophecy of the end of acceptance (to be fulfilled) is in a hurry: the sea, speaking, seeing and running, the Jordan returned back, from the Face of the Lord, from the Face of the God of Jacob, who came from the servant to receive Baptism.”

“The Jordan, seeing the Lord being baptized, divides and stops its flow,” says the 1st stichera for the consecration of water. “Turn the Jordan River back, not daring to serve You. For he was ashamed of Joshua, because he would be afraid of his Creator without his name.” The Church, through the mouth of the creators of the stichera, invites believers to be transported in thought and heart to that great event of the Epiphany, which once took place on the Jordan River, in order to give thanks for the “ineffable compassion” of Christ, in the “slave’s eye” who came into the world to save the human race.

In the pre-holiday and holiday services, the Church did not forget the great servant of Christ and participant in the event - “Forerunner and Baptist, and Prophet, and most venerable is the prophet (of the prophets)” - John. Finishing the pre-festive singing and beginning to glorify the great event of the holiday itself, the Church turns to John the Baptist and asks him to raise his hands in prayer to the One whose most pure head he touched with these hands on the Jordan; The Church asks the Baptist to come and be present with us with his spirit, to stand with us, “seal the singing and begin the celebration.”

Epiphany is one of the twelve main Christian holidays. It completes the series of Christmas holidays. The main symbol of the Epiphany holiday is water. Due to the importance of the day, the editors of hochu.ua have prepared information about the traditions and customs of Epiphany.

IN church calendar January has an important date - Epiphany 2018. This holiday, like others during the winter celebrations, is considered a favorite and also has cultural traditions. Due to the increased attention to the day, we are publishing information about the traditions, customs and signs of Epiphany 2018.

It is believed that on the night of the 18th to 19th it acquires special healing properties. On the eve of the holiday, frosts are always expected, which are called “Epiphany” frosts. The days on which Epiphany falls correspond to the end of the pagan holiday of the winter solstice, associated with the “birth of a new Sun” - an increase in daylight hours.

Epiphany of the Lord: the history of the holiday

Catholics celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on the 6th, and Orthodox believers on January 19. The holiday was established in the second half of the II century. and at first it was celebrated simultaneously with Christmas. Their separation occurred after the IV century. In Ukraine, Epiphany is first remembered in the Ipatiev Chronicle of 1114. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During his lifetime, more than two thousand years ago, only adults who consciously accepted faith in one God were baptized. In those days, Christians were persecuted and monotheism was rejected.

When Jesus was 30 years old, he came from Galilee to the Jordan River. John the Baptist baptized people in the waters of this river, calling everyone to repent and through this rite to cleanse their soul and body. Christ's baptism meant that he took full responsibility to fulfill what he was destined to accomplish during his earthly life. This event can be considered the first in his social activities. Another name of the holiday is Epiphany, since at the baptism of Christ the Holy Trinity appeared to the world: “God the Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized by the holy Forerunner of the Lord John, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove.”

Traditions of celebrating Epiphany

On the eve of Epiphany, January 18, believers fast during the day, and in the evening they celebrate the second Holy Evening or “Hungry Kupya”. The whole family, like at Christmas, gathers around the table. Served for dinner Lenten dishes- fried fish, dumplings with cabbage, buckwheat pancakes with butter, kutya and uzvar. On Epiphany there is a festive service in the church. According to tradition, during Jordanian worship, doves are released into the sky - they symbolize the Spirit of God, who descended from Heaven to Christ in the form of a dove, and also that the Christmas holidays have come to an end and they should be released into the wild. In memory of the fact that Christ consecrated water with His Baptism, on the eve of the holiday, water is consecrated in churches, and on the feast of Epiphany itself - in rivers or other places where water is taken.

On the eve of the holiday, men cut a hole in the ice in the form of a cross, and the ice cross itself is installed nearby. Sometimes it is decorated with periwinkle and pine needles, or sprinkled with beet kvass, which turns it crimson red, symbolizing fire. The rite of the Jordanian Blessing of Water takes place above the river near the cross. During this ritual, the priest lowers a cross and a lit three candlestick into the hole three times - the water is baptized with fire.

According to tradition, on Epiphany (after Epiphany frosts), young people have fun on the ice: skating and setting up carousels. Since caroling was possible until the Meeting of the Lord (February 15), on this holiday they again went around houses, caroled and sang songs, congratulating each other. After the holiday of Epiphany, boys and girls could again gather at the “evening party”, where young people looked closely at each other and chose a mate. And from Jordan (another name for the feast of Epiphany) until Lent, a new wedding season lasted.

Folk signs for Epiphany

A person baptized on this day will be accompanied by happiness all his life.

It was considered a good omen if they agreed on a future wedding on this day. "Epiphany handshake - to a happy family."

Any agreement ending with a handshake promised further support from above.

If shovel snow fell on this day, it foreshadowed a good harvest.

If the trees were covered with frost at Epiphany, they tried to sow in the spring winter wheat on the same day of the week - the harvest will be rich.

A clear day for Epiphany promised, according to folk signs, bad year.

If there was a full moon on the night of Epiphany, then floods were feared in the spring. This year the holiday of Epiphany falls on 4 lunar phase, i.e. Don't expect a big flood in the spring.

The girls washed themselves with Epiphany ice and snow, they said that then they would be “white without whitewash, ruddy without blush.”

Dreams on Epiphany night were considered prophetic, and fortune telling was similar to Christmas dreams.

Living water

On the morning of January 19, water is blessed - in a church or near a lake, river or stream. It is believed that on this day, from midnight to midnight, water acquires healing properties and retains them throughout the year. It is given to seriously ill people to drink, and temples, houses and animals are blessed with it. Epiphany water is credited with the ability to cleanse and treat diseases of the body and soul, and wash away accumulated negativity. Since ancient times, people have symbolized eternity, outer space, the line between worlds with water (for example, in myths Ancient Greece the dead were transported to the other world across the River Styx with the help of the ferryman Charon).

The symbolic crossing to the other side of the river in the songs and fairy tales of the Slavic peoples means marriage, marriage (a person’s transition from one state to another). This idea was also reflected in one of St. Andrew’s fortune-telling. When water was poured into a bowl, several straws were placed on it, which symbolized a bridge, and left under the bed overnight. Magical and healing effects were attributed to water. Water, like fire, can cleanse on a physical and spiritual level. To calm a person down, they give him a glass of water to drink. If you have a nightmare at night, they advise you to tell it to the water flowing from the tap, which, after listening, will take it out of your life. Pouring cold water can relax and “wash away” certain blocks.

P.S. It is interesting that although river beds (water in motion) need to shape their flow through mountains, canyons, stones, etc., water itself has the ability to shape (for example, the male body). Take a closer look at the structure of professional swimmers and divers; wide shoulders and narrow hips are clearly visible in them. At Epiphany, water is sanctified by fire. The word “baptize”, “baptize” translated from Greek means “immerse in water.” In this ritual, male and female essences meet again. Which once again reminds us that when interacting, two opposites (man and woman) shape and create each other, and are also capable of giving birth to new life.

On January 18 and 19, Orthodox Christians traditionally celebrate Epiphany. This day has its own history, dating back to ancient times, and church canons for a long time closely intertwined with popular beliefs.

The holiday of the Baptism of Rus' is usually celebrated on July 28. This event, according to historical research, dates back to 988. However, the adoption of the Christian faith in Rus' was not a short-term action, but a long process that required the residents of the pagan state to rethink new forms of life and interaction.

History of the holiday. Baptism

Translated from Greek, the word “baptism” means immersion. This is exactly how a cleansing bath is carried out for a person who has decided to accept the Christian faith. The true meaning of the water ritual is spiritual cleansing. According to Christian tradition, on January 19, Jesus Christ was baptized, and on this day the Epiphany is celebrated, when the Almighty appeared to the world in three forms.

On the Epiphany of the Lord (the history of the holiday tells this story), God the Son passed the Sacrament in the Jordan River at the age of 30, where the Holy Spirit appeared to him in the form of a dove, and God the Father made it known from heaven that Jesus Christ is his son . Hence the second name of the holiday - Epiphany.

On January 18, according to Orthodox tradition, it is customary to fast until the removal of the candle, which follows the Liturgy, accompanied by communion with water. The holiday of Epiphany, or rather its eve, is also called Christmas Eve, which is associated with the custom of boiling wheat juice with the addition of raisins and honey.

Celebration traditions

Epiphany is a holiday whose traditions are associated with the extraordinary ability of water to heal, and it can be taken from the most ordinary body of water. Even the one that is supplied to the apartments of our houses is endowed with this property. For healing, it is necessary to take consecrated Epiphany water on an empty stomach in a very small volume (a teaspoon is enough). After taking it, you need to wait a while before eating.

The healing properties of Epiphany water

Epiphany is an Orthodox holiday and, according to the Christian faith, holy water is the most effective cure for all diseases. To get rid of physical and spiritual ailments, you need to drink it hourly, deeply believing in its healing power. Women are not allowed to touch holy water during menstrual periods, only in exceptional cases, for example, in case of a serious illness.

IN Orthodox traditions The history of the holiday is well known. The Baptism of the Lord gives water miraculous powers. A drop of it can sanctify a huge source, and it does not deteriorate under any storage conditions. Modern research confirmed that Epiphany water does not change its structure without a refrigerator.

Where to store Epiphany water

Water collected on the day of Epiphany should be stored in the Red Corner near the icons; this is the best place for it in the house. You must take it from the Red Corner without swearing; at this moment you cannot quarrel and allow yourself ungodly thoughts, as this will lose the holiness of the magic drink. Sprinkling a house with water cleanses not only the home, but also family members, making them healthier, more moral and happier.

Epiphany bathing

Traditionally, on January 19, on the feast of the Epiphany, water from any source has miraculous properties and the ability to heal, so on this day all Orthodox Christians collect it at various containers and store carefully, adding small drops as needed, for example, to a glass of water. As you remember, even a small portion can consecrate huge volumes. However, the Epiphany holiday is most widely known for its mass bathing. Of course, not everyone can decide to do this. However, recently, Epiphany bathing has become increasingly popular.

Dives are held in an ice-hole cut out in the shape of a cross, which is called Jordan. Plunging into cold water On January 19, Epiphany, an Orthodox holiday, a believer, as legend says, gets rid of sins and all ailments for a whole year.

When is it customary to collect water?

People go to church for holy water on the morning of January 19th. There is a sign that you need to take it first. This makes the behavior of some parishioners unacceptable for the temple, because in a sacred place one cannot push, swear, or fuss.

Blessed water can also be collected the day before, January 18, Epiphany Eve. Church services continue on this day. As the priests say, water is blessed the same way on both January 18 and 19, so the time of collection does not affect its healing properties. If it is impossible to go to church, you can use ordinary apartment water supply. It is better to collect water from the tap on the night of January 18-19 between 00.10 and 01.30. This time is considered the most favorable. When and where to swim on Epiphany? Regarding bathing, the church notes that it is not a canon of Christianity, but has simply become a tradition. You can take a dip at Epiphany both on the night of January 18-19 and in the morning of the 19th. In every city special places are organized for this holiday; you can find out about them in any church.

On accepting baptism in the Orthodox tradition

On the Epiphany of the Lord (the history of the holiday tells about this), God appeared to the world for the first time in three forms (Epiphany). Few people think that communion with the Lord is an important event in everyone's life Orthodox Christian. On the day of baptism, a person is adopted by God and becomes part of Christ.

After undergoing the rite of baptism, a person is accepted Orthodox Church and ceases to be a slave of Satan, who can now tempt him only by cunning. After gaining faith, you can visit the temple and pray, as well as use other Sacraments of the Orthodox faith.

Reception of Baptism by an adult is carried out consciously, so the presence of godparents is not necessary. A future Christian must become familiar with the basics of the Orthodox faith and, if desired, learn prayers.

When we're talking about about babies, then they need godparents, who must subsequently take care of the child’s religious development and, of course, pray for him. They should be an example of morality for their godchildren.

Before the Sacrament is performed, everyone who will be present in the church is recommended to fast and abstain from worldly entertainment. Babies themselves do not need preparation.

Now every church has a registration for baptism, where you can also find out what you need to take with you. It is imperative to prepare a blessed cross and, if desired, a baptismal set, which includes a shirt, cap, and diaper. For boys, a cap is not required.

After the ceremony you will receive a “Baptismal Certificate”. Keep it, if your child decides to enter a religious school, it will definitely be needed.

It must be said that the baptism of a child is a holiday that is given more and more importance in Russia every year.

Folk customs and traditions associated with Epiphany

The holiday of Epiphany, of course, is less popular than Christmas, but it is very rich in various rituals. Here are some of them.

On this day, it is customary to release doves into the sky during worship, which is a symbol of the Spirit of God appearing on earth in the guise of this bird. This ritual also “releases” the Christmas holidays.

Water is always blessed in churches. On the eve of Epiphany, a cross-shaped hole is cut out in reservoirs, and the cross is placed close to it and sometimes decorated. Water is baptized with fire, for which the priest lowers a burning three-branched candlestick into it.

To wash away the sins of time Epiphany bathing, you need to plunge headlong three times.

In former times, young people had fun on this day by riding carousels and ice skating. Also, boys and girls caroled - they went around the house with songs and congratulations, and the owners gave them treats.

After this holiday, fasting ended. Young people again began to get together for festivities, where they could choose their soulmate. The period from the end of Epiphany to Lent is the time when one could have a wedding.

It is not customary to work and eat a lot on Epiphany.

Signs and beliefs

Agree on a wedding on this day - to happy life for the future family. In general, any good deed started on this day is blessed.

Snow on Epiphany means a rich harvest.

The sun on this day means a bad harvest.

Wash your face with ice and snow on this day - to be beautiful, sweet and pretty all year long.

On Epiphany night, dreams are prophetic.

That evening the girls got together and told fortunes.

Epiphany fortune telling

The most popular, of course, is fortune telling for the betrothed. There are a great many ways to find out the name and see your future husband, some of them are quite creepy: with mirrors, candles, “spirit circles” and the alphabet.

Almost every modern girl knows about telling fortunes about her groom using Tatyana Larina’s method: to find out the name of her betrothed, you need to go out into the street at midnight and ask the first man you come across what his name is.

Here's a very funny fortune telling for wish fulfillment. You ask a question, having a good idea of ​​what you are asking about (the question should really be important to you, but if you are doing it for fun, then the answer will not be true), and then you scoop up grains (cereals) from the bag. Next, pour everything onto a plate and count it. If the number of grains is even, it will come true, if the number is odd, it will not come true.

Epiphany is one of the most significant holidays among Orthodox celebrations. This festival is associated with a huge number of church traditions and folk customs.

On Epiphany, believers plunge into water to strengthen their faith. It's comparative new tradition, which appealed to Christians. On January 19, 2018, many will plunge into special ice holes in Jordan to undergo a ritual of spiritual and physical cleansing.

Families gather at the festive table on this day. The main treat is considered to be fish and wine. Baptism is a time of cleansing from all sins, so believers try not only to atone for their sins, but also not to commit new ones. On this bright and pure holiday, everyone should be open to other people's requests. The Lord commanded to treat everyone with compassion and care, especially the poor and suffering.

Holy Baptism The Lord's Day is one of the 12 main Orthodox celebrations that every Christian should remember. Many church ministers call for this holiday to be treated with special respect, because it is in no way inferior to Easter or the Nativity of Christ. Event a long time ago days gone by can strengthen everyone’s faith and give hope for a bright and happy future. Be happy this holiday. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Good luck in everything, and don't forget to press the buttons and

18.01.2018 04:36

Almost all Orthodox holidays are preceded by an evening liturgy. That is why every great celebration begins with the Vespers. ...