Customs associated with holy water for Epiphany. About Epiphany water
In Christianity, this is one of the most important and revered holidays. It starts on January 18th in the evening and ends on January 19th. It is preceded by Christmastide. Epiphany water has special healing powers on this holiday. We'll find out when to dial it a little later.
Epiphany is also called the Feast of Epiphany. This is due to the fact that during the ritual the prophet performed, a miracle was revealed to the people - the Holy Trinity.
What is remarkable about Epiphany water?
He is a saint because he is sanctified by the Highest Order. This religious tradition honors and remembers the baptism performed by Jesus Christ in the waters of the Lord who was baptized by the prophet John the Baptist. The common people were also baptized in order to wash away their sins. The rite of consecration of water takes place either on January 18 (in the evening) or on January 19 (in the morning, after the Liturgy).
The important point is that water after consecration acquires healing and healing properties. Therefore, if you are worried about any ailment, then Epiphany water will help you.
When to collect water and plunge into the ice hole, and should you do it at all? If you believe that this ritual will help you get rid of the disease, then, of course, it’s worth taking the plunge. But always look at the state of your health. Not always swimming in cold water will be beneficial for the body. If you feel unwell, you should stay home.
On Epiphany, when do you get water and from where? This can be done at any time and can be collected both from a consecrated ice hole and from holy sources.
Water collected on this day from consecrated springs does not spoil very much. for a long time. If we remember the Gospel, then when Jesus came into contact with water, he sanctified this river with himself. Therefore, when celebrating Epiphany according to the old church style, water acquires the same properties that it had at the baptism of the Savior. No other version of the incorruptibility of water has yet been given or proven. But be that as it may, when you collect water, it is worth remembering that just one drop can consecrate an unlimited amount of water space. This amazing fact in modern world.
When to collect water on Epiphany?
Is there a specific time to get water? It should be noted that many people ask the question: “When should I collect water for Epiphany?” Different sources provide data that is completely inconsistent with each other. But most clergy report that it does not matter which day or time you take holy water. If you were unable to do this during the holidays, visiting the temple later, you can always get some holy water for yourself.
Don't take in too much water. Just one bottle is enough. And when correct use It will last you a long time. At Epiphany, when to collect water is not important, just as its volume does not matter.
Jordan and swimming in it
The Jordan is a cross-shaped hole in a reservoir, which is consecrated by the Highest Order; it is in it that the hole is performed. This kind of hole is an element of an ancient tradition revered in Christianity. However, you should not believe the stories that this is the only way you can be cleansed of your sins. any form will have the same effect. An important element healing from illness is faith.
How to conduct Baptism correctly
But not only swimming in an ice hole should symbolize this holiday. Going to church and fasting before the holiday is an integral part of the Christian tradition. On Epiphany, when you collect water, do not forget to pour several bottles. If one of your loved ones is seriously ill, you can help him heal by presenting a bottle of holy Epiphany water. Also, if you or someone close to you has not been baptized, then January 18 is exactly the day that the church approves for performing this sacrament. We should also not forget about the great feast of Epiphany.
How to handle holy water
- Drink on an empty stomach in the morning, in the evening before bed. After acceptance, it is necessary to read a prayer with a request to heal ailments and guide you on the right path.
- Water should be stored next to the icons.
- Store in refrigeration chamber and the bottle should not be placed near food. Keep it separate and be sure to label it so that none of your loved ones confuse it with ordinary water.
- If necessary, you can independently sprinkle water on yourself, your loved ones, animals and your home. This will bring peace to your home and peace to your soul.
- You should not drink from common containers. To receive such water, each person must have a separate container.
- Water should not be mixed with sewage. Pour only into a place where neither people nor animals walk.
How does silver affect Epiphany water?
There is an assumption that the water becomes healing and incorruptible due to what the priest puts into the cross. But that's not true. For rites of consecration of water in ice holes and churches, crosses made of other metals - tin, gold, aluminum - began to be often used. There are also wooden and ceramic ones. The water quality will always be the same. When you collect water for baptism, notice this fact. All sources will be equally useful.
Facts about blessed water
In addition to its incorruptibility properties, water also has the property of healing. Moreover, both taking water internally and externally is effective. For bruises, you can apply a compress soaked in blessed water. The same method can be used for wounds and scratches. Everything will heal faster. But do not forget that it does not matter what source the Epiphany water comes from. When you collect it from the tap in your home, on the feast of Epiphany it will acquire healing properties.
Holy water, when to collect in 2019? Here absolutely nothing depends on the current year, but everything depends on church calendar. The great consecration of water takes place on the holiday of Epiphany, which means that it is on this day and several days after the holiday that you can collect Epiphany holy water.
Of course, therefore, during the year at any time in the temple it will also be possible to collect holy water. But the symbolism of Epiphany water is such that, collected on this day, it has double power, is capable of healing a person, helping him, getting rid of not only diseases of the body, but from bad thoughts and diseases of the spirit.
Interesting! , typed and consecrated on this important Orthodox holiday, has amazing and magical properties. She heals people, she gets rid of diseases, protects from evil people, drives away troubles and misfortunes from life. The glory of holy water is enormous and this is confirmed by the numerous long lines when people gather at churches with bottles on Epiphany to get water.
If a person decides to go to church for the first time to get water, he asks himself the questions: holy water, when to get it in 2019? And here, as already explained above, the year does not matter, but two dates always flash - January 18 and 19.
Rite of water blessing
Every year the rite of consecration of water at Epiphany takes place at the same time. Its peculiarity is that it is carried out twice. The first time the water is blessed is on January 18 - this is the day of Epiphany Eve. The second time the consecration of water is carried out on January 19, this is the day of the Epiphany itself.
During Christmas Eve, before going to the temple for water, it is recommended to fast. Next, go to the service, pray and light candles. After the evening service ends, around 21.00, the water is blessed. The ceremony is carried out according to all church rules and is always strictly observed.
First, they cut an ice hole, be sure to cut the ice not anyhow, but in the shape of a cross. Previously, an ice cross was placed next to an ice hole; this tradition is often preserved today. In the old days, the cross itself was doused with red paint; today such a tradition can no longer be found.
Next, over the ice hole, the priest reads a prayer, then dips a silver cross into the water. If the church strictly follows all the requirements of Baptism, then at this moment a dove should be released into the sky, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit. If there is no body of water nearby, then the same blessing of water is carried out simply in the church font. Exactly the same ritual is used to consecrate water at Epiphany. Both rites and both consecrations have exactly the same power.
When should you collect holy water?
Holy water, when to collect in 2019 January 18 or 19? The ritual of consecrating water has already been described above, which has equal power. So, you can collect water on the 18th, or you can go for it on January 19, the feast of Epiphany.
Many people think that the most healing water is that which is consecrated on the day of Epiphany, January 19th. But the priests claim that these are all superstitions - water on the 18th and 19th, if it was consecrated after the service according to all the rules, has the same power. It is only important that a person prepares spiritually to draw water. On the eve of the holiday, it is recommended to go to confession and receive communion, attend services, and pray at home.
Epiphany water, which is brought into the house on Epiphany Eve and Epiphany, is considered special. It does not deteriorate for several years, maintaining its structure. This water is used for healing and the home is sprinkled with it. Epiphany water also helps in many other cases. Epiphany in 2019 will be soon, on the night of January 18-19. Let's find out in more detail what needs to be done at Epiphany, where and how to get water and how long you can store it. And this night.
History of Epiphany water
Epiphany is celebrated by Orthodox Christians on January 19 and is considered one of the great church holidays, established in memory of the day when Jesus Christ came to the Jordan River to John the Baptist to be baptized by him. A special feature of the holiday are two great blessings of water. One takes place on Christmas Eve (the evening before Epiphany) in the church.
Another is held on the day of the holiday in the open air, if possible - at a water source (river, lake, spring, spring). At the same time, if the water is frozen, an ice hole is hollowed out in it in advance. According to the church charter, this ritual is accompanied by the reading of prayers and the immersion of the cross in consecrated water three times, after which it is endowed with special healing powers. The word "baptize" or "baptize" is from the Greek "baptizo" meaning "to immerse."
This great Christian holiday has a double name; Epiphany is also called Epiphany. Because at the Baptism of the Lord the main event was the appearance of the Holy Trinity. God the Father testifies from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
God the Son is baptized according to His human nature; The Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove. This confirms faith in the Divine Trinity and faith in the Divinity of Jesus Christ.
Epiphany Christmas Eve - traditions and rituals
So, in the villages, on Epiphany, old women and girls collected snow from stacks.
Old women - in order to bleach canvas, it was believed that only this snow could make it snow-white.
And girls - to whiten their skin and become more beautiful. They believed that after washing herself with this snow, a girl becomes very attractive. In addition, according to legend, Epiphany snow could even store water in dry wells for the whole year.
Snow collected on Epiphany evening was considered healing and was used to treat various ailments.
A bowl of water was placed on the table to witness the Baptism of the Lord. At the same time they said: “at night the water itself ripples,” - this was a sign. If at midnight the water in the bowl really swayed, people ran to see the “open heavens” - what are they talking about? open sky If you pray, it will come true.
Until the 5th century, it was customary to remember the birth and baptism of the Son of God on one day - January 6, and this holiday was called Theophany - Epiphany, which spoke of the incarnation of Christ into the world and the appearance of the Trinity in the waters of the Jordan. The celebration of the Nativity of Christ has been postponed to December 25 (to Julian calendar, or old style) was later, in the 5th century.
This was the beginning of a new church phenomenon - Christmastide, ending with Vespers, or Christmas Eve, the feast of Epiphany.
The word evecherie means the eve of a church celebration, and the second name - Christmas Eve (or sochevnik) is associated with the tradition on this day of boiling a wheat broth with honey and raisins - sochivo.
Epiphany Christmas Eve is an evening of preparation before the big Orthodox holiday, which is called the Epiphany of the Lord's Baptism. This festival Orthodox Church, belongs to the Twelve. On this day, the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist (Baptist) in the Jordan River is remembered.
Due to the importance of the event that took place on the coming day in the life of Jesus Christ, the Church established a fast. This is where the tradition of cooking sochivo came from, which is not mandatory, but is so convenient that it has become a tradition everywhere.
Of course, these days not everyone has such an opportunity, but it is still necessary to observe fasting: “As we are nourished by God’s Grace, we will be freed from covetousness,” the Typikon tells us. Covetousness refers to everything that is consumed beyond need, and let everyone’s conscience be the criterion here.
Believers determine the extent of fasting individually, according to the strength and blessing of their confessor. On this day, as on Christmas Eve, they do not eat food until the candle is taken out after the Liturgy in the morning and the first communion of Epiphany water is taken.
Properties of Epiphany water and how to drink it
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 your home with Epiphany water on this day while singing 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.”
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 Your prayers 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.
Is it necessary to add Epiphany water to the bath in which babies are bathed so that they do not get sick?
This is also one of the superstitions. Every person can get sick. And great saints suffered from physical illnesses. For example, St. Seraphim of Sarov could not straighten his back due to the injury he received. He was attacked by robbers and severely beaten.
Saint Matrona of Moscow was blind from birth until the end of her days. No one forbids giving holy Epiphany water to infants (it is still better to drink holy water), including during illness. But once again we need to remind you that the use of a shrine is not a mechanism, but an action that requires faith and hope
How to take a bath at Epiphany
This night, pour yourself with Epiphany water three times or take a bath. Between 0:10 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., fill the bathtub cold water from the tap. Cross the water and yourself three times, read the prayer and knock with your fist right hand across the chest three times to cause the body to vibrate in harmony with the vibrations of the water.
Then, without screaming or making noise, sit in the bath and plunge your head three times, hitting your chest each time.
Silently exit the bath (if you swim in Epiphany water if someone else in your household wants it, fill the bath new water).
Do not dry yourself immediately; let the water absorb into the skin. At this time, perform self-massage or vigorously tap your fingers all over your body from head to toe. Then put on warm clothes, underwear, socks, everything new and always washed and ironed. Drink herbal tea with honey. 
Is it possible to dilute Epiphany water?
A special property of holy water is that, added even in small quantities to ordinary water, it imparts beneficial properties to it, therefore, in case of a shortage of holy water, it can be diluted with plain water.
It is believed that holy water does not spoil, so there is no need to put it in the refrigerator. Orthodox Christians keep it in the Red Corner, next to the icons. In addition, a drop of shrine sanctifies the sea. You can take ordinary, unconsecrated water and add a drop of Epiphany water to it, and it will be completely sanctified.
When taking or receiving holy water, it is strictly forbidden to quarrel, swear, or indulge in unpious actions or thoughts. As a result, holy water loses its holiness and often simply spills.
We must not forget that consecrated water is a church shrine, which has been touched by the grace of God, and which requires a reverent attitude. With a reverent attitude, holy water does not spoil for many years. It should be stored in separate place, better nearby with a home iconostasis.
When to collect Epiphany water
You can take water from the temple after the service; you can also bring your own water for consecration, but remember that it must be ordinary pure water, not mineral and not carbonated.
If you decide to simply draw water from the tap, then you need to do this in the time period from 00.10. until 01.30. on the night of January 18th to 19th. You can store water later, but this is the best time.
Unfortunately, most of our people have a purely superstitious attitude towards Epiphany water. They take water as medicine and then try to heal with it.
- Firstly, it is better to collect water not thoughtlessly, but after you take part in a church service.
- Secondly, you need to pour it into a container without any markings. It’s better to put it in a special jug or flask purchased at a church store. And certainly not in a beer bottle!
Epiphany water is believed to have healing properties. You can drink it when you are sick on an empty stomach and wash your face to stay healthy.
True, you need to drink holy water with prayer, asking the Almighty for spiritual and physical health. And it is not at all necessary to take it in reserve, in canisters. There should be a lot of faith, not water. 
Where to get Epiphany water
It is believed that water collected at Epiphany midnight from any source (even from the tap) has healing properties. Speaking modern language, Epiphany water is structured. If such water is stored away from human eyes and empty conversations - in a quiet and dark place - (believers keep it near the home iconostasis), then it retains its healing properties all year round.
Researchers believe that every year, starting from fifteen minutes past midnight on January 19, a person can draw water from the tap at any time during the day for subsequent storage and use as bioactive throughout the year.
How long is Epiphany water stored?
Epiphany water stored in glassware, can be used for a year or even. This is a very strong energy water, so drinking it constantly is not recommended. But if you are unwell, take it as a medicine, add it to the bath (from one teaspoon to one glass per bath), rinse your mouth, wash your face, spray your face, eyes, whole body - it is very useful.
I remind you: there is no need to dry yourself. To cleanse the home, Epiphany water is sprinkled in the corners of the rooms, and then a small part of the water is poured into a glass vessel, without closing the lid, and left in the room.
Do not leave your shoes outside the door on Epiphany night, otherwise you will get sick.
If there are problems in the house, draw water at night and leave it at the doorstep in open form, and in the morning wipe the shoes of each family member with this water. Then pour the water into the latrine with the words:
“The evil spirit is underground, the good spirit is on the earth.” 
Epiphany water - scientific facts
Studies have shown that the optical density of Epiphany water is higher than water from the same sources on ordinary days. Moreover, it is close to the optical density of water from the Jordan River. Some scientists explain the healing properties of Epiphany water by its peculiarities magnetic field Earth. On this day it deviates from the norm and all the water on the planet becomes magnetized. What causes these changes is not yet fully understood.
Professor Anton Belsky, a Russian experimental physicist, once on the night of January 19, took water samples in plastic bottles from a nearby pond. They stood in his laboratory for many years. The water in them remained clear, odorless and sediment-free. At one of the scientific conferences, he told about this experiment to a professor he knew from the Research Institute of Nuclear Physics at Moscow State University, who was studying neutron fluxes from space and from the Earth.
He promised to look at his experimental data for last years. Soon A. Belsky received e-mail very interesting information. According to him, before January 19 whole line years, intense bursts of neutron flux were recorded, exceeding background levels by 100-200 times. There was no strict connection to January 19: the maximums fell on both the 18th and 17th, but sometimes exactly on the 19th.
Unique studies of Epiphany water taken from the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, carried out several years ago at the Moscow Institute of Information Wave Technologies, showed that the frequency spectrum of the Epiphany water radiation is similar to electromagnetic radiation healthy human organs. That is, it turned out that the Epiphany church water contains a certain information program in the form of an ordered set of healthy frequencies human body.
If the healing properties of Epiphany water in church are known to everyone, then few people know that ordinary tap water on Epiphany night can also become bioactive and then retain its special qualities not only for a whole year, but much longer.
It turns out that tap water annually on January 19 changes its structure many times over the course of a day and a half.
The studies carried out included measurements of the biofield of water, acid-base balance, hydrogen potential, specific electrical conductivity, as well as the result of its impact on humans during internal and external use (using gas-discharge visualization methods, dowsing, laboratory studies).
To do this, starting from the evening of January 18, samples of water flowing from the tap were taken at short intervals and measurements were taken. For control purposes, samples were left in storage for a long time.
Laboratory specialists drinking water supply Institute named after Sysina also conducted serious scientific research. As Candidate of Technical Sciences Anatoly STEKHIN said, the main task was to record the phase of transition of water into an unusual state; for this, they began to monitor the water from January 15. The water collected from the tap was settled and the amount of radical ions in it was measured.
During the study, the number of radical ions in water increased from January 17th. At the same time, the water became softer, its pH value (pH level) increased, which made the liquid less acidic. The water reached its peak activity on January 18th, in the evening. Due to the large number of radical ions, its electrical conductivity was really like that of an artificially created catholyte (water saturated with electrons). At the same time, the pH value of water jumped over neutral (7 pH) by 1.5 points.
The degree of structure of Epiphany water was also studied. The researchers froze several samples - from a tap, from a church spring, from the Moscow River.
So, even tap water, which is usually far from ideal, when frozen, presented a harmonious spectacle under a microscope. The curve of electromagnetic activity of water began to decline in the morning of January 19 and by the 20th it had taken its usual form.
Scientists believe that the reason for such a sharp increase in the electromagnetic activity of water at Epiphany was a large accumulation of radical ions in the Earth’s lithosphere. On normal days, the amount of energy in the water varies depending on the time of day.
From 7 pm to 9 am the water is most active (but not to the same extent as Epiphany). Exactly this good time in order to wash and make supplies for household needs. When the sun rises, a large number of radical ions “fly away” from the water into the upper layers of the atmosphere.
Such channels through which energy “escapes” from us are all vortex processes in the atmosphere. It is not without reason that many people feel worse during cyclone activity. We simply don't have enough aquatic electromagnetic energy. But the most extreme phenomenon, which literally devastates the Earth energetically, is an earthquake.
As for the three Epiphany days, this, according to Stekhin, is an “anomalous” period when an anticyclone always dominates on Earth. And the electrons, obeying some kind of cosmic influence, quietly “sit” in the lithosphere and water and saturate us with healing powers. The only explanation for this can be a special redistribution of the poles of the magnetic field that exists between the Sun and the Earth. Exactly space force and hold energy on Earth during Baptism.
Doctor of Sciences, professor of the Faculty of Biology of Moscow State University Vladimir VOEYKOV believes that water is affected by all kinds of magnetic and neutron storms. In particular, scientists have proven that the properties of water are greatly changed by a solar eclipse.
And everywhere, regardless of the degree of darkness in one part or another globe. As for the processes that affect water at Epiphany, they have not yet been fully studied. Perhaps during this period there really is a restructuring of interplanetary magnetic fields and the electrons of water are somehow “magnetized” to the Earth. But this is just a hypothesis.
Phenomenon Epiphany water has not been fully studied, and researchers, it seems, will not soon be able to unravel its secret. Epiphany water did not pass Scientific research to which they are subjected medicines, and there are no medical reports on the properties of Epiphany water yet. But there is centuries-old experience of a huge number of people. And, probably, it is not so important what heals - water or a person’s firm belief that it will help him
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Since Old Testament times, water baptism has been a symbol of not only physical, but also moral purification. The baptism of Christ in the Jordan River became the first appearance of the Trinity to the world - the Epiphany. During baptism, a person becomes the son of the Lord, puts off the old man and puts on the new one, redeemed by Christ, becomes a part of the one Body of Christ, a member of the Mother Church.
Epiphany of the Lord in 2018 is celebrated on January 19. On the morning of this date, everyone goes to church and collects blessed water. Some people note that the first person should bring water from the church, although in reality this is nothing more than a stupid sign. It’s very unpleasant to see when people want to get water as quickly as possible and push right into the church. There will be enough blessed water in the church for everyone.
You can also collect blessed water on January 18, this day is called Epiphany Eve. On this day there is also a service in the church.
Many people ask the question: on Epiphany in 2018, when is it better to collect water, on the 18th or 19th? The priests say that it makes no difference, this water is sanctified in the same way.
This water is used to consecrate their houses, and the remains are stored in the house for a whole year in a dark place.
If you do not have the opportunity to go to church, then you can get water from the tap. In this case, you need to know when to get water from the tap for Epiphany in 2018. This needs to be done at night between 00.10 and 01.30. In principle, many are sure that it is possible later, but this time is still considered the best.
Most often, the liturgy in churches is held on January 19, after which the ritual of bathing is performed. However, in certain churches there are night services, ice holes are consecrated, and on the night of January 18-19 people swim in these ice holes.
The church itself notes that bathing is not a canonical position, but has already become a tradition. Accordingly, for Epiphany 2018, it is not so important when swimming will take place, from the 18th to the 19th or in the morning of the 19th.
Many also ask where to swim on Epiphany in 2018. Each city has its own places where such rituals are held. Find out in advance where your swimming will take place, you can also ask about it at the church.
The Savior sanctified water baptism by receiving it in the waters of the Jordan. It is water that reveals the meaning of Baptism in Orthodoxy, being a very ancient religious symbol. The basis of life on earth and the destructive force, the basis of death - in Christian theology, water has a dual image. And, of course, water is a symbol of purification, rebirth and renewal.
The word “baptism” itself means washing through immersion, pouring. The first Christians performed baptism in open reservoirs. In later times, Baptism was carried out in baptismal fonts and baptismal fonts. Orthodox baptism carried out in the font - necessary condition liberation of man from demonic forces and submission to fallen sinfulness.
In the process of sanctification, water returns to its primary purpose: to be the source of Eternal Life, the medium of God’s presence, the all-destroyer of demons. In Baptism, the redeemed soul receives the revelation of the Triune God and is united with Him.
Christmastide continues until candles, as was celebrated in the old days, because after the Great Blessing of water on the eve of Epiphany, candles intertwined with colored threads or ribbons were placed next to the vessel with blessed water. This custom alone testifies to the importance and solemnity of the blessing of water. This entire day, in fact, is spent in very strict fasting (even children try not to eat until the “first star”), and during Vespers, churches do not always accommodate all the worshipers.
The Great Agiasma (Epiphany holy water) has a special grace; it is collected and brought to every home. First, the whole family takes a few sips with reverence, and then - according to custom - you need to take the sacred willow from behind the icon and sprinkle the entire home with holy water in order to protect yourself from troubles and misfortunes. In certain villages, in addition, holy water was poured into wells so that evil spirits they did not penetrate there and did not spoil the water.
Upon completion of all these and other rituals, holy water was most often placed near the images. In order for Epiphany water to last for the whole year, it did not have to be a lot: with one drop it sanctifies any other.
Approximately the same power is attributed not only to water blessed in the church, but also to simple water from rivers, in which, according to popular belief, on the night of January 19, Jesus Christ himself performs ablution. The water taken from the ice hole on the eve of Epiphany is considered healing and helping those who are sick.
On the day of Epiphany, as soon as the first bell rang, some pious parishioners lit sheaves of straw in front of their houses (so that Jesus Christ, after baptism in the river, could warm himself near this fire). Others, having asked for the priest’s blessing, were on the river, setting up a “Jordan” - a cross-shaped wormwood, near which both old and young came to worship.
When the holy cross was immersed in water, everyone was united by prayer, as well as the desire to drink the Epiphany water and wash themselves with it. There have always been brave souls who, despite the Epiphany frosts, bathe in icy water. For many centuries there is no information that anyone got sick or drowned.
With the celebration of the Epiphany and Epiphany, combining two great events in one holiday, the holy days and evenings come to an end.
Already at the end of this working week, January 19, Orthodox believers celebrate the Feast of Epiphany. Historically, on this day, the main symbol of life on Earth - water - has a special power that can protect people from illness and troubles. How and when to collect Epiphany water - let's look into our material.
According to biblical scriptures, the Baptism of Jesus took place on the Jordan River. It was on this day that Christians believed in the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When Jesus entered the water, there was a sound from heaven God's voice who called him his Son. At that same moment, the Holy Spirit descended to Jesus in the form of a dove.
Christians, remembering the memorable event, formed their traditions for Epiphany - on this day they bless water in churches and open reservoirs and plunge into ice holes to cleanse themselves of sins and receive the blessing of heaven for health, luck and prosperity in the next year.
Water has special properties at Epiphany - they say that on the night of January 18-19, it becomes healing and sacred even in an ordinary household tap. The water is collected and then stored for the entire next year, thus protecting one’s home from troubles and misfortunes, using it as a cure for ailments and the like.
When to collect water for Epiphany
Many believe that Epiphany water becomes magical only after it is consecrated in the temple. At the same time, deeply religious people will immediately refute this fact - absolutely all water becomes healing and miraculous, regardless of where and how it “flows.”
The water begins to have special properties after sunset on January 18 - Epiphany Eve, which is considered a mystical evening. The water retains its properties until lunch on January 19 - that is. until the end of all church rituals related to the illumination of open reservoirs and ice holes for swimming citizens.
If you are wondering when is the best time to collect water for storage, the answer is simple. If you go to a temple, then the water that was in it during the solemn service will be considered “your” baptismal water.
If for objective reasons you don’t go to the boor, but plan to take part in mass swimming in the ice hole, collect water there, because the clergy always sprinkle the water and bless it before the ritual bathing.
If you decide to collect water simply from the tap, but do not know at what time the sacred water will flow from there, then we inform you - people say that the most strong time for collection falls between midnight and 1.30 on the night of January 18-19. It is at this time that good begins to fight evil, which gets especially close to people on Epiphany Eve.
How and where to collect Epiphany water, how to store it
Epiphany water is considered sacred, and therefore must be treated with special respect. Do not even think about putting water into dirty dishes - such a ritual will be considered simply blasphemy. Glass containers or plastic - it doesn’t matter at all. At the same time, believers say that it is better to prefer glass, because plastic is not a natural material and is even harmful to human health.
As for how to properly collect water, there are also several unshakable rules. On Epiphany Christmas Eve, you must keep a strict fast - refrain from overeating and fast foods, at least out of respect for the holiday. While collecting water, read a prayer or turn to God in your own words - ask for forgiveness for sins and blessings from heaven.
You need to store Epiphany water in a place protected from light, but it is better to place it under the icon or in the corner where the images hang. It is unacceptable to pour holy water down the drain - if for any reason you decide to remove it from the house, go out into the yard and water the trees, share with friends or neighbors, but do not pour it, as they say, “down the sink.”
Store water more than a year not worth it. If you store it in reserve but don't use it until next Epiphany- better pour it out. You should not imprison the shrine for a long time, as this can bring bad weather to your home. The grace of holy water does not decrease, no matter how long it is stored, but people who do not turn to the shrine are robbing themselves. It is best not to store water, but to share it with loved ones, neighbors and friends.
They say that holy water does not deteriorate over time, but if you still notice something wrong, immediately pour it into a river or other natural spring. Holy water is not thrown onto the ground. It is poured into an “untrampled” place, that is, into a place where people do not walk (they do not trample underfoot) and dogs do not run. You can pour water into the river, you can flower pot, you can go to a clean place under a tree.
How to use Epiphany water
You should drink holy water in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening before going to bed, take a spoonful (but not from a common container). Can be consumed together with a piece of prosphora.
If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then holy water is taken first, followed by the medicine. And then breakfast and other things to do.
In case of a very serious illness or if a person is in a state of intense spiritual struggle or despondency, it can be drunk in unlimited quantities, regardless of food intake.
After drinking, you need to pray for healing.
For pain or just a sore spot, you can apply a compress moistened with holy water.
You can only sprinkle it on your home (while reading a prayer), a car, or some other thing, also clothes, and even pets.
Women on critical days are not blessed to take Epiphany water. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy, C-ib reports. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter.
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