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Epiphany is a holiday that is one of the main ones in Christianity. It was and remains one of the most beloved in our country.

The date of celebration is January 19, and the day before, believers celebrate Epiphany Eve (second Christmas Eve). It has long been known that John the Baptist baptized the people in the Jordan, thereby calling everyone to repentance and cleansing the soul from sins. Jesus, at the age of 30, being sinless, was the first to be baptized, sanctifying the Jordan River. In honor of this event, the holiday was called Epiphany, and people call it Jordan (Ordan).

This same day is notable for the feast of Epiphany. Epiphany has its own traditions. The day before Epiphany, believers fast, and on January 18 they celebrate Epiphany Evening. There is a custom for the whole family, as at Christmas, to gather around the table.

Cooking for dinner Lenten dishes, kutya and compote. The main tradition of the holiday is the blessing of water. On the day of Epiphany, water is blessed in all churches, and all sources of water, such as rivers, ponds and lakes, are also subject to consecration - an ice hole is cut into them, into which the clergy lower the cross.

There is a belief that holy water cleanses and heals. Therefore, people line up to stock up on holy water for whole year. If you attend the ritual of blessing the water, you can receive healing of your ailments. You can get Epiphany water after the holiday or take it from a regular source, because, according to legend, on Epiphany night even simple water has healing powers.

Epiphany bathing

On the day of Epiphany, believers bathe in an ice hole to recover from ailments. The tradition of bathing at Epiphany exists in all Christian countries. Priests and believers go to a pre-cut ice hole, which they associate with the Jordan River. After the priest sanctifies the water in the ice hole, immersing the cross three times, lighting the fire and reading a prayer, those who wish to immerse themselves in the water with their heads three times, crossing themselves and saying a prayer. The meaning of the ritual is that believers are ready to follow Christ by accepting baptism and the Christian faith. This ritual is entirely voluntary, since there is no indication anywhere that it is necessary to immerse yourself in cold water on this day.

But swimming on Epiphany day will be proof of love for God. Traditions say that when Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove to him. Therefore, the holiday, as usual, ends with the release of doves.

Modern holiday of Epiphany

This day is traditionally widely celebrated among the people and is the final one in a series New Year's holidays. Even deeply religious people consider immersion in ice water during the winter cold beneficial for health, after which they experience a great surge of positive emotions, good emotions, and talk about health for the whole year. By the way, there is a belief that it is impossible to catch a cold in the cold Epiphany water. That's why even children swim.

There are rituals that will help get rid of ailments, attract good luck and prosperity, and get rid of bad habits. If you suspect that your child has been damaged by vodka and you want to help your child free himself from alcohol addiction and at the same time he also wants this, the following ritual will help.

A ritual to free a child from alcohol addiction

After dinner on January 18th you need to take glass jar, quickly go to the nearest well and break off a piece of ice. Place this ice in a glass container and quickly go home without looking back. You can't talk to anyone.

It is advisable to choose a path so as not to meet anyone, or, in extreme cases, not to greet anyone. Then, for 7 days in the morning before sunrise, read three times on melt water:

“Cold, hard ice makes you shiver, causes chills, so that my flesh and blood, servant of God (the name of the child), becomes cold from the hops, my heart freezes towards him. I forgot my bad passion, I didn’t grab a glass, I didn’t swallow mash, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Let your child drink this water and wipe him with this water up to his waist. You can carry out this ritual three more times after Baptism, when the Moon has subsided.

To get married or get married

In order to improve relationships in the family, get married or have a successful marriage, you need to go to church on January 18th and attend the evening service, buy 7 wax candles and give the same number (sincerely, without skimping) to the altar. In the evening at home, before kutya, light all seven candles; let them burn to the end. During this time, calmly think about your life and think about your plans for the year, make a wish to get married. Single men and women can repeat this procedure and carry it out on February 15, Candlemas.

Conspiracy for good luck and prosperity On January 19, read a special conspiracy for good luck and prosperity. When you leave the temple with blessed water, you need to say:

“I’m going home with holy water, and you, money and luck, follow me. All troubles and losses, go to the other side. Key, lock, tongue. Amen. Amen. Amen".

Plot for an easy life for a baby

Infants under the age of one year can be talked into an easy life at Epiphany. To do this, you need to attach part of the candle with which you blessed the water to the diaper, while reading the following words:

“Lord, the child lives for the first year, give him many easy paths in life. Give the best Savior Angel, Guardian Angel with your holy hand. Bless the servant of God (name) for a good hour, for a good minute. Key, lock, tongue. Amen. Amen. Amen".

Hide the charmed diaper so that no one can see it.

Ritual to remove damage

For Baptism with the help of miraculous Epiphany water severe damage was removed using miraculous Epiphany water in treatment. To do this, you need to bring water from the temple (or better from 7 temples) and, standing in the bath, pour yourself over from head to toe with the words:

The Lord was born, baptized in Baptism, and glorified in the name of Jesus Christ. How this water flows from me, So that all the damage leaves me. Now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

For good health

Holy water for Epiphany has healing power. You must drink holy Epiphany water on an empty stomach. It is believed that it is under this condition that she has greatest strength. TO magical properties Holy water is credited with the ability to suppress passions, drive away evil spirits from the house, and give the patient recovery - often even from incurable diseases. Some priests are convinced that there is no better medicine for holy water.

Rituals and spells for beekeepers

On the Lord's evening, the beekeepers tried to draw water first, and as they collected it they said:

“As this evening people crowd and rejoice in holy water, so let my bees crowd and rejoice, carrying thick honey, yellow wax, and just as a person cannot do without this water, so that my bees cannot do without my apiary.”

Bee owners, trying to ensure that bee swarms did not run away from their apiaries, but multiplied and were healthy, performed appropriate ritual actions at Epiphany - they sprinkled them with holy water, which was considered a panacea for all kinds of ailments and the evil eye.

BAPTISM: HOW TO CORRECTLY CLEANSE A HOUSE WITH HOLY WATER

It is necessary to sprinkle the housing with a pinch right hand, crosswise, going around the room clockwise. That is, starting from the entrance, go deep into the house on the left side and go around all the rooms. You should finish sprinkling in the same place where you started, at front door. When sprinkling, the door or window must be open or slightly open.

Sprinkle your house with holy water with words

“By sprinkling this holy water, every unclean and demonic action may be put to flight.”

The fact is that all our thoughts and emotions have their own energy. Thought is material, no matter what skeptics say. All our quarrels at home, squabbles, minor conflicts leave their energetic trace in the house. This negative energy accumulates in the corners of the apartment and does not intend to simply disappear.

There is a version that this negative energy, like a spark, tries to ignite a flame. That is, it will influence the people living in this room with the aim of provoking them to new scandals and anger. And so on constantly until it becomes so strong that the life of people in such a house becomes a nightmare. Therefore, after every more or less serious quarrel, it is necessary to clean your home, which is enough to do once a week. I would like there to be no quarrels and troubles at all, but that doesn’t happen.

Therefore, if you still have a conflict with your loved one, try not to give in to emotions. The more negative emotions, the greater the release of negative energy. You not only disrupt the structure of your home, which leads to even stronger scandals, fatigue, apathy, and reluctance to do anything around the house, but you also disrupt your energy structure, which is fraught with illness and the rapid fading of youth. The apartment needs cleaning.

To cleanse your home of negativity, elementary but effective methods are used. Firstly, ventilate your home at least once a week. The air contains charged particles that are good at destroying clots of negative energy and thereby cleansing your home.

Moreover, without going into the teachings of Feng Shui, I will say that stagnant air in the house interferes with your material and financial well-being. Try to do it once a week wet cleaning. Add a tablespoon of salt to a bucket of water. It is believed that God has the properties of stability and constancy, and the devil of destruction and chaos. According to magical analogies, salt is a substance with positive energy, since, being a preservative, it prevents destruction. This means he resists the devil.

I will not prove whether it is positive or not, but over all the years of my work, and there have been several dozen home cleansings, including poltergeist cleansing, salt has shown its effectiveness. Naturally, it must be used wisely and should not be used for wiping furniture that does not like salt. If it is possible to make silver water, then you can use it for cleaning.

Be sure to keep a geranium bush at home. There is no hassle with it, and the protection is excellent. Light up natural ones more often wax candles. Unlike paraffin and stearin candles, wax contains a large charge of pure positive energy, which will be absorbed by your body and cleanse your apartment.

When walking around an apartment with a candle, which many people do, always move in the direction of the sun. You should end your walk where you started. Hold near the corners and, crossing them with a candle, say

“Let all unclean and demonic power, black thoughts, dark energy burn out.”

Traditionally, the round is done three times. When walking around, be sure to open the window.

Negative force needs a way out of the room. If you don’t open the window or another way to the street, then it will simply be a matter of moving the negative through the rooms, stopping in the same place. There is no need to collect a lot of Epiphany water, as you can add more as you use it. plain water. According to legend, even one drop of Epiphany water can sanctify the ocean.

Illuminated water for a happy life

When you come home with sacred water, do not forget to perform a ritual for a happy life in your family.
You will need to make a small panicle out of sargo; for this you can buy a new broom and make a panicle out of it, but it is better if you take care of this in the fall and weave such a panicle from grown sargo.
Next, pour it into a saucer, or take a deeper cup and, dipping a broom in holy water, sprinkle the cross in each room, saying the following words:

“Holy water brought health, happiness, light to our home and will protect our hearth from the dashing and the evil. And it will be so Amen!”

It will be good if your household also gets under these sprays. Try to use up all the water that you poured into the cup, and use the whisk as a talisman against dark forces Place it next to the front door.

This ritual will help you not only find happiness and respect between family members, but will also cleanse your home of dark forces and bad energies that have accumulated over the whole year, or maybe brought into your home specifically by your ill-wishers.

Conspiracy for success at work

If you want things to go well at work, for the work to be successful all year, for the team to be friendly, and for your bosses not to grumble for no reason, then find time for this simple ritual. You will need to collect holy water between 12 am and 5 am on January 19th. It is advisable to collect water from the church or from natural sources: wells, columns, boreholes. Start the ritual on the very first working day after Epiphany night.
Immediately pour a little water into a separate glass container and read the words of the spell, leaning the water as close to your lips as possible:

“From the evil eye, from damage, from human envy and anger, save me, servant of God (name), Amen!” Then close this jar and leave it in your room, in dark place, until you get ready to go to work. Come to work before everyone else and sprinkle this water around your workplace, saying the following words:

“I came to work, brought sacred water for good deeds, I won’t take it for granted, everything is success and recognition, understanding from colleagues, respect from superiors, words to the letter, words to action, but growth and career to me, Amen!”

Repeat three times, and if there is some water left, just drink it.

Sacred water - a helper in the home

Is it possible to drink holy water?

You can and should drink holy water. Christians believe that water consecrated in the temple retains the grace of God. They drink holy water with reverence and prayer. It is customary to drink holy water on an empty stomach, but if necessary (in difficult circumstances) you can drink it after meals. The main thing when using it is not to forget that this is a shrine.

Is it possible to pour out holy water?

You can throw away holy water if it has spoiled. Although the holy water remains fresh for a long time, and believers usually store Epiphany water for a whole year, and sometimes even for several years, but it still happens that it becomes unfit for consumption. But if you have to pour out holy water, then you need to find a clean place that is not trampled (on which they do not walk).

Is it possible to pour holy water into a sink?

You cannot pour holy water into the sink. This is a sacred thing - and even if it has lost its freshness, it cannot be poured into the sewer, where all kinds of sewage are poured. You can always find a clean place that is more suitable for pouring out the holy water.

Where can you pour holy water?

Holy water can be poured into a so-called untrodden place where the shrine will not be trampled underfoot: into a reservoir with running water or into flower pots. You can also pour holy water under a tree, near the trunk of which no one walks and no dogs run.

When can you collect holy water for Epiphany?

Holy water for Epiphany can be collected after the Divine Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Water on January 18 and 19. On the eve of Epiphany, on Christmas Eve, January 18, the water is blessed for the first time and begins to be distributed to believers. The water is blessed for the second time after the festive Liturgy, which takes place at night and/or in the morning of January 19. In some temples, water is distributed to these two the day goes by day and night, with breaks during services, and you can collect holy water for Epiphany almost around the clock. In other churches, where there are not so many people, water is distributed only immediately after the service and consecration or during the hours when the temple is usually open. It is better to clarify in advance how the distribution will be organized in the church where you are going to collect holy water for Epiphany.

When can you get holy water in church?

You can collect holy water in the church throughout the year. Small blessings of water can be performed in churches almost every day, which is why there is almost always holy water in the church. But the more solemn Great Blessing of Water occurs only twice a year - on the eve and on the feast of the Epiphany itself. Epiphany holy water can be collected in all operating Orthodox churches on these two days.

The water consecrated on January 18 and 19 is called Great Agiasma, and there is a special attitude towards it. But both consecrated during the year and baptismal water are holy water, during the consecration of which the priest and believers prayed for God’s mercy, and it is impossible to compare which water is more blessed.

Is it possible to boil holy water?

There is no need to boil holy water. Holy water becomes holy after the blessing of water - small or great - that is, after the priest reads special prayers over it and lowers the cross into it. Drinking water is usually used for this purpose. During the rite of consecration, water receives God's grace, which keeps it fresh and clean for a long time. If the holy water has spoiled, which also happens, then it should not be boiled, but poured into some clean place.

But you cannot brew tea or use it for cooking: holy water is a shrine, and the attitude towards it must be appropriate.

Is it possible to drink holy water during menstruation?

You can drink holy water during your period. According to pious tradition, women during menstruation do not approach Communion, but there are no prohibitions on receiving holy water and prosphora on these days.

Even people who have been temporarily excommunicated from the Holy Body and Blood of Christ for some very serious sins are allowed to drink holy water. And menstruation is a natural process in a woman’s body, and it is not her fault, and therefore there is even more reason not to drink holy water during “critical” days.

Is it possible to wash your face with holy water?

You can wash your face with holy water - that is, take a little into your palm and wipe your face. But there is no need to wash your face with holy water, as if it were water in a washbasin, splash it in all directions and pour the excess into the sink. This is a shrine, and it should be treated with care.

We need to wash ourselves with holy water not in order, for example, to “remove damage” (as people sometimes think), but in order to come into contact with the source of God’s grace given to us.

Is it possible to wash a child with holy water?

You can wash your child with holy water by gently rubbing a small amount over his face. But this should be done not “from the evil eye,” as parents sometimes think, but with faith that holy water gives us the opportunity to come into contact with God’s grace.

Is it possible to wash an unbaptized person with holy water?

It is possible to wash an unbaptized person with holy water. Anyone who believes in its beneficial effects, but who does not treat holy water as some kind of amulet, can drink or anoint themselves with holy water. Holy water is not a magical medicine, but a shrine, which, if a person himself strives for God, can give him some support on this path.

Is it possible to wash floors with holy water?

You cannot wash floors with holy water. Even old, unsuitable holy water is poured into the so-called “untrodden place,” that is, where no one will walk, where the shrine will not be trampled.

In addition, there is absolutely no need to wash the floors with holy water, especially since any magical actions with the shrine are unacceptable. It is enough to sprinkle a small amount of the room if necessary.

Is it possible to consecrate a cross with holy water?

It is possible and necessary to sanctify the cross with holy water. Usually the consecration is performed by a priest during a water blessing prayer according to a special rite.

Basically, the crosses in church shops have already been consecrated. Crosses found, purchased in secular stores and made to order need to be blessed. Then you need to contact the priest in order to clarify whether the purchased cross corresponds to the Orthodox canons.

If there is no way to ask the priest in the temple to consecrate the cross, then you can sprinkle it with holy water yourself with a prayer for the consecration of any thing:

To the Creator and Creator of the human race, the Giver of spiritual grace, the Giver of eternal salvation, Lord Himself, send Your Holy Spirit with the highest blessing on this thing (this cross), as if armed with the power of heavenly intercession, those who want to use it will be helpful for bodily salvation and intercession and help, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. (And sprinkle the item with holy water three times).

Is it possible to have holy water before communion?

They usually do not drink holy water before communion, since it is customary to keep the Eucharistic fast - that is, to abstain from any food and drink from 00.00 o'clock if the Liturgy is in the morning, or for 6-8 hours if the Liturgy is at night. But it happens that a person feels unwell or for health reasons cannot stop drinking at all. In this case, the believer may be allowed to drink a little holy water to maintain strength. But such a decision can only be made with the blessing of the priest!

How long can you store holy water?

You can store holy water for a long time. It has the amazing property of not deteriorating. Thus, believers usually store Epiphany holy water for a whole year, until the next Epiphany. There are cases where holy water remained fresh for several years.

But holy water is a gift that must be used. That is, there is no point in accumulating bottles of water in the house; you need to accept this God's blessing with faith and prayer.

Is it possible to dilute holy water?

You can dilute holy water; even a few drops of holy water impart its properties to a large volume. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to carry huge bottles of holy water home from the temple and fill your containers to the very top, “over the top.”

We need to dilute holy water with prayer and reverence, believing that we are in contact with God's wonderful gift.

Is it possible to consecrate an apartment with holy water yourself?

The consecration of an apartment (house) is a requirement performed by a priest according to the special rite of blessing the home. He says special prayers calling for God's blessing on everyone living in this house. Then the priest prayerfully sprinkles the house with holy water and makes crosses on the walls of the house with blessed oil. The apartment is blessed once (except for special cases).

So you won’t be able to consecrate an apartment on your own without a priest, but you can simply sprinkle holy water on your home. There is even a tradition of doing this, bringing holy water home from the temple on the feast of Epiphany. In this case, you can read the following prayer:

May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, let them disappear; just as wax melts in the face of fire, so let demons perish in the face of those who love God and sign the sign of the cross, and say in joy: Rejoice, most honorable one and life-giving Cross Lord, drive away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has fallen into hell and trampled upon you the power of the devil, and who has given us His honorable Cross to drive away every adversary. O most honorable and life-giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Virgin Mary and with all the saints forever. Amen.

or troparion for the holiday:

In the Jordan I am baptized to You, O Lord,/ Trinitarian adoration appeared:/ For the voice of your parents testified to You,/ naming Your beloved Son,/ and the Spirit in the form of a dove/ made known your word affirmation./ Appear, O Christ God,/ and an enlightened world, glory to You.

Is it possible to put holy water on the floor?

Holy water is not placed on the floor, showing reverence and respect to the shrine. At home it is kept in a specially designated place, often next to icons, and certainly not on the floor. But when a believer pours it in the temple and on the way home, it may happen that he has to put the holy water on the floor. If this is done not with disdain, but forcedly, then there is nothing wrong with it.

Is it possible to give holy water to animals?

You cannot give holy water to animals, because you need to take it with faith and reverence, asking the Lord for forgiveness of sins and liberation from passions. It is unlikely that animals can understand the meaning of this action and feel that they are in contact with a shrine.

You can sprinkle holy water on animals. This tradition has existed since ancient times, when livestock was sprinkled with holy water with prayers, asking the Lord to protect it from pestilence. The disease and death of animals was dangerous for humans because a family without livestock could be left without food.

Can a dog have holy water?

You should not give holy water to your dog. The Gospel says: “Do not give holy things to dogs.” These words are allegorical, but they are based on the realities that existed at that time - in Old Testament times, a dog was considered an unclean animal. Today, the attitude has changed, but according to church canons, animals are still not allowed to enter the church, and this church rule applies primarily to dogs.

It is forbidden to give holy water to a dog to drink, but it is permissible to sprinkle it with prayer, just as Christians sprinkle their home and household items, asking the Lord for help in all their affairs and needs. After all, a dog is often a person’s helper, and you need to treat this God’s creature with love.

Can a cat have holy water?

A cat cannot drink holy water, but it is possible to sprinkle a cat with holy water, as believers often sprinkle everything around them. Christians treat animals with warmth and care, since they are all creatures of God, but not on equal terms. And although many consider cats to be very smart animals, they cannot accept holy water as they should receive a shrine.

Is it possible to take tablets with holy water?

You can wash down the tablets with holy water, but think about why we are doing this. Holy water is a gift from God, and in order to accept it, we need to take our minds off at least for a minute from the everyday bustle, turn to God, and feel His presence in our lives.

Sometimes believers wash down the tablets with holy water when they do not want to break the Eucharistic fast before communion, but need to drink medicine. Sometimes - hoping for God's help in recovery. But under no circumstances should you take the tablets with holy water in the hope that it will enhance their effect. Holy water is not “church medicine”, it is a shrine.

Is it possible to drink holy water every day?

You can drink holy water every day. This action cannot be turned into some kind of magical ritual. Holy water is a gift that strengthens us on our path to the Lord, but its beneficial properties are manifested only when a person accepts this gift with a pure heart, prayer, and a sincere desire to be closer to God.

Is it possible to wash with holy water?

There is absolutely no need to wash with holy water. This is a shrine, and it should be treated with care. They drink holy water, sprinkle it on people, animals, homes, objects, they can anoint themselves with it, but they do not need to wash themselves with holy water.

Holy water is the source of God's grace. But using more of it will not increase grace. One drop is enough if a person’s faith is strong.

Is it possible to drink holy water on an empty stomach?

You can't drink holy water on an empty stomach. But it is still worth remembering, if possible, the pious tradition of consuming it before meals. Two days a year - on the eve of the holiday and on the day of Epiphany itself (January 18 and 19) - everyone drinks holy water without restriction at any time of the day.

At the same time, it is wrong to refuse holy water when there is a need to drink it (in illness, with some kind of mental or spiritual illness, under difficult life circumstances), only because he had already eaten that day. The Divine Service Charter even specifically clarifies that those who refuse holy water only for the reason that they have already “tasted the food” are wrong.

However, we need to understand that we do not drink holy water to quench physical thirst. We come into contact with a shrine that contains the grace of God, capable of helping us quench our spiritual thirst.

Is it possible to add holy water to a bath?

There is no need to add holy water to the bath. There is no point in immersing yourself in holy water in the hope that it will wash away all sins and all illnesses. With God's help, a person can only get rid of sins himself by sincerely repenting of them. Medicine, and not a bath with holy water, helps to get rid of diseases, but the Lord can grant a person healing through his faith and prayers.

To come into contact with God's grace, a drop of holy water is enough. The shrine must be treated with reverence, and it must not be poured down the drain after taking a bath.

Can holy water be added to tea?

You cannot add holy water to tea. Holy water is not a food or flavoring additive, nor a homeopathic medicine. This is a shrine. You should drink it not casually, but at least briefly turning to God, with prayer, with faith that the Holy Spirit Himself came into contact with this water and God’s grace was preserved in it.

How long can you keep holy water at home?

You can store holy water at home for long term. Holy water does not spoil. Typically, Christians keep Epiphany holy water for a year - from Epiphany to the next Epiphany. And water blessed with a small rite on other days of the year can almost always be collected in the temple, so there is no point in saving it for a long time instead of drinking it.

There is no sin in keeping holy water at home for too long. But you need to understand that it is important not to drink water, but to participate in church life, go to church, pray, confess and receive communion. And if a person visits the temple, then he will not have problems replenishing his supplies of holy water.

Is it possible to cook with holy water?

You cannot cook with holy water. This is a shrine, and the attitude towards it should be reverent. Christians believe that during the blessing of water, the Lord Himself blesses the water, imparting His grace to it. And it’s strange to make soup from such a gift from God.

Can a drunk person drink holy water?

There is most often no need for a drunk person to take up holy water. Although there are situations when relatives try to bring a drunken man out of his mind with the help of holy water, and through their prayers and the grace of God, contact with the shrine benefits him, sobers him up, and protects him from committing some greater sin.

Of course, there is no need to go drunk for holy water or plunge into an ice hole on Epiphany night. If a drunk person simply picks up a container of holy water, then he will not “spoil” the shrine. If he took it upon himself to pour it out or commit other blasphemous acts, then this is a sin, and one must try to stop him.

Holy water is a shrine; the grace of God is preserved in it. One must approach the shrine with a sincere desire to live a Christian life.

Is it possible to drink holy water from a bottle?

You should not drink holy water from a bottle. There should be an appropriate attitude towards the shrine, and drinking it “from the throat” will not be very impious. But there are different situations in life, and if a person, with the feeling that he is touching a shrine, still drinks holy water from a bottle, then this will not affect the quality of the water or the quality of his spiritual life.

Can a Muslim drink holy water?

A Muslim by birth, but interested in Christianity, may drink holy water if he does so with faith and due reverence. If a person who considers himself a Muslim wants to turn to Christ and come into contact with the grace that the Lord gives through holy water, then why not? If he is a Muslim who strictly observes all the rules of Islam, he is unlikely to have such a desire. If a person who calls himself a Muslim wants to drink holy water with some evil intent, with ridicule or out of some superstitious ideas, then, of course, this cannot be done.

Is it possible to make holy water at home?

It is impossible to “make” holy water at home. Holy water is water that has been blessed according to the established rite by a priest. Blessing of water can be great or small. Great things happen only twice a year in a church (sometimes on a pond) - on Epiphany Eve (January 18) and on the day of Epiphany itself (January 19). Prayers with a small blessing of water can be performed on almost any day of the year and not only in the temple, but also in other suitable places when circumstances require it. That is, for some reason, a prayer service can take place in a Christian’s home, but the priest will perform the consecration during it, and the Lord God Himself will make ordinary water holy through the prayers of believers.

Prayer for accepting holy water

There is a general prayer for receiving holy water and prosphora. It is read when a Christian just drinks holy water:

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 infinite mercy through the prayers of the Most Pure One Your Mother and all Your saints. Amen.

We have collected for you answers from experienced priests to the most interesting and pressing questions about holy water and Baptism.

On January 19, the Orthodox Church remembers the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. The event of the Baptism of the Lord is also called the Epiphany, for at this moment the manifestation of the Fullness of the Divinity took place - the appearance of all the Persons of the Holy Trinity: the Father, who testified about the Son with a voice from Heaven, the Son who received Baptism, and the Holy Spirit, who descended on the Son in the form of a dove.

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Holy water is called both Epiphany and Epiphany water - we are talking about the same water. Some people think that Baptism and Epiphany are not the same thing, and that the water that is blessed on Christmas Eve and on the day of the holiday itself is not the same. This is superstition!
The grace of sanctification given to water is the same.
On January 18 and 19, water is blessed with the same rite, so they should not be distinguished.

In our time, performing the rite of the Great Blessing of Water twice has become a statutory tradition. In the ancient Church there was an important reason for this: on the eve of this holiday, the baptism of catechumens took place. For the sake of this sacrament, the first great blessing of water was performed in memory of Baptism, which the Lord received in the waters of the Jordan at the hand of St. Prophet John the Baptist. The difference between the first and second consecration is that on the Eve of Epiphany the blessing of water was performed in churches where catechumens were baptized, and on the day of the feast of Epiphany they went to the Jordan River.

2. Epiphany and Epiphany are different holidays or one and the same?
The Baptism of the Lord is also called the Epiphany, because at Baptism on the Jordan God appeared in three persons, the Holy Trinity: God the Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son of God was baptized by John and was witnessed by God the Father, the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove.

3. When does the tradition of blessing water begin?
Since apostolic times, the Holy Church has been celebrating the day of Holy Epiphany, commanding in its decrees: “May you have great respect for the day on which the Lord revealed the Divinity to us.” The festive blessing of water originates from the tradition of the Jerusalem Church, where already in the first centuries of Christianity a festive exit to the Jordan River and blessing of water took place in memory of the Baptism of the Savior. Since ancient times, in the Russian Church, imitating that of Jerusalem, the solemn blessing of water is performed on the eve of the holiday and on the day of Epiphany itself.

4. Is tap water blessed at Epiphany?

A question that can be encountered very often. In the popular book of Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) “Unholy Saints” we can find a story about how the new martyrs and confessors of Russia performed Divine Services. One of them was asked: “But how, father, did you consecrate the water on the day of Epiphany? After all, prayers for Epiphany are read once a year and they are very long?” To which we received the following answer: “But we didn’t need to remember these prayers. After all, if at least in one place in the Universe in Orthodox church The rite of the great consecration of water is performed, then through the prayers of the Holy Church “the nature of all waters” is sanctified - all the water in the world becomes baptismal and holy.
On this day we took water from any source, and it was incorruptible, grace-filled, baptismal. And, like any baptismal water, it did not spoil for many years.”
But if all the water is blessed on this day, is it necessary to go to the temple? It seems to us that from this story it is impossible to conclude that those who have the opportunity to visit the temple of God can simply get water from the tap. The water is blessed by the prayer of the entire Church and for the faithful children of the Church, so everyone who has the opportunity to come to church must do so. If this is not possible, you need to ask someone to go to the temple for water, but if there is no temple nearby, then only in this case can you use the example of the new martyrs.

We will also listen to the opinion of Fr. Maxim Kozlov:
“On the feast of the Epiphany, tap water, contrary to popular belief, does not become holy.
In the majority of churches not only in Moscow, but also in any city, the water for consecration on the feast of Epiphany is taken from the water supply, and is not brought from the Jordan on special flights. So the consecration of water is not a process of changing its biochemical composition, we are talking about the spiritual component. If we are talking about whether it is possible to run a bath at home from the 18th to the 19th and consider that this is the same water blessed in the church, then this is not so. Because that which is sanctified in the church is perceived as sanctified in the church. Orthodoxy does not know miracles as tricks, and does not practice them,” the priest believes.

He urged those who want to collect holy water not to be lazy and go to the nearest temple to get it.

“By the way, it is distributed, firstly, completely free of charge, that is, for nothing, and secondly, it allows for dilution; its properties do not depend on concentration. So, it’s enough to collect a small bottle in the temple,” the priest noted.

Some Orthodox Christians actually believe that at Epiphany all water becomes holy, including that which flows from the tap.

5. Good afternoon! Please tell me, is it true that if an unbaptized person comes to church on January 19 and attends the entire service, then after that he can consider himself baptized and can wear a cross and go to church? And in general, can an unbaptized person go to church? Thank you very much, Elena

Hello, Elena!

An unbaptized person can go to Church, but he cannot participate in Church Sacraments (confession, Communion, weddings, etc.). In order to become baptized, it is necessary that the Sacrament of Baptism be performed on a person, and not attend a service on the feast of the Epiphany. After the service, approach the priest and tell him that you want to be Baptized. This requires your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the desire to live according to His commandments, as well as some knowledge about the Orthodox doctrine and the Orthodox Church. The priest will be able to answer your questions and help you prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. God help you!

On the Feast of the Epiphany, Orthodox Christians go to church and participate in the Sacraments of Confession and Communion.
If it is not possible to come to the temple, you can ask your family or friends about it.
There is no need to rush or jostle while queuing for water. It will be much more helpful to pray in reverent silence.

6. Holy water can be diluted with plain water clean water, and she will also be full of grace. Therefore, there is no need to stress yourself out taking a 30-liter canister from the temple. It is enough to take a small bottle and use it evenly throughout the year.

7. You can store holy water in either plastic or glassware, placing it, for example, next to icons. With reverent attitude, holy water remains fresh and pleasant to the taste for a long time. Cases have been noted more than once when water, blessed in the same place by the same priest, spoiled for some, while for others it stood for a long time.
Epiphany water is such from the moment of its consecration and for a year, two or more, until its reserves at home run out. Taken from the church on any day, it never loses its holiness (Archimandrite Ambrose (Ermakov)).

8. You can sprinkle your home, place of work and study, car and other things with holy water with the prayer “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

9. It is customary to take holy water on an empty stomach along with prosphora after reading morning prayers. You should drink it reverently, with prayer, so that this gift of the Lord will be for the health of soul and body. In case of illness, you can drink holy water as needed (you can also drink Epiphany water in an effort to get rid of strong action any passion or sorrow).

10. Father, I have a 6-month-old daughter, and when I bathe her, I add holy water to the water. Is it possible to drain this water later or not?

When bathing your daughter, there is no need to add holy water to the bath: after all, holy water can only be poured into a special place that is not trampled underfoot. It’s better to give your daughter holy water to drink, and also regularly commune her with the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Sincerely, priest Alexander Ilyashenko

Due to various circumstances, although very rarely, it happens that water comes into a state that does not allow consumption. In this case, it should be poured into some untrampled place - into a flowing river, for example, or in the forest under a tree, and the vessel in which it was stored should no longer be used in everyday life.
As priest Mikhail Mikhailov said, one priest I knew, in 1988, had a bottle of water that he had kept since 1953 or 1954...

11. If you have a desire to plunge into an ice hole, then, based on your state of health, ask the priest for a blessing and follow safety measures. Swimming in any water sources is not Church Sacrament, cleansing the soul from sins, this is simply a pious tradition. We must remember that sins are forgiven only in the Sacrament of Confession.

12. The Orthodox Church has a negative attitude towards various types of Christmas fortune telling and asks his children not to commit the grave sins of sorcery. All kinds of fortune telling in " Epiphany evening“- a grave sin for the soul, desecration of a holy day.

Archpriest Alexander Avdyugin warns about other superstitions:
- You cannot pour holy water in the bathtub when bathing in order to get well.
- Cattle (thin animals) and other domestic animals cannot be given this water to drink, even taking into account the fact that some saints have such examples.
- Epiphany water does not help against the evil eye, slander, conspiracy and other eccentricities from the aura of paganism, since it is holiness, and not its own superstition.
- You can and should sprinkle your home with holy water, but paint on door jambs crosses are your personal choice.
- Epiphany water (Agiasma) never spoils either because silver ions from the cross fall into it, but because it is holy.
- It is an absolute superstition and the grin of the evil one that you cannot pour holy water “from yourself,” “through your hand,” or through a funnel, or place a bottle of holy water on the ground.

13. Epiphany Christmas Eve (January 18 - the day before Epiphany), according to the Church Charter, is a day of strict fasting, so it should be spent in prayer. On Christmas Eve they prepare sochivo - boiled grain with dried fruits and honey. Christmastide ends with Epiphany Christmas Eve - holidays after the Nativity of Christ.

14. Is it possible for unbaptized people to use holy water, oil blessed on the relics of saints and prosphora?

On the one hand, it is possible, because what harm could a person do if he drinks holy water, or anoints himself with oil, or eats prosphora? But you just need to think about how this could be useful to him.

If this is a certain approach of a person to the church fence, if he, not yet deciding to be baptized, say, having been a militant atheist in the past, now, through the prayers of his wife, mother, daughter or someone else close to him, no longer rejects at least these external as if signs of churchliness, then this is good and pedagogically it will lead him to what is more essential in our faith - to the worship of God in spirit and truth.

And if such actions are perceived as a kind of magic, as a kind of “church medicine,” but at the same time the person does not at all strive to become a church member in order to become Orthodox Christian, only reassures himself that I am doing something like this and it will serve as some kind of amulet, then there is no need to provoke this kind of consciousness. Based on these two possibilities, you decide, in relation to your specific situation, whether it is necessary or not to offer church shrines to any of your loved ones (Archpriest Maxim Kozlov).

15. Does it happen that holy water “doesn’t help”?

Saint Theophan the Recluse writes: “All grace coming from God through the Holy Cross, holy icons, holy water, relics, consecrated bread (artos, antidor, prosphora), etc., including the Most Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, has power only for those who are worthy of this grace through repentance prayers, repentance, humility, service to people, works of mercy and the manifestation of other Christian virtues. But if they are not there, then this grace will not save, it does not act automatically, like a talisman, and is useless for the wicked and imaginary Christians (without virtues).”

Miracles of healing still occur today, and they are countless. But only those who accept it with living faith in the promises of God and the power of prayer of the Holy Church, those who have a pure and sincere desire to change their lives, repentance, and salvation, are rewarded with the miraculous effects of holy water. God does not create miracles where people want to see them only out of curiosity, without a sincere intention to use them for their salvation. “An evil and adulterous generation,” the Savior said about his unbelieving contemporaries, “seeks a sign; and no sign will be given to him.” In order for holy water to benefit us, we will take care of the purity of our souls and the high dignity of our thoughts and actions.

HOLY WATER (it is also called Epiphany and Epiphany: from the Greek “agiasma”, which means “shrine”) is water that is ordinary in composition and original origin, miraculously acquiring beneficial and healing properties after performing a special prayer service called water blessing (blessing of water). Holy water has special properties to sanctify material objects and heal spiritual and physical ailments. Christians have great reverence for her.

PRAYER FOR ACCEPTING PROSPORA AND HOLY WATER

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 infinite mercy, through prayers Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen.

According to beliefs, on this day the water in rivers and other bodies of water becomes miraculous power and can even heal. It is not surprising that such a healing bath is becoming more and more popular every year. If you decide to plunge into the ice hole this year, prepare for this event.

To dive or not to dive?
Every person, before “tuning in” to diving in an ice hole for the first time, asks more than one question: is it possible for me to dive? what is needed for that? won't this harm your health? Do I need to somehow prepare for this in advance? It is these questions that we will touch upon today, because Epiphany is just around the corner, which means we need to “arm ourselves” with the knowledge necessary in this matter.

Everyone who has wet themselves once cold water or have taken such a shower, they know the feeling of an incredible surge of strength. Diving into an ice hole gives the same effect, only ten times greater. And this is not just a feeling, but has a well-founded basis. scientific fact: during times of stress (and diving into ice water is precisely stress for the body), the adrenal glands “release” anti-stress hormones into the blood in a fairly large quantity, unusual for the body, activating all systems of the human body and maximally mobilizing its protective functions .

It has been proven that people who engage in systematic winter swimming get sick much less often and even in old age are quite energetic and cheerful.

Due to the dilation of blood vessels, blood circulation improves and, accordingly, “delivery” is accelerated nutrients to the cells of the body, which increases the possibilities nervous system, muscle tone is strengthened, and toxins are quickly released from the body.

10 tips for preparing for swimming in an ice hole

With proper preparation for immersion in ice water and in the absence of serious contraindications, a person with “average” health can endure a one-time immersion without much difficulty.

Of course, it is very advisable before this “extreme” procedure to consult with your attending physician and adhere to 10 basic rules.

In 2-3 days, begin to accustom your body to the cold: take a contrast shower for several days, and then douse yourself with cold water, but not in the shower, but from a basin or bucket.
3-5 days before diving, minimize the consumption of foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, rose hips, and greens. These products quite strongly stimulate the human immune system, and diving into an ice hole is one of the most powerful “stimulants”, so if you overdo it, it will have the opposite effect and your immunity will begin to decline. This nuance must be taken into account for several days after diving, since the adrenal glands continue to release potent anti-inflammatory hormones for another couple of days.
Prepare comfortable clothes that can be both easily taken off and put on quickly. It is advisable that there are no buttons on it (at most an easily fastened zipper), or laces, so that when you get out of the water you can easily get dressed without having time to freeze. You can also bring a mat with you to stand on while you dry yourself.
Two hours before diving, you need to eat a hearty meal (but not before the dive itself), since during a dive the body will begin to consume your “fuel” as much as possible to heat itself, taking over all the body’s resources.
If you are new to this business, then you should not start diving into the ice hole at a temperature of -10°C - this is quite dangerous. It is better to experiment at temperatures from 3 to 5 degrees below zero. If the air temperature drops below - 7, you shouldn’t plunge headlong into it.

An ice hole must be chosen that is properly equipped, with a reliable ladder or with a shallow shore.
Before diving, you need to warm up thoroughly, using squats, arm swings, and jumping - this way the body will better tolerate immersion in icy water.
You should not go into the water too slowly and not too quickly - try to make the dive as smooth as possible.
In no case should you drink alcohol before diving, as it will be more difficult for the body to warm up after this, and blood vessels may also rupture. “After”, if you really want it, you can take it to warm up - take a couple of sips.
After diving, dressed in dry clothes, it is best to warm up with hot tea.
It is not recommended to “overdo” swimming in the ice hole, otherwise the body will begin to become hypothermic. Optimal time to stay in ice water- 10 Seconds. This applies to “non-professionals” in this matter. During this time, you can just have time to plunge according to tradition three times - and this will be quite enough. And your friends or relatives will also have time to take photos :)

Who shouldn't take a dip?

Not everyone can be involved in the “holy” diving:
due to the increase in sugar levels by the adrenal glands, such bathing is contraindicated for people suffering from diabetes;
hypertensive patients and people suffering from arrhythmia should also not take part in diving, as they can provoke a hypertensive crisis, heart attack or stroke due to increased pressure;
Diving is not recommended for diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
Ice diving is contraindicated for expectant mothers, as vascular stress can trigger premature contractions.

The choice is yours - and whoever is ready mentally and physically, enjoy the dive and holy ablution. Be healthy!

Treatment rules Epiphany water.

On the night of January 18-19, Orthodox Christians all over the world celebrate one of their most revered holidays - the Baptism of the Lord, also called Epiphany.

WHEN TO TAKE WATER?

So, if you are tormented by illnesses, stock up on healing Epiphany water. This water, collected on the night of January 18-19, from 0:10 am to 1:30 am or a little later, has been considered miraculous since time immemorial. At this time, “the sky opens” and the prayer addressed to God will be heard.
Our grandparents used it for treatment, cleansing, expelling evil spirits and bad thoughts, splashing it on a person’s face or in the corners of the house.
Want to check it out? It is not hard. Just try to do everything exactly according to the rules, carefully preserved in people's memory.

AFTER THE FIRST STAR

On Christmas Eve, January 18, you cannot eat anything until the first stars appear in the sky. Drink only clean water, try to spend the whole day quietly and calmly, without getting irritated, without entering into conflicts, bring cleanliness and order to the house. In the evening, after the first star, you can have dinner. Prepare glass containers with lids, such as 3-liter jars or bottles. Sterilize them thoroughly.
After 0 hours 10 minutes, fill this container with water from a well, spring or other clean source. You can just do it from the tap. It is advisable to pass it through a cleaning filter, but this is not required condition. Take at least 3 liters and close the jars with lids.
It is better to store Epiphany water in a cool, dark place. And if in the future for some reason you want to pour this water, then under no circumstances pour it into the toilet or sink.
Dilute with plain water and then pour or water the plants (by the way, it has been noted that undiluted Epiphany water has different effects on plants: some bloom, others, on the contrary, die. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and act carefully).

HOW TO TAKE A BATH?

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 with cold tap water. Cross the water and yourself three times, read the prayer and hit the chest with the fist of your right hand three times to cause a body vibration that is 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 leave the bath (if someone else in your household wants to swim in Epiphany water, fill the bath with 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 is new and always washed and ironed. Drink herbal tea with honey.

IS YOUR WATER “BOILING”?

scares you cold water? Are you afraid of a cold? There, dilute the cold Epiphany water with hot water to the temperature you can withstand. Children and the elderly can take a warm bath during the day rather than at night, but water still needs to be drawn from 0:10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
While bathing, pay attention to how the water behaves in the bath. If, when immersed in it, the water “boils” or bubbles appear, it means that the cleansing process is very active, the evil eye is removed, and negative energy comes out.

HOW LONG SHOULD I STORE WATER?

Epiphany water, stored in glass containers, can be used for a year or even. This is a very strong energy water, so drinking it constantly is not recommended. But to take it as a medicine, if you are unwell, 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, baptism water is sprinkled in the corners of the rooms, and then a small part of the water is poured into glass vessel, without closing the lid, and leave it indoors.

"The evil spirit is underground, the good spirit is on the earth."

RITE FOR HEALTH

Held on Epiphany and Old New Year.
At midnight, take off the item and burn it with the words:
“I burn the thing, and I remove the disease from myself forever.”

RITE FOR MONEY

The Lord God will appear to the world,
And the money will appear in my wallet.
Key, lock, tongue.
Amen. Amen. Amen.

TREATMENT AT BAPTISM

On the night from the 18th to the 19th, all water in taps and reservoirs is considered holy.
If you wash yourself with this water, the most terrible diseases will disappear from a person.
When washing yourself with water at night, you should say:
“It’s water from the street, it’s hot water from me.”
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.”

On the eve of Epiphany, you cannot eat until the blessing of water.

On the eve of Epiphany, the housewife should draw crosses over the doors and windows with chalk or pencil to protect her home from Satan.

Anyone who dreams of not aging for a long time should bring a basin of clean snow into the house, melt it, wash with this water and say:
“Water from the sky will fix everything.
And (name) will add beauty to my white face.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".
Properties of Epiphany water. Treatment with 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 blessed water the best medicine from 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 are not blessed to take Epiphany water on critical days. 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 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.

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 all be sanctified.

When taking or receiving holy water, it is strictly forbidden to quarrel, swear, or indulge in ungodly 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 a separate place, preferably next to the home iconostasis.

The “water” spell for Epiphany is designed to protect you from losses and bring financial well-being. To do this, you need to take holy water from church, bring it home and, sequentially walking around all the rooms and premises, say: “Holy water came to the house, brought me prosperity.
Losses will pass this house, wealth will come every day.
Good luck will accompany me in everything, I will not know failure in anything.”

Leave this water overnight in the area of ​​your home that you consider most important, and wash your face with it in the morning.
Healing at Epiphany

To fully defend the Epiphany service, take holy water from the church.
When you come home, read the prayers over it (alternately three times) in the sequence: “Our Father,” “I Believe,” “May God Rise.”
Then, on the Epiphany water, whisper the spell three times (sincerely, with warmth in your heart):

“Heal, Lord, my body and soul, for I am a sinner, and in sin my soul and body hurt. I ask, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of our Eternal Heavenly Father, heal my body from illnesses, aches, dryness, pain, blood. Heal my soul from envy, malice, hatred. On this day the heavens open on us sinners, I ask, Lord Jesus Christ, fill my body with health and strength, and my soul with peace. For Your glory Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen!"
Take three sips of water and wash your body with the rest.

Since ancient times, the most severe damage was removed at Epiphany using miraculous Epiphany water in treatment. To do this, you need to bring water from the temple and, standing in the bath, pour yourself over from head to toe with the words:

The Lord was born
Baptized at Epiphany,
Became famous for the name
Jesus Christ.
Like this water
Dripping off me
So that
And all the damage
She left me.
Now and forever
And forever and ever. Amen.

I'm going home with holy water,
And you, money and luck, are behind me.
All the troubles and losses
Go to the other side.
Key, lock, tongue.
Amen. Amen. Amen.

The baptism of Christ was performed by John the Baptist at his request. During his baptism on the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. At the same time, a Voice from Heaven declared: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” According to Christian teachings, it was on this day that God appeared in three persons: God the Father in voice, the Son of God in flesh, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. That is why the feast of Epiphany is often called Epiphany. The holiday of Epiphany is very important. It is believed that it was baptism that revealed the Savior to the world, who took upon himself all the sins of mankind. John Chrysostom wrote about this. And it was from the moment of baptism that Jesus began to preach the word of God and enlighten people.

Until now, the main traditions of the Epiphany holiday are associated with water. And the clergy traditionally wear white vestments on the feast of Epiphany.

How to celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord

The celebration of Epiphany (January 19) begins the day before - January 18. This day is called Epiphany Christmas Eve, as well as Hungry Kutya. By analogy with Christmas Eve, on the day before the feast of the Epiphany it is necessary keep a strict fast. Also on the eve of the feast of Epiphany, Orthodox prepared Lenten kutya. The festive dinner on Epiphany Eve was called “hungry kutya”. The obligatory dishes of this meal were kutia, pancakes, and oatmeal jelly.

Kutya, kolivo, kanun - a ritual funeral dish of the Slavs, porridge cooked from whole grains of wheat (barley, rice - Saracen millet or other cereals), poured with honey, honey syrup or sugar, with the addition of poppy seeds, raisins, nuts, milk or jam.

An important event of Epiphany and Epiphany is blessing of water. On a river or lake, a cross-shaped hole called Jordan is cut out in advance in the ice. At midnight, priests bless the water in the wormwood, and believers take a bath in the consecrated water. People are not afraid of the cold because bathing for Epiphany- this is a symbolic cleansing from sins, spiritual rebirth. Believers eagerly await the Feast of Epiphany, and when the Epiphany of the Lord comes, the Orthodox are sure to attend church to remember a miraculous event that changed the world.

How to swim properly at Epiphany

For believers, bathing at Epiphany means communion with the special grace of the Lord, which he sends to all the water on this day. It is also believed that water at Epiphany brings health, both physical and spiritual. At the same time, the church warns against attaching any magical meaning to this tradition.

• Rules for bathing at Epiphany

The ice holes or Jordans in which people bathe at Epiphany are blessed. There are no strict rules for those who want to plunge into Jordan for Epiphany. But still, it is customary to quickly immerse your head in water 3 times, while crossing yourself and saying: In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Traditionally, it is believed that on Epiphany one should swim in shirts and not in swimsuits, so as not to expose one’s body.

Epiphany water - wonderful healing properties

In all springs consecrated at Epiphany, the water becomes holy and healing. It is believed, and this has many confirmations, that Epiphany holy water has miraculous and healing properties:

• Believers take it with them - Epiphany holy water has the ability not to spoil for a long time.
• Epiphany water is drunk on an empty stomach throughout the year, it is carefully preserved as a shrine and illnesses, both physical and mental, are treated.
• You can sprinkle your home with holy baptismal water to drive out evil spirits and bring the grace of God into the house.

Where to get Epiphany holy water

If you want to collect blessed Epiphany water after bathing, you don’t have to bring canisters. A small bottle is enough. According to Christian canons, any water can be made holy if you add a little baptismal water to it - from a temple or from Jordan. Festive services will be held in all Orthodox churches on the night from 18 to 19. But it is not necessary to come on this particular day. As explained in the Moscow Patriarchate, water becomes holy after a special water blessing prayer. Access to containers with Epiphany water will be open in churches for several days. In addition, on Epiphany, queues are expected to form for holy water, and it will be difficult to get to the temples. According to safety rules, on major religious holidays, parking near temples within 50 meters is prohibited.

When to collect Epiphany water

The rite of the Great Blessing of Water (Great Agiasma) is performed on Epiphany Eve (January 18) after the Divine Liturgy and on January 19 - on the day of the Epiphany itself. During both days, you can collect Epiphany water in any church. Both times the water is blessed with the same rite, so there is no difference in when to collect the water - on Christmas Eve or on the Feast of Epiphany itself.

If you decide to draw Epiphany water from the tap and want to know when is the best time to do it. It is better to collect water for Epiphany in the time interval from 00:10 to 01:30 on the night of January 18th to 19th. However, you can collect Epiphany water later - until 24:00 on January 19.

What you need to know before collecting water for Epiphany:

• It is better to collect Epiphany water not thoughtlessly, but after participating in a church service (in church) or prayer (at home);
• you need to pour water for Epiphany into a container without any markings - preferably into a special jug or flask purchased at a church store (in no case into 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. You need to drink Epiphany holy water with prayer, asking the Almighty for spiritual and physical health. And it is not at all necessary to take it in reserve; there should be a lot of faith, not water.

Baptism - folk traditions

Previously, there were special folk traditions celebration of Epiphany or Epiphany. For example, it was customary to release doves at Epiphany - as a sign of Divine grace descending on Jesus Christ. Other folk traditions for Epiphany are known from legends.

In Rus', on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, as soon as the first church bell called for matins, pious believers lit a fire on the shore so that Jesus Christ, who was baptized in the Jordan, could also warm himself by the fire.

They began to prepare the Jordan a week before Epiphany: they cut a hole in the river, sawed out a large cross and placed it over the hole. The throne was also cut out of ice. The “royal doors” were decorated with Christmas tree branches.

On the morning of the holiday, after the service, everyone went to the river. After the blessing of the water in the river, all those gathered collected it in their dishes. It was believed that the sooner you scoop it up, the more holy it will be. There were brave souls who swam in the Jordan, remembering that it was impossible to catch a cold in the blessed water.

Then everyone went home. And while the women were setting the table, the eldest man in the family sprinkled the entire household with Epiphany water. Before eating, everyone drank consecrated water. After eating, the girls hurried to the river to wash in “Jordanian water”, “so that their faces were pink.”

After Epiphany, it was forbidden to wash clothes in the river. According to legend, when the priest immerses the cross in water, the whole devilry jumps out of fear, and then sits on the shore and waits for someone to appear with dirty laundry. As soon as the laundry is lowered into the river, along it, like a ladder, all the evil spirits go into the water. Therefore, it was believed that the later women began to wash, the more wickedness would freeze out from the Epiphany frosts.

Fortune telling for Epiphany

There were other traditions - it was believed that miracles happened at Epiphany midnight: the wind subsided for a moment, complete silence reigned and the heavens opened. At this time you can say cherished wish which will definitely come true.

There is another tradition at Epiphany, which, however, is not approved by the church. On January 19, Christmastide ends - the period of fortune telling in Rus'. On Epiphany night, the girls sought to understand what awaited them in the future, whether they would get married, whether the year would be successful.

Baptism - folk signs

Since ancient times, many folk signs have been associated with Epiphany. Many of them were associated with economic activity peasants or predicted the weather. For example, folk signs for Epiphany read:

• If the weather is clear and cold at Epiphany, the summer will be dry; cloudy and fresh - to a bountiful harvest.
• A full month for Epiphany means a big spring flood.
• Starry night on Epiphany - the summer will be dry, there will be a harvest for peas and berries.
• There will be a thaw at Epiphany - for the harvest, and a clear day at Epiphany - for the harvest failure.
• The wind will blow from the south on Epiphany - it will be a stormy summer.
• If it snows during the liturgy, especially while going to the water, then next year is expected to be fruitful, and there will be many swarms of bees.

When is Epiphany The dogs were barking a lot, waiting for a successful hunting season: If dogs bark a lot on Epiphany, there will be plenty of all kinds of animals and game. Chickens are not fed at Epiphany so that the gardens are not dug in the summer and the seedlings are not spoiled.

The Russian folk calendar associates the holiday of Epiphany with frost. Epiphany frosts: “Cracking frost, not crackling, but Vodokreshchi has passed.

How to swim properly at Epiphany so as not to get sick

Both old and young swim at Epiphany. But without special preparation, swimming can be dangerous for children and the elderly. It is better to prepare in advance by gradually hardening yourself by pouring cold water at home in the bathroom. Precautionary measures must be observed by everyone who decides to swim at Epiphany. Doctors warn people with hypertension, rheumatism, atherosclerosis or tuberculosis from swimming at Epiphany. Swimming at Epiphany is also unacceptable for other acute conditions. chronic diseases. Doctors warn that swimming in ice water can lead to negative consequences. After all, winter swimming in an ice hole leads to maximum voltage all mechanisms of human thermoregulation and this can cause shock.

Well, if you are healthy, then follow these recommendations: how to swim properly at Epiphany:

• You can swim on Epiphany only in an ice hole where there is a special entrance to the water;
• never go swimming at Epiphany alone, there should be a person nearby who can help if necessary;
• Alcohol and cigarettes are prohibited before swimming; do not swim on an empty stomach or immediately after eating;
• Bring a blanket with you, as well as clothes that are comfortable for changing.

Epiphany is a holiday with history and rich traditions. But the main thing, of course, is not the ritual, but the great meaning that it carries. Orthodox holiday The Baptism of the Lord has great value for believers, because this is the day when a person’s spiritual renewal occurs.

Where to swim in Moscow on Epiphany

The choice of places for swimming at Epiphany 2018 in Moscow is large. About 59 fonts will be equipped so that everyone can undergo the bathing ritual. They will be equipped so that people can calmly undress, rub themselves, take a bath and drink hot tea. If you choose by metro, then this information will help you - here are a number of addresses for swimming in Moscow on Epiphany on January 19, 2018: Vykhino metro station - White Lake recreation area, Putyaevsky Ponds Cascade - Sokolniki Park, Shchelkovskaya metro station - Babaevsky Pond, Lermontovsky Prospekt metro station - Kosinsky Park, Kryukovsky Forest Park, Strogino metro station - Rublevo village park, Konkovo ​​metro station - Teply Stan park, Novogireevo metro station - Raduga Ponds, Krylatskoye metro station - Serebryany Bor park, Polezhaevskaya metro station - Filevsky Boulevard park, Novokosino metro station - Lake Meshcherskoye, Izmailovskaya metro station - Izmailovo park.

Epiphany bathing will take place from 6 p.m. on January 18 to noon on January 19. There is no provision for mass exits of people onto the ice. The thickness of the coating currently does not exceed 15 - 20 centimeters. All swimming areas are equipped with safe approaches and descents to the water. For a comfortable ceremony, heated locker rooms, toilets and lighting are installed. Swimming participants will be provided with hot drinks and places to warm up.

If you are choosing places to swim for Epiphany by district, read below:

Where to swim on Epiphany - Central District of the Central Administrative District

• font in the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Chisty Vrazhek;

Where to swim on Epiphany - Northern District of the Northern Administrative District

• Big Garden Pond;
• Coastal passage, 7;
• Water stadium "Dynamo";

Where to swim on Epiphany - North-Eastern District of North-Eastern Administrative District

• Palace Pond (1st Ostankino, near no. 7).

Where to swim on Epiphany - Eastern District of the Eastern Administrative District

• Babaevsky pond, st. Kurganskaya, 5 - 9
• Red Pond, Izmailovsky Forest Park
• Font “Vernissage in Izmailovo”, Izmailovskoye sh., 73Zh
• Maysky Pond (formerly Sobachy), Sokolniki Park, st. Sokolnichesky Val, 1, building 1
• Beloe Lake, st. B. Kosinskaya, 46
• Lake Svyatoe, st. Oranzhereynaya, 18
• Terletsky Ponds, Svobodny Prospekt, 9
• Deer Pond;

Where to swim on Epiphany - South-Eastern District of the South-East Administrative District

• Upper Kuzminsky pond, st. Kuzminskaya, 10, near the dam
• Lower Lublinsky Pond, st. Shkuleva, ow. 2b, near the Ministry of Emergency Situations station
• Shibaevsky pond, st. Zarechye, vl. 14, near the rescue station

Where to swim on Epiphany - Southern District of the Southern Administrative District

• Borisovskie ponds, st. Borisovskie Prudy, 2g
• Upper Tsaritsynsky pond, st. Dolskaya, 1
• Pond Beket, Zagorodnoye sh., no. 2

Where to swim on Epiphany - Southwestern District of the South-Western Administrative District

• Vorontsovsky Pond (Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Vorontsovo, Ak. Pilyugina St., 1)
• Pond of the sanatorium “Uzkoe” (Temple of the “Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Uzkoe”, Profsoyuznaya str. 123B)
• Troparevsky Pond (Recreation area “Troparevo”, Academician Vinogradov St., 7)
• Pond on Nakhimovsky Prospekt (Nakhimovsky Prospekt, building 8 (near the Church of Euphrosyne
  Moscow)
• Chernevsky Pond (decorative pond No. 1) (Church of the Nativity of Christ in Chernevo, Yuzhnobutovskaya St., 62)
• Pond on the territory of the Temple (Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God “Znamenie”, Shosseynaya St., 28 “a”)

Where to swim on Epiphany - Western District of the Joint-Stock Company

• Meshchersky Pond (Voskresenskaya St., Za)
• Pond in the village of Rublevo / Village of Rublevo, (Botyleva St., near house 41)
• Moscow River (Filevsky Boulevard, opposite No. 21)
• Moscow River (B. Filevskaya St., 40a)

Where to swim on Epiphany - Northwestern District of the Northwestern Administrative District

• Baryshikha River (Landscape Park, Baryshikha St. 4)
• Pond in the village Rozhdestveno (Pond in the village of Rozhdestveno (behind the Church of the Nativity), Mitino district
• Derivation canal (opposite the house at the address: Malaya Naberezhnaya str. 3, building 1)
• Khimki Reservoir (Moscow River) st. Svobody 56, PKiO "Severnoye Tushino"
• Stroginskaya floodplain (Tvardovsky street, 16 building 3)
• Kirov floodplain (Isakovskogo st. 2)
• Lake Bezdonnoye (Tamanskaya st. 91)
• Moscow River (Karamyshevskaya embankment, 13-15)
• Moscow River (Aviatsionnaya Street, 79)
• Derivation canal (Lodochnaya st. 19)

Where to swim on Epiphany - Zelenograd

• Black Lake, on the western side of the reservoir, Lesnye Prudy alley, 6th microdistrict
• Shkolnoye Lake, on the western side of the reservoir, Panfilovsky Prospekt, bldg. 1001

Where to swim on Epiphany - Trinity and Novomoskovsk districts

• MUSP Fishing and Sports (Troitsk Island, Desna River in the Zarechye recreation area).
• Pond in the village Pokrovskoye (Voronovskoye village, Church of the Intercession Holy Mother of God, With. Pokrovskoe).
• Pond near the Archangel Michael Church (Krasnopakhorskoe village, Bylovo village).
• Pond in the village of Filimonkovskoye, in the village of Knutovo.
• Pond p. Shchapovskoe, village. Oznobishino, Holy Trinity Church.
• Pond in Voskresenskoye settlement, territory of the Voskresenskoye village, dam 1.
• Pond settlement Marushkinskoye, village. Big Svinorye.
• Pond in the village of Moskovsky, village of the Ulyanovsk forest park, LLC “Gloria”, temple-chapel of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower”.
• Pond Moskovsky village, Govorovo village, pond No. 2, st. Central.
• Pond of the Mosrentgen village, middle pond of the Troitsky Estate cascade.
• River p. Rogovskoye, village Vasyunino, 100 m from the Church of the Holy Trinity on the river.
• Font of Vnukovskoe village, village. DSK "Michurinets", st. Zheleznodorozhnaya, 1. Kupel near the river. Setun.
• Font of Marushkinskoye village, Marushkino village, Rucheyok park.
• Font Klenovskoye village, Tovarishchevo village, r. Liver.
• Font of Desyonovskoye village, Evseevo-Kuvekino village.
• Font of Pervomaiskoe village, Puchkovo village, Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
• Font of Mikhailovo-Yartsevskoe village, Shishkin Les village, p. 43, Temple of the New Martyrs.

16 places in specially protected natural areas of Moscow:

• PIP "Bitsevsky Les", apt. 7, st. Sanatorium Alley, sanatorium “Uzkoe”, Fourth Pond in Uzkoe (with the participation of the Yasenevo District Administration)
• PIP "Kuzminki-Lublino", Apartment 9, Shibaevsky pond, Kuzminki district, Zarechye street, possession 14
• PIP "Kuzminki-Lublino", Apartment 33, Nizhny Lyublinsky pond, Tekstilshchiki district, Shkuleva street, possession 2B
• PIP "Kuzminki-Lublino", Apartment 9, Verkhniy Kuzminsky pond, Kuzminki district, Kuzminskaya st., building 7
• PP "Serebryany Bor", Lake Bezdonnoe, near st. Tamanskaya, 91
• PP "Serebryany Bor", Lake Bezdonnoe, near st. Tamanskaya, 91 (opposite shore of the lake)
• PIP "Moskvoretsky", Kirovskaya Poima, Isakovskogo St., 2-4 (Strogino District Administration)
• PIP "Moskvoretsky", Tvardovskogo St., 16 (Strogino District Administration)
• PIP "Moskvoretsky", Zhivopisnaya St., 56 (Shchukino District Administration)
• PIP "Moskvoretsky", Karamyshevskaya embankment 15 (Khoroshevo-Mnevniki district administration)
• PIP “Izmailovo”, Terletsky forest park, 2/6, Alder pond
• PIP "Izmailovo", forest park "Izmailovsky", village Izmailovskaya apiary, 1, Krasny Pond (Izmailovo District Administration)
• PIP "Kosinsky", st. Zaozernaya, 18, Beloye Lake (Kosino-Ukhtomsky District Administration)
• PIP "Kosinsky", st. Orangereynaya, ow. 24., building 1, Lake Svyatoe (Kosino-Ukhtomsky District Administration)
• Landscape reserve " Teply Stan", recreation area "Troparevo" St. Academician Vinogradova vl. 12, recreation area "Troparevo"
• PT Zelenograd, Forest Ponds alley, Black Lake recreation area (Savelki District Administration)

Map of the location of the fonts for Epiphany bathing in 2018

The Orthodox world celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany on the night of January 18-19. In Moscow, about 60 swimming pools and ponds will be equipped for swimming. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the addresses of the placement of Epiphany fonts in Moscow in 2018. In order to view the map in detail and find out where you can swim on Epiphany on the night of January 18-19 in Moscow, click on the zoom button in the lower right corner of the map.

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