When and how to collect Epiphany water and how to store it. Holy water: when to collect? How to collect holy water for Epiphany

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 for 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 triple immersion of the cross in consecrated water, after which it is endowed with a special healing power. 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 affirms 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 Epiphany Epiphany. This holiday of the Orthodox Church belongs to the twelfth. 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 for the day that had begun, washed, 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 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 on menstrual days should take Epiphany water is not blessed.

But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter. May Epiphany water help her!

There is a pious tradition of sprinkling on this day Epiphany water your home with the singing of the troparion of Epiphany. Epiphany water is consumed on an empty stomach all year round. large quantities, 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".

In case of illness or attacks by 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, Venerable Seraphim Sarovsky could not straighten his back due to the injury. 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 in once again it is necessary to remind 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 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 new and always washed and ironed. Have a 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 all be 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 towards itself. 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.

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 clean 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 use 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 store it with 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 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 a glass vessel, without closing the lid, and left in the room.

Don't leave in Epiphany night shoes outside the door, 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:
« Evil spirit underground, kind to the earth."

Epiphany water - scientific facts

Studies have shown that the optical density of Epiphany water is higher than water from the same sources in 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 a nearby pond in plastic bottles. They stood in his laboratory for many years. The water in them remained clear, odorless and sediment-free. On one of scientific conferences he told about this experiment to a professor he knew from the research institute nuclear physics at Moscow State University, which was engaged in the study of neutron fluxes from space and from the Earth.

He promised to look at his experimental data for recent years. Soon A. Belsky received email very interesting information. According to him, before January 19, intense bursts of neutron flux were recorded for a number of years, 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 of the human body.

If healing properties Epiphany water in the church is known to everyone, but 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 water biofield, 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.

Specialists of the drinking water supply laboratory of the 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 reached its normal look.

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). This is the most good time in order to wash and make supplies for household needs. When the sun rises, large number 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 that 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 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. It is the cosmic forces that hold the energy on Earth during Baptism.

Doctor of Sciences, professor of the Faculty of Biology at 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.

The phenomenon of 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

Twice a year, Orthodox believers have the opportunity to collect Epiphany water, which has especially strong healing powers. The holiday of Epiphany is considered one of the most revered in the Christian religion. On this day, God appeared in Trinity to people and sent down His grace to them.

Features of Epiphany water

The tradition of water blessing has existed in the church since the 5th century. The liturgical records mention that all water element on earth on this day is sanctified. Christian churches all over the world they perform a special ceremony for its consecration, reading prayers dedicated to this occasion.

Epiphany water has special properties that are known to all believers:

• she is able to give health;
• cleanse and convey God's grace to those who drink or wash themselves;
• this water remains drinkable after a year or more.

Some testify that the holy water remained fresh and pure even after three or four years. Even John Chrysostom spoke about this in his time.

Although, sometimes Epiphany water blooms. There is no need to look for bad omens in this. Microorganisms just live in water. It's more about the person himself and how he uses this water. Perhaps God is thus pointing out problems and incorrect life attitudes.

Atheists in Soviet times claimed that the preservation of baptismal water was due to the lowering of a silver cross into it by the priest. But how then can we explain the fact that people who did not have the opportunity to come to church stored ordinary tap water, and at the same time it had all the characteristics of Epiphany water? Seeing devotion to faith, the Lord, by His mercy, imparted grace to such water.

In the Russian tradition, the rite of consecration is carried out twice - on Christmas Eve and on Epiphany. It doesn’t matter which day the water was blessed. It has the same properties. It can be taken from any temple.

Attention! You need to collect as much water as you need for a year. At the same time, treat it as a shrine, do not cook food on it or add it to the bath. Epiphany water is drunk on an empty stomach. A few sips are enough.

Epiphany and Epiphany water: are there any differences?

Lay people are often interested in the question of what difference exists between Epiphany and Epiphany water. There are just no differences between them. The same rite is used in both cases of water blessing. Simply Epiphany water is consecrated on the feast of Epiphany itself, January 19th. And the water blessed on Christmas Eve is Epiphany.

Churchmen remember the events of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. At the moment when the Son of God was baptized, the Lord appeared in the Trinity. Hence the second name of the holiday - Epiphany.

Baptism of Jesus Christ

That is, in essence, Baptism and Epiphany are one and the same. Therefore, the water blessed on these two days is of the same nature.

Jordan and Epiphany water: what is the difference

There's really no difference. Water blessed on January 18 is called Jordanian. And the baptismal one was consecrated on January 19. But this is the same water, with the same energy and properties.

What is the difference between Epiphany water and holy water?

In churches, no one measured the parameters of baptismal and holy water with instruments. It's impossible to say which is better. Holy water will always remain holy. It’s just that Epiphany is timed to coincide with a specific holiday and is consecrated with a special rite, which is served only once a year. Both are holy water.

The only difference is that Epiphany occupies ritual life Orthodox Christians have a special place.

Interesting facts from the study of Epiphany water

According to Christian tradition, believers believe that all water on earth becomes holy on the feast of Epiphany. But the manifestation of the grace of the Almighty is a one-time event, but the water collected after the Blessing of Waters rite is stored for a long time.

Believers remember that from that moment Jesus Christ began to preach until his crucifixion on the cross for human sins.

Epiphany water is considered the most powerful and healing

The phenomenon of Epiphany water was tested in laboratory studies. She was recruited from the lake in holidays. The water remained suitable for consumption for four years. Scientists were puzzled and decided to check its parameters. It turned out that Epiphany water is softer than usual, and its pH level is one and a half points higher. But none of the luminaries of science could explain why these changes occur.

Meanwhile, the clergy explain everything simply - water acquires such properties as a result of the influence of divine power.

When to go for Epiphany water

Since the first consecration of water occurs on Epiphany Eve in the morning, from that moment on the water is already considered Epiphany, and it can be collected. But in this case, what is important is not so much the time at which water is collected, but participation in its consecration.

Advice! It is advisable to attend the rite of Blessing of the Water and feel the whole atmosphere of the service. After all, without faith, even Agiasma can be devalued.

The clergy say that it will take two days to collect water. Moreover, from the moment the first rite of blessing of water was performed. The end of the Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Water is the moment when Epiphany water begins to be poured into churches. As a rule, the Liturgy is served in the morning of January 18, and in the morning of January 19, and sometimes on the night from 18 to 19.

Usually, water is not spilled during worship. But in large cities with a strong influx of lay people, exceptions are sometimes made. Need to check in advance organizational issues in the church to which the believer gathers.

How to use Epiphany water correctly

The shrine should not just stand in the house. Epiphany water is used to acquire grace for believers all year round.

Epiphany water is a shrine that must be treated with grace

On the holidays of January 18 and 19, they drink it all day. Weekdays suggest drinking in small quantities before meals, while reading a prayer. It is drunk in a few sips on an empty stomach. But eating food is not a strict prohibition on taking holy water. The church places special emphasis on this. Especially if a person is sick or suffers from mental illness.

Important! Agiasma is a gift. An appropriate attitude towards water will allow it to fully demonstrate its healing properties. Drinking water must be accompanied by words of prayer.

Theophan the Recluse noted in his sermon that holy water is not church medicine. It will not help an evil and unbelieving person. It must be drunk with faith and reverence.

Is it possible to dilute Epiphany water?

There is an opinion that it is impossible to dilute Epiphany water with tap water. Allegedly, this contributes to the loss of its healing power.

But the priests say the opposite. The only caveat is to do this with a small amount of water and it is better to take it from a well.

Epiphany water is diluted while reading a prayer. A few drops of holy water are enough for it to transfer its grace to ordinary water. That is why it makes no sense to store Epiphany water in cans. A small vessel is enough, which will be used up in a year.

Is it possible to sprinkle an apartment with Epiphany water?

In home life, Epiphany water is used not only for drinking, but also to expel everything unclean and bad from the house.

The practice of sprinkling homes with Epiphany water is firmly entrenched in the Orthodox tradition. The dwelling is sprinkled and a prayer is said aloud, addressing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. With the reading of the troparia, water is sprinkled first on the eastern, then western, northern and southern sides. It is permissible to sprinkle and material assets that are important to humans.

But this rite cannot be equated with the rite performed by a priest when blessing a home.

Is it possible to heat a bathhouse?

We must not forget that Epiphany water requires respect. It is unlikely that using agiasma for bathing will make a person cleaner in spiritually. But holy water poured down the drain is very bad.

Is it possible to swim in Epiphany water?

Nobody forbids you to plunge into an ice hole. It is important with what motives people do this. If for the sake of entertainment and thrill, then such a bath will not have the desired effect.

Cleansing ice font for the holiday of Epiphany

And in general, it is not so important whether people swam on the feast of Epiphany or not. What matters is only the faith and feelings that are invested in the actions of each person.

Note! Many people believe that you must plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany. Contrary to popular belief, such bathing does not wash away sins. For this there is the sacrament of confession and communion. But climbing into an ice hole is not beneficial for everyone, due to physical health conditions.

How to store holy water

After the blessed water is brought home from the temple, it must be placed in a glass or plastic container near the icons. Drink in the morning before meals so that the Divine grace of this water is transferred to your body and soul.

It is not prohibited to continue to use Epiphany water if it has retained its freshness and pleasant taste.

Otherwise, the spoiled agiasma should be poured into a place where no person can set foot, that is, not trampled on. For example, in a river or in a flower pot.

Important! Agiasma is a shrine that must not be poured into the sink drain or the first place you come across.

In conclusion, we can say that Epiphany water helps people with pious intentions. And it doesn’t matter at all how much of this water a person drinks or pours on himself. If he is callous in soul and weak in faith, such actions will not bring him the expected result.

The Epiphany of the Lord is a great holiday. On this day, all Orthodox churches are overcrowded, people rush to bless the water. From what source can you draw water and when should this be done for it to be considered holy for Epiphany?

On January 19, Orthodox Christians used to collect water from reservoirs. Those who did not have time to do this came to churches to make supplies of holy water for the year ahead.

When to collect holy water for Epiphany?

On holiday, water becomes holy everywhere, in any source. You can already collect water on January 18, after the consecration ceremony. Back in the old days, it so happened historically that water was blessed twice on Epiphany holidays: the first time was on the eve of the holiday, in the temple. This holiday is called “Epiphany Christmas Eve,” and for the second time, water was blessed in reservoirs. Since Epiphany falls on January 19, during this period there are severe frosts, it was necessary to cut ice in reservoirs (rivers and lakes) to make an ice hole and collect water.

The water taken from the church on Christmas Eve was considered holy, and the water that was drawn from the source was also considered sanctified, but only after the ceremony of blessing the water.

Water could be collected from reservoirs not only on January 19, immediately after the ceremony, but also during the week, because according to church regulations, this holiday lasts 7 days and on any of these days you can come and collect water.

What should you pour holy water into for Epiphany?

In order to collect Epiphany water and store it throughout the year, you need to prepare a container in advance. It is advisable that it be one container so that water is stored in it from year to year. For example, a tank or a jar.

Nowadays people most often collect water in plastic containers. Such containers are not considered prohibited, but they must be used temporarily. Before pouring water into a bottle, you need to wash it thoroughly (if it is a bottle of sweet drinks) so that it is clean and free of foreign odors. Upon arriving home, it is advisable to pour the Epiphany water into a clean glass container specially prepared for storage.

How much and how to store water collected for Epiphany

Water collected from a consecrated source or brought from a temple must be stored in a specially designated place - near the iconostasis. Water is not stored in the refrigerator or poured into the sewer - this is considered unacceptable.

Water cannot be stored forever, it is not a sacred thing, it must be used wisely.

How to use holy water collected for Epiphany

• Drink water in the morning, before the first meal and in the evening before going to bed. They drink sacred water one sip at a time, but do not sip directly from the neck of a jar or bottle, but pour a little into a glass and drink from a small spoon. On critical days, women are prohibited from drinking Epiphany water.
• If a person is taking medication on an empty stomach, first drink a sip of water, then the medication and have breakfast.
• If a person is seriously ill, drink water in unlimited quantities. After drinking the water, you need to read a healing prayer.
• Water is also used as a healing agent to relieve pain - a compress soaked in water is applied to the sore spot.
• They sprinkle holy water on their homes, always reading a prayer, as well as other objects, clothes and even pets.

What to do if holy water has spoiled?

Spoiled holy water is not flushed down the drain, but is poured into any natural spring. You cannot throw such water directly onto the ground; this is considered unacceptable.

Pour water into an untrodden place, where no person or dog can step. By the way, water is allowed to be poured into a flower pot or under a tree on the street.

Water collected on Epiphany holidays is considered healing and can be added to ordinary water, so that she conveys all the beneficial properties to her.

During the evening of January 18 and the whole day of January 19, you can collect Epiphany water in any church. Water these days is blessed with one rite. That is, there is no difference when it is Epiphany water, when the time of most activity begins in 2019. This will be the evening after the service on Christmas Eve, and the day of Epiphany itself.

Important! On the feast of Epiphany, believers should not forget that they should visit church, confess and receive communion. Then take water and at home, with prayers and faith, consecrate every corner of your home.

• Great Blessing of Water
• Swimming in an ice hole for Epiphany

Great Blessing of Water

So, on Epiphany Christmas Eve - Epiphany water, when to collect in 2019. IN Orthodox churches In the evening of this day, services are held, after which the water and nearby sources are blessed. These could be rivers and lakes, ponds, or simply fonts at the temple.

Since ancient times, it has been believed that Epiphany water can bring spiritual and physical health to a person. Every year, huge queues of believers line up near the temples and come for water to make supplies for the whole year. You can only drink this water small quantities. It is best to take a couple of small sips immediately after waking up on an empty stomach.

Epiphany water is suitable for consecrating a house or work premises. She is called to give grace God's people. But the essence of all Orthodox rituals It’s not about getting water, but about getting closer to God and believing in him even more. You must definitely go to church, pray and ask the Lord to cleanse your body and soul through water and give you peace and balance.

Swimming in an ice hole for Epiphany

So, when it is now clear to collect holy water for Epiphany, this can be done in the evening of January 18 after the service, or throughout the entire day of January 19 - on the feast of Epiphany. On the night of January 18-19, as well as a few days later, many believers perform another important ritual of this holiday - swimming in an ice hole.

The ice hole is called “Jordan” and the water in specially cut ice holes is blessed by priests on the night of Epiphany. You should not treat swimming as a sporting feat. This is one way of obedience. It is recommended to take a blessing from a priest before plunging into the ice hole. It is believed that ablution cleanses from all sins, but this is only if the process itself is approached with all responsibility and seriousness.

Washing in Epiphany water is a testimony of a person’s faith in the power of the Lord, which even thirty-degree frost cannot bend.

Are there any differences in water blessed on January 18 or 19

Many believers are wondering when to collect Epiphany water in 2019: January 18 or 19, thinking that there are some differences. In fact, the water consecrated on January 18 is no different from that consecrated on January 19. Some believers believe that on January 19, the feast of Epiphany itself, all water on the planet is automatically sanctified. The priests emphasize that such an opinion is a prejudice.

Consecrating your home blessed water According to tradition, crosses must be drawn in the air when the sprinkling process occurs. This is a fairly old tradition that is associated with Epiphany Christmas Eve. Crosses were once not drawn with chalk, but burned with a candle: soot from a candle was applied to the corners of houses. In modern homes, both soot and chalk are quite radical methods. Therefore, crosses are drawn in the air using holy water. Christmas Eve before Epiphany is the last evening during the Christmastide period when you can.

Using tap water at Epiphany

There are no prohibitions here. It is clear that tap water is not considered blessed. However, the water that will be brought from the temple on Christmas Eve or on Epiphany itself cannot be used for laundry or washing dishes. It must be treated with reverence, as a special relic, and taken care of.

It happens that holy water spoils. In this case, you need to pour it into a river, in the forest under a tree, or simply close it in a vessel that will not allow air to pass through. Many believers have some of their holy water left over from last year, what should they do with it? If everything is fine with the water, then you can use it as usual: drink a few spoons in the morning on an empty stomach after prayer. If something happens to the water, you can pour it into your indoor plants.

Important! It is believed that a woman during the period critical days You can touch the vessel with holy water. But these days it cannot be taken orally, unless it is a matter of life and death.

Already on Epiphany Eve - January 18, after the service, the priests will bless the water. You can pick it up and take it home to cleanse your home, soul and body. But holy water is not the only tradition of the holiday; we must remember about prayers and faith. To decorate the holiday, you can please yourself and your loved ones

January 19, 2019 at Orthodox churches The Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated annually - one of the main Christian holidays. For for many years traditions have developed that are observed to this day.

This holiday, which is also called Epiphany, is established in memory of the baptism of Jesus Christ, which was performed by John the Baptist. During his baptism on the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven declared: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

“Baptism” literally means “immersion in water”; it is no coincidence that one of the traditions of this holiday is the blessing of water. This ritual is performed twice - on Epiphany Eve and on Epiphany. They also sanctify water in natural reservoirs by cutting out ice holes in the shape of a cross or a circle in rivers and lakes. Such an ice hole is called Jordan.

Many believers are interested in: how to properly collect baptismal water, how to use it correctly? We will answer these and other questions.

How to properly collect Epiphany water?

After church service it can be collected in temples. To prevent water from losing its properties, the containers for collecting it must be clean. Cans or bottles containing residues of other drinks should not be used for this purpose.

There is no difference between water collected on Epiphany Eve on January 18, 2019 or on the holiday itself. You can go for water later, because according to established tradition, Epiphany is celebrated during the week. That is, during all seven days, believers can come to churches for holy water.

There is no need to collect such water in large quantities. As the priests say, any drinking water, to which you add a little holy water will also become consecrated. That is, you can take, for example, a liter of such water and pour it into larger containers at home.

How to use Epiphany water correctly?

Water consecrated in temples has a special symbolic meaning: they perform ablutions in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with its help they cleanse people from sins and relieve them of various ailments.

According to tradition, on the morning of Epiphany, people drink blessed water. In the old days, after this, the girls hurried to the river to wash themselves in “Jordanian water”, “so that their faces were beautiful and pink.”

Blessed water is kept at home next to icons. Since it does not spoil, it can be stored for a long time. It is considered the best cure for various mental and physical ailments. Epiphany water strengthens the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems and has a general strengthening effect on the body.

Use it according to church rules, better on an empty stomach, with prosphora - in this case it is enough to take a couple of sips. If you need to drink medicine, then take a couple of sips of water, and then the treatment procedures are carried out.

People suffering from serious illnesses can drink holy water in any quantity throughout the day. After drinking holy water, you must definitely pray for healing and remission of sins. The stronger your faith, the more likely you are to be healed.

Where can I get holy water if I didn’t go to church for Epiphany?

There are times when people do not have the opportunity to visit the temple these days. However, the supply of water can be replenished in the temple, where it is always stored, and at other times. That is, on any day of the year, not necessarily for Epiphany, you can take it from the church.

You can also pour water from other sources at Epiphany and use it. It is believed that at this time all water becomes holy. As the priests say, the point is not in the water, but “in the human heart - how capable it is of accepting the shrine that God freely gives to everyone.”

If you want to get Epiphany water from the tap, it is better to do this from midnight to 1:30 on the night of January 18-19, 2019.

What should you do with Epiphany water?

Holy water is sprinkled on homes to drive away evil spirits. To do this, sprinkle all the rooms, the yard and outbuildings. It is necessary to sprinkle each corner with a cross of water, as well as entrance doors and windows to protect the house from evil spirits.

At the same time, the following 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".

When telling how to correctly collect holy water for Epiphany, one cannot fail to mention snow, which is also credited with special properties on this day. In the old days, it was collected from the haystacks of girls, as it was believed that it whitens the skin and helps preserve beauty.

Snow collected on Epiphany evening was used to bleach canvases. It, like water, was considered healing, and various ailments were treated with it.

On this day, our ancestors observed many other traditions. On Epiphany Eve they put a bowl of water on the table and said: “At night the water itself will sway,” which was a sign of Epiphany. If at midnight the water in the bowl swayed, people went outside to look at the sky, to pray and make a cherished wish, which, as it was believed, would certainly come true.

As a rule, these days there are severe – “Epiphany” – frosts. Despite this, many believers swim in ice holes. It is believed that this ritual promotes healing from illnesses. Many people also believe that in this way they can wash away their sins, but the Church teaches that they can only be washed away by repentance through the sacrament of confession.

Therefore, our story about how to properly use water blessed for Epiphany will be incomplete without mentioning other traditions of Baptism.

Try to pay more attention to your loved ones during this time, help the poor and do other good deeds. At Epiphany, under no circumstances should you quarrel with relatives and other people, swear or use foul language. You cannot allow yourself even evil thoughts, and not just bad deeds.