How to properly charge water for baptism. Epiphany water. its unique properties, how to collect, how to use and store
Twice a year, Orthodox believers have the opportunity to collect Epiphany water, which is especially powerful. healing power. 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 the water elements on earth are sanctified on this day. Christian churches all over the world 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 argued that the safety of Epiphany water was due to the priest lowering a silver cross into it. 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 a special place in the ritual life of Orthodox Christians.
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
IN laboratory research The phenomenon of Epiphany water was tested. 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. It is necessary to clarify in advance the organizational issues in the church in which the believer is going.
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 involve drinking in small quantities before meals, with 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. Water intake should be accompanied by mandatory 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 established in 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 also permissible to sprinkle material values that are important to a person.
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 spiritually cleaner. 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.
On a note! Many people believe that at Epiphany you definitely need to plunge into an ice hole. 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.
Baptism is big Orthodox holiday, which is not out of date, is celebrated on January 19th. The main attribute of the Christian celebration is sacred water (zhivilnitsa) and bathing. The day is filled with a large number of rituals that arose in ancient times and continue to be revered today. According to beliefs, water acquires sacred properties. Many people still don’t know when to collect water for baptism.
- History and traditions of the holiday
History and traditions of the holiday
Epiphany or Jordan is a great holiday. The celebration begins on the evening of the 18th, it is called Christmas Eve. In the evening, the day before, the whole family gathers at one table and eats Lenten food. During the holiday, Orthodox Christians gather and go to church. According to the Bible, on the 19th the sacrament of “baptism” of Jesus Christ was performed. He went into the Jordan River, plunged three times, and then began to give grace.
The main tradition is swimming in a natural body of water. It acquires life-giving properties only when it has been consecrated by a priest. On the eve of the Jordan, a cross-shaped hole is cut out on an ice-covered reservoir. It is believed that by taking a dip you will be cleansed and will wash away your bad thoughts and illnesses. The healing properties have been proven more than once. Epiphany 2019 when to collect water can be found in the nearest temple or church.
Important!
You cannot drink directly from a can or bottle, as it is believed that the source then loses its healing properties. You cannot smell it, this also entails a loss of holiness.
Where and when to collect water for the Great Holiday
Epiphany water, when to collect on January 18 or 19, everyone decides for himself. You can replenish the supply of resin in the temples themselves, where the clergy stock large reservoirs of it. According to beliefs, it becomes healing from January 18 to 19. The first consecration takes place on January 18, Christmas Eve, and the second time on January 19. According to the church charter, liquid in an open reservoir is considered sacred for another week.
It is allowed to pour holy water into glass or plastic containers. The main thing is that the container is clean. Of course, it is best to store the liquid inside a glass container to prevent various impurities from getting into it. It is impossible to save the life-saver “for eternity”. Spend it throughout the year to next year pick up fresh. It is recommended to store it near the iconostasis. The refrigerator is not a place for storage. Simply pouring it down the drain or onto the ground is considered a sin. Many people don’t know how to use it correctly:
drink every morning, preferably on an empty stomach, just half a glass or a tablespoon is enough;
during illnesses, you must first drink a sip of consecrated water, and then take medicine;
the liquid is applied to the inflamed areas. Dampen a rag and apply it to the sore spot, the pain should subside;
use to sprinkle corners, while you need to read a prayer to give even more strength;
use it to treat animals, give it instead of any drink.
What time do they begin to bless the water?
The sacrament of consecration occurs twice. The first takes place in the early morning of the 18th, immediately after the service. The priest carries out the second consecration directly on the Great Day, after the liturgy. The time of the liturgy depends on the church you are going to. Some priests begin the service at night, while others early in the morning. Therefore, go to church in advance and find out when the service will be held. Now most temples have their own websites where you can find out detailed information about all ministries.
On a note!
Often the service takes place in the morning, then the priest goes to the open square and blesses it. According to data collected from various temples and churches, the consecration takes place early in the morning, after which anyone can take a dip in the pond.
According to beliefs, on the night from January 18 to 19, all water becomes sacred, so if you don’t have time to go to church, you can draw liquid from the tap. The priests note that it’s all about the person, if he sacredly believes, then God gives sacred properties to water, no matter where you collect it. Of course, it’s better to go to a sacred place and get some water there. After all, a powerful prayer was read over it, which makes it life-giving. It is not necessary to collect water on January 18 or 19; you can go for it another day.
Stick to the traditions of the Jordan, and God will be favorable to you. Come to church with pure thoughts, try to sin as little as possible. Take water with you for consecration or collect it directly in the temple. When to collect water for baptism on January 18 or 19 in 2019, decide closer to the holiday so as not to make any guesses. If possible, draw water for baptism on January 18 and 19.
January 19 great holiday Christian in life. It is dedicated to the events when Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River at the age of 30. This day is called the Epiphany and Epiphany. The blessing of baptismal water has already become a tradition, since baptismal water is unique water. There are many beliefs that such water can heal and purify. Even scientists, after numerous studies, have confirmed that Epiphany water is similar in composition and properties to the waters that flow in the Jordan River, where Jesus was once baptized. Take with you pies with cherries made from yeast dough in the oven: recipe with photos.
That is why most believers go to church and consecrated open springs for Epiphany to draw water from them. Considering that January 18 is also a holiday, Epiphany Eve, and in the evening of this day services and lighting of water are held in churches, the question arises: when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 29?
The difference between Epiphany water on January 18 and 19
The first illumination of Epiphany water will take place on the evening of January 18, closer to midnight. The second illumination takes place on January 19th. At this time, you can come with your own container and collect Epiphany water for storage at home. When answering the question of when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19, it should be noted that the lighting of the water in the evening of January 18 and January 19 is exactly the same. The blessing of water is carried out in one order, the same prayers are used, so there is no difference between Epiphany water on January 18 and 19. Water reserves in different days have the same properties and are suitable for use for the purpose of cleansing and healing.
It has been scientifically proven that Epiphany water does not spoil. You can store it for a long time, it retains its unique properties. This applies to both the water collected on January 18 and the water collected on January 19. Water on January 18 and 19 is baptismal only after the procedure of lighting the water by a clergyman. The services that take place on the evening of January 18 are also festive, like the services that take place on January 19, so you can collect Epiphany water on both days.
There is an opinion that the most valuable Epiphany water, which has strong active properties, is the water that was collected on the night of January 18-19. However, clergy emphasize the fact that there is no difference between the waters, and that you can come and collect water both on the night of January 18-19 and throughout the next day.
It should be remembered that, first of all, the effect of holy water depends on a person’s faith. Since the water on January 18 and 19 is Epiphany, one should understand its significance in the religious world. According to the Bible, water is the personification of all life on Earth. Therefore, one should collect and consume Epiphany water only with bright thoughts, saying prayers mentally.
Blessing of water on the day of Epiphany according to one’s own beneficial properties similar to the blessing of water and the sacrament of Baptism. The consecrated water for the day of Epiphany and the water for the sacrament of Baptism even have the same name - the Great Agiasma.
Every year the water for Epiphany is blessed twice, and there is no difference between such water.
What not to do with holy water
Despite the fact that Epiphany water is universal in use, there are several strict prohibitions when such water cannot be used:
Epiphany water cannot be used for the purpose of fortune telling or performing any magical rituals.
Superstitions associated with holy water cannot be supported by actions. For example, that in order to achieve the highest grace, one should collect baptismal water in three different churches.
You cannot use Epiphany water for the purpose of cleansing from sins. This is only possible in confession.
When Jesus, who did not need to cleanse his soul, entered the Jordan River, he himself cleansed the entire water element, without which human life is impossible. Therefore, one should treat Epiphany water and the Feast of Epiphany with respect. And when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19 is decided individually, depending on free time.
DOES ALL WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM, DOES ALL TAP WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM? Does all water become holy at Epiphany? On the night of January 19, the Orthodox world annually celebrates one of the main holidays - Epiphany. On this day, Christians remember the greatest event - the baptism of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River.
There are many prejudices associated with Baptism. On the eve of the holiday, Priest Georgy Vorobyov, who is the rector of the temple in honor of the Hieromartyr Andronik, told AiF-Prikamye journalists about the most common mistakes and misconceptions regarding the Baptism of the Lord.
Does all water become holy at Epiphany and does tap water become holy at Epiphany?
There is a popular belief that at Epiphany midnight, from January 18 to 19, all water becomes holy. And supposedly holy water also flows from the tap. For this reason, many believe that it is not necessary to go to church for holy water, but that you can collect it at home. Answer from Priest Georgy Vorobyov: Epiphany water is that water over which the clergyman performed a special church rite - the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water. This rite is performed on the eve of the holiday - January 18, Epiphany Eve, and on the holiday of the Epiphany itself, January 19. Archimandrite Spiridon (Khodanich) answered this question earlier to the Orthodox Life publication. According to him, if you delve into the prayers and features of the rite of consecration of water at Epiphany, it becomes obvious that only the water that is consecrated by the clergy in a temple or on a river (reservoir) is holy.
From the answers of representatives of the Orthodox Church, we can conclude that the consecrated (holy) water in the Baptism of the Lord is the water over which the priest performed a special rite of consecration.
There is holy water in any Temple and you can come and get it on any day. But on special days the priests bless the water. On the day of January 18, the rite of Blessing of Water is read over the water and the water is called Epiphany. On the night of January 19, the Blessing of Water is performed once again and the water is called Epiphany. She has special power.
If you are too lazy to go to the Temple at night, then you can dial it at home on the night of January 19th. It is better to do this in the period from 00 o'clock on January 19 to 03-00 - the peak of the water force. Over the subsequent time, the water gradually decreases in strength and by the evening of January 21 it returns to normal, to its normal state. But it’s still better to get water in the Temple.
Holy water can be collected both in the church itself, and after consecration and in an ice hole or reservoir. But first baptism water, which is consecrated before the Baptism of the Lord in the temple, is considered the most powerful and healing. It is given to seriously ill patients and children to strengthen their strength.
You can always pour blessed water for your needs in the Church; there is always a supply there. But soon the feast of the Epiphany will come, and then you can collect holy water from a source or reservoir, where the priests read the rite of blessing of water. Then they store this water for a long time, drink it little by little, wash it, wipe the body, or add it to a poured bath. Only few people know that before drinking such water, one must read the prayer for receiving holy water.
In Greek this holy water is called agiasma or shrine. It is better to collect it in the Church after consecration by the priest; they store the water carefully in a corner near the icons or in a secluded place.
Holy water. She did all sorts of miracles.
Use this water to wash your face. They drink this water and even bathe in it. It rejuvenates the body, protects against the evil one, kills bacteria and microorganisms.
You can collect holy water on Christmas Eve by going to church and praying.
Usually water is collected from the container in which it was consecrated by church ministers. Also from the sources where the priest’s silver cross was lowered and a prayer was read over it.
Holy water can be collected in a church or at a holy spring, but the most powerful holy water is considered to be baptismal water, consecrated on the eve of baptism on January 19. I also heard that on the day of baptism all water becomes holy, although people go to church for holy water on January 19th.
Holy water can be collected in the church at any time. This is water that the priest blessed with a cross and read a prayer over it. You can also collect holy water from the springs, but if you go there on a pilgrimage trip from the church. There are holy springs on the site of which temples are located.
On the eve of Epiphany, on Epiphany Eve, the blessing of water in churches begins. On the day of Epiphany itself, rivers and lakes - natural reservoirs - are sanctified, and an ice hole is made in them in the form of a cross. On this day people worship the holy cleansing power of water.
There is a river not far from our church. There will be an ice hole there. On January 19, the day of Epiphany, the priest conducts a special ceremony. In this ice hole on January 19, you can get water yourself. Or you can collect Epiphany water in the church or temple itself. Moreover, it is customary to stock up such water on January 19th.
Holy water can be collected in the church during the rite of blessing of water on certain days during prayer services. This rite is called the small consecration. In addition, for Epiphany, holy water can be collected from consecrated springs.
On Christmas Eve and the feast of the Epiphany, the Great Blessing of Water is performed in all Orthodox churches. At Epiphany, after the service, clergymen often bless nearby ponds, lakes, and rivers. Christians believe that Epiphany holy water brings spiritual and physical health. Every year on Epiphany Eve, believers come to churches to stock up on Epiphany water for the whole year. E is taken a little every day on an empty stomach, and her home is consecrated.
Another bright holiday of the year is approaching - Epiphany! Orthodox Church celebrates this holiday - January 19, new style. Epiphany completes the series of Christmastides that began with Christmas.
It is common knowledge that humans need water every day. But the Orthodox treat it especially! Holy water not only has a special purpose, but is also a church shrine. Therefore, you need to treat her with respect.
Holy water and Faith are the most strong medicine! This is what the holy elders said, and we try to follow this statement.
Epiphany water is considered the strongest, which is consecrated in the Church during the Great Blessing of Water. It is called great because a solemn service takes place on Epiphany and this is one of the main church holidays. Water is also blessed at the Small Blessing of Water (during the service of other holidays).
Along with the fact that there are certain rules, there are also rules for collecting Holy water.
HOW TO GET WATER.
The ideal time to bless water is after the Epiphany service. Except healing water, You will also be cleansed by prayers in the Church.
If you do not have the opportunity to attend the service, then, before going to Church by water, pray at home.
Water can be collected in the Church and blessed, or poured at home. You need to collect water at home on the night of January 18-19. But remember - such water becomes purified and renewed, but in no way sanctified!
To do this, use any water container without stickers or inscriptions. The container must be clean! It is best to buy a special jug at the church store in advance.
There is no need to collect a lot of consecrated water; you can dilute it at home - this will not cause it to lose its properties.
When you go to bless water, you should be in a good and joyful mood. On the territory of the Church, try not to jostle with other believers, and under no circumstances swear! Now even scientists have recognized that consecrated water has a different structure and memory, therefore, it can absorb all the negativity and not help you at all if necessary.
As soon as you have collected water or blessed yours, wash your face with it three times and drink a few sips. When you come home, give water to all your friends and family to drink.
You can collect water on any other day in the Church. There is always a large container of water for purchase here.
HOW TO STORE.
The storage of holy water must also be approached consciously and respectfully. Never place a container of water on the floor. Its place is only on the table. And for permanent storage, it is better to leave water near or behind the icons.
If you don’t have icons at home, then you can put water in a special cabinet or shelf where you store church candles, incense Or clear a space for water and place an icon next to it.
Also, don’t worry that the water will spoil and put it in the refrigerator. The water is blessed with a silver cross and has ecclesiastical characteristics. But if during storage the water acquires bad smell or has become cloudy, then be sure to tell the priest about it.
Holy water can be stored permanently. But accepted in New Year On Epiphany, take the next portion. You can also mix it with the previous one.
If you are going to move, be sure to take it with you a small amount of Holy water. In this case, you will not be able to take a large container of water - the church allows it to be poured into any body of water. You cannot pour it into the water supply or onto the ground!
And remember, Holy water will have healing properties and will benefit you only if you believe in God, attend Church and work on your “correction”!