When can you take holy water? Does all water become holy at Epiphany? Alternative opinions from the evil one
Our article will introduce you to interesting information about holy water. You will learn how to consecrate, store and receive it correctly.
Our ancestors considered holy water to be a gift from God and treated it very carefully. After it was consecrated, they collected it in clean dishes and stored it in red coal.
With her help they treated various diseases, restored their state of mind and protected their homes and households from the evil eye. Modern man less superstitious, but still continues to believe in the miraculous properties of holy water.
Why is water called holy?
Blessing of water in the templeWater becomes holy the moment the Spirit of God enters it. Consequently, it turns into healing when the priest begins to read a certain prayer over it or on the feast of the Epiphany.
It is believed that on this day the water in all rivers, lakes and wells changes its usual structure, becoming life-giving. Most religious people believe that it does not lose its properties for quite some time. long time, so at Epiphany they try to stock up on it for the whole next year.
The great power of holy water, healing and beneficial properties: scientific explanation
Modern scientists were also interested in the phenomenon of Epiphany water, so they decided to study it as thoroughly as possible. Studies have shown that its properties are very different from the liquid taken before the holiday. From the night of Christmas Eve, the amount of positive energy in it sharply increases, it becomes cleaner and, most importantly, useful substances appear in it. to the human body substances.
According to scientists, this is why holy water has a great positive effect on the body. By consuming it, people simply enrich their body with natural minerals, which help remove waste and toxins from the body. This leads to the fact that a person begins to feel stronger and more cheerful.
Why doesn't holy water spoil?
Holy water We all know that healing properties appear near the water after the consecration ritual. The priests charge it with positive energy, thereby preventing its particles from being destroyed. In addition, church water is disinfected with silver ions and all this together allows it to remain clean and tasty for quite a long period of time.
How to collect holy water in a church?
In principle, you can collect holy water in any temple and on any day. To do this, it is not necessary to wait for the Baptism of the Lord. You can quite easily go to church at a time convenient for you and ask the priest to bless it for you. After he reads a prayer over it, you can put it in a clean glass container and take it home.
Believe me, such water will have the same qualities as Epiphany water. If you take it with strong faith in God, it can also heal your body and soul.
How to make holy water at home?
Recommendations for blessing water at home If you don’t have the opportunity to go to church to get water, then try to bless it at home. To do this, first sincerely pray to God and ask for his blessings. Then take a clean container and go collect water. If possible, try to find a well or spring. Having brought it home, pray to God again and only then begin the process of sanctification.
To do this, place a container of water in front of you, bend slightly over it and read a special prayer. After this, cross the jar and cover it with a lid. If you do all this with faith in God's blessing, then the water will absorb positive energy and become holy.
Is it possible to drink holy water and how to drink it correctly at home?
You can and should drink holy water. This healing liquid will help you improve your internal state, will save you from diseases and even rejuvenate your body. And although it is believed that you can only drink it in the morning and on an empty stomach, there are times when you have to resort to its help at other times of the day.
Therefore, if you need to get rid of, for example, an unexpected headache, then take it in the evening. The only thing you should always remember is that it is advisable to drink the healing liquid on an empty stomach and always take three sips.
Is it possible to drink holy water just like that every day?
You can drink holy water only when problems arise Holy water is sacred, and therefore it must be treated accordingly. And this means that replacing it with ordinary drinking water, absolutely not. Priests consider this a very great sin and warn their parishioners against such actions. Therefore, it will be better if you use it only in case of urgent need.
For example, if you need to alleviate the course of an illness or protect yourself from negative energy. In all other cases, use ordinary tap water or from a natural source.
Can pregnant women drink holy water?
Pregnant girls and women can drink holy water quite easily. Be that as it may, it certainly won’t do them any harm. Of course, like everyone else, there is no need to quench her thirst, but to restore moral and physical strength, drinking is acceptable. If the pregnancy is very difficult, the expectant mother can help her body cope with the load in this way.
In order for the pregnancy to continue, one drink of holy water per day will be enough. You will need to drink it during periods when there is a threat to the mother’s life or her baby.
Is it possible to give holy water to a newborn and unbaptized baby?
Water for a newborn A small child needs God's protection even more than an adult. Therefore, if you see that the baby has become restless and sleeps poorly, then give him some holy water. She will cleanse his body and soul of the negativity that adults have awarded him and will return peace of mind to the child. As for unbaptized children, they simply need holy water.
An unbaptized child does not have a Guardian Angel, which means that you must do everything to prevent bad energy from affecting him. Therefore, until you baptize your baby, be sure to give him a little holy water every day. It will act as a barrier between the baby’s soul and the negativity of the world around him.
Can Muslims drink holy water?
In principle, church rules do not prohibit Muslims from drinking holy water. It is believed that if a person is ready to accept God’s gift into his body, then it will not cause him any harm.
Therefore, if you feel an irresistible desire to drink a healing liquid, then be sure to do it. Just drink it with with an open heart and with pure thoughts.
Is it possible to drink holy water on an empty stomach?
You can drink holy water after meals Some people claim that you can only drink healing water on an empty stomach. But if you ask any clergyman about this, you will find out that some strict rules There are no restrictions on the intake of this liquid.
They believe that you can drink holy water both before and after meals, the main thing is that at the moment of drinking the person’s heart is open to God. Therefore, if you need to drink it after you have eaten, then feel free to do it and do not be afraid that by such actions you will commit a great sin.
Is it possible to drink holy water with charmed water?
If the conspiracy was made by Christian prayer, then you can quite safely combine both liquids in one dose. But still in this case there is one nuance. If you have been chanting water because of drunkenness, alcoholism, or drug addiction, then it will be better if you do not combine charmed and holy water together.
Since the first one will still carry negativity, it will destroy healing effect holy water. In view of this, it will be better if you give dependent person first charmed and only then, to consolidate the result, the holy liquid.
Is it possible to drink holy water before communion?
Sacrament of Communion Communion is a great sacrament, which is carried out according to certain church rules. And if this is not the first time you have done this, then you probably know that drinking and eating before this ritual is strictly prohibited. Exceptions are made only for children and sick people. All others must refrain from drinking water until the end of the service.
If you understand that you cannot do without drinking, then be sure to talk about it with your priest and ask him for a blessing. If he understands that this moment If you simply need life-giving moisture, then it is likely that he will allow you to take a couple of sips of water even before communion.
Is it possible to baptize with holy water?
Baptism is carried out exclusively with holy water. In order for her to become such, the priest first performs a church ceremony over her and only after that the baby is dipped into it. It is believed that if ordinary water is filled into the font, it will not be able to bring the little person closer to God and, most importantly, will not be able to give him proper protection.
Is it possible to consecrate a cross with holy water?
Consecration of the pectoral cross Of course, it would be better for the cross to be baptized by a priest in the temple. But if for some reason you cannot get into it, and you need God’s protection immediately, then you can consecrate it yourself. To perform this ritual you will only need holy water and Orthodox prayer.
So, stand in front of the images, pray to God, and then sprinkle the cross with holy water in a cross pattern. After this, pray again in front of the icons, bow low to them and you can put on protection.
Is it possible to take tablets with holy water?
People who believe in the power of this life-giving liquid claim that it enhances the effect very well medicines. For this reason it is enough a large number of people try to speed up their recovery in this way and begin to wash down the tablets with holy water.
What do priests think about this? They do not prohibit it, but they also do not advise doing so. Of course, this is not considered a great sin, but still, each person must decide for himself whether it is possible to combine a shrine and the creation of human hands.
Is it possible to dilute holy water with plain water?
Holy water can only be diluted with well or spring water. You can dilute holy water with regular water, the main thing is to do it correctly. If you notice that you have very little life-giving liquid left, then take water from a natural source, read a prayer (it could even be the Lord’s Prayer), and then combine both liquids together. It is believed that when mixed, ordinary water absorbs the properties of the holy water and also becomes healing.
Can holy water be added to tea or food?
As mentioned a little above, holy water is a church shrine, so it should only be used to get rid of physical or spiritual problems. In view of this, there is no need to make it just another component of some dish. Some priests, in general, consider this not only disrespect for Christian traditions, but a great sin requiring repentance.
Is it possible to boil holy water and cook food with it?
Holy water is not suitable for cooking There is no need to boil holy water, as during consecration it loses all negative energy and completely changes its structure. This allows her to keep her useful qualities and not deteriorate over the years. Therefore, no matter how long it sits with you, there is no need to boil it. This healing liquid cannot be used for cooking either.
Ordinary water is suitable for these purposes, but not as a sacred thing. Since it is needed exclusively for protection and health, it can only be used for these purposes.
Is it possible to wash your face with holy water and add it to the bath?
Use holy water for daily hygiene procedures it is forbidden. Usually, after washing or taking a bath, we pour the water down the drain, but this should not be done with church liquid. Such treatment of a shrine is considered quite a big sin, so it will be better if you still use ordinary water for ablution. The only thing you can afford in this case is to slightly moisten your hands with the healing liquid and thus wash your face.
Holy water against the evil eye and damage: application
Prayer from the evil eye and damage If you have a suspicion that someone has jinxed you, then pour a small amount of holy water into a glass, read a prayer over it and then wash yourself with it and drink the rest. This procedure must be repeated three times.
And in order to prevent damage to you again, clean the house church candles, and then sprinkle all the walls, windows and doors with life-giving liquid. Be sure to accompany all your actions with church prayers.
How to properly wash a child with holy water against the evil eye?
Pour a little water into a small bowl, cross yourself and the baby, and then begin to rub the baby’s face in a cross pattern with the church shrine. Do everything carefully so as not to scare the baby.
Repeat this manipulation two more times, not forgetting to pray to God all the time. Try to get the baby to fall asleep after the ceremony. Yes, and under no circumstances wipe the water with a towel. Carry the baby in your arms and wait until it dries on its own.
Can I drink holy water during my period?
Drinking water during menstruation As practice shows, priests do not have a clear answer to this question. Some believe that drinking holy water during menstruation is strictly prohibited for a woman, while others are quite loyal to this. Those who are opponents refer to a chapter in the Bible, which states that during menstruation a woman cannot enter the church, pray or touch icons as during this period she is considered unclean.
Opponents of this opinion point out that this ban arose due to the fact that in ancient times women did not use sanitary pads, so they very often got dirty. menstrual blood benches and floors in the temple. For this reason, they believe that a woman can quite easily drink holy water during her period and are not afraid that by her actions she will desecrate a church shrine.
Where should I put the old holy water from last year, where can I pour it?
If it happens that you did not use the water that you collected at the previous Epiphany, then under no circumstances pour it out onto the street. If you do this, you will be committing a pretty serious sin. Since water is a sacred thing, it is unacceptable for people or animals to trample on it.
In view of this, it will be better if you use it for watering indoor plants or pour it into a body of running water. This way she will have the opportunity to cleanse herself and start helping people again.
Is it possible to pour holy water into a sink?
It is forbidden to pour sacred things into the sink Pouring life-giving liquid into the sink is strictly prohibited. By such actions you will desecrate the shrine and earn yourself a terrible sin. The priests say that it can only be poured into clean places, such as rivers or lakes. If you don’t have the opportunity to get to them, then pour it somewhere where no person can step. Water the lilac bush or any garden tree.
Why did sediment appear in holy water?
If you notice a colorless sediment in the water, then it is likely that you simply stored it incorrectly or collected it in an unsterile container. But such water can be drunk and used for healing and protection. If the sediment really worries you, then just try to use the liquid as quickly as possible, sprinkle it around the house or just drink it.
Why has holy water spoiled, gone rotten, turned green?
Green Shrine But if the liquid collected for Epiphany turns green or rotten, then this is a reason to be wary. As a rule, this happens for several reasons. Regular scandals in the house or damage caused by an evil person can have such an effect on the shrine.
All these reasons destroy the life-giving properties of water, turning it into an ordinary liquid. Therefore, if this happens in your home, then immediately invite a priest and ask him to consecrate your home.
Is it possible to place holy water on the floor and why not?
Unfortunately, for God we are all sinners, therefore putting water on the floor defiled by human feet is strictly prohibited. If for some reason you do not have enough time to rearrange it with the icons, then it is better to find a place for it in the kitchen cabinet or, at worst, on the table.
But remember that she cannot stand in such places for a long time, so as soon as you are free, immediately move her to the so-called corner of faith.
Is it possible to give away holy water from home, give it to other people, or share holy water with friends?
Holy water should only be given to those closest to you. In principle, there is nothing wrong with pouring holy water for your mother, sister or best friend. But whether it is possible to give it to strangers is a completely different question. Of course, if you are absolutely sure that they need it for a good cause, then you can give.
If you suspect that it is being used, for example, for a love spell, then do not give it under any circumstances. For God, you will be an accomplice to a bad deed, which means you will earn yourself sin.
Is it possible for animals to give holy water to a dog or cat?
If you are familiar with the Holy Scriptures, then you probably know all the covenants of the Almighty. And he said that under no circumstances should animals be allowed to touch sacred objects. Therefore, if you are a true Christian and sacredly honor all the commandments of God, then under no circumstances allow your cat or dog to drink holy water.
Is it possible to wash floors with holy water and water flowers?
You can't wash the floor with holy water You cannot wash the floors with holy water because after cleaning you will walk on them and thereby desecrate the church shrine. You can only sprinkle it on the floor covering, and then only if the atmosphere in the house is not entirely normal.
But you can quite easily water the flowers with this life-giving liquid. Moreover, this is how you can use last year’s water that you didn’t have time to drink.
Video: HOLY WATER (film “The Great Mystery of Water”)
On the night of January 18-19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Epiphany, a holiday also called Epiphany. Traditionally, the holiday of Epiphany is associated with water and swimming in an ice hole - it is believed that on this day any believer can “wash away” their sins.
When to collect water for baptism
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.
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. 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.
When to collect water for baptism 2019
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 container and collect Epiphany water for home storage.
When to draw water for baptism 18 or 19
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.
Baptismal water is holy even in the tap
In fact, these are two facets of the same opinion. Indeed, there is a belief that on this day God's grace appears in the world and sanctifies the entire water element. However, there is also a special consecration of water - ice is cut out on rivers or lakes, and a great consecration of water is performed, accompanied by prayer. It is impossible to separate one from the other: after all, if the center of Baptism is considered to be simply immersion in cold water, then it is not so important to a person whether a prayer was said. Although in fact the center should be prayer - and whether a person plunged into the water or not is secondary.
Does all water become holy at Epiphany?
Error: There is a popular belief that Epiphany night all water is sanctified. And even holy water flows from the tap. Therefore, you don’t have to go to the temple to get it, but you can get it at home.
Correct: Only that water is considered Epiphany over which the priest performed a special church rite - the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water. It takes place on the eve of Epiphany (Christmas Eve, January 18) and on the holiday itself (January 19). Unfortunately, many go to church specifically for water, without participating in the service of the feast of the Epiphany.
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Since Old Testament times, water baptism has been a symbol of not only physical, but also moral purification. The baptism of Christ in the Jordan River became the first appearance of the Trinity to the world - the Epiphany. During baptism, a person becomes the son of the Lord, puts off the old man and puts on the new one, redeemed by Christ, becomes a part of the one Body of Christ, a member of the Mother Church.
Epiphany of the Lord in 2018 is celebrated on January 19. On the morning of this date, everyone goes to church and collects blessed water. Some people note that the first person should bring water from the church, although in reality this is nothing more than a stupid sign. It’s very unpleasant to see when people want to get water as quickly as possible and push right into the church. There will be enough blessed water in the church for everyone.
You can also collect blessed water on January 18, this day is called Epiphany Eve. On this day there is also a service in the church.
Many people ask the question: on Epiphany in 2018, when is it better to collect water, on the 18th or 19th? The priests say that it makes no difference, this water is sanctified in the same way.
This water is used to consecrate their houses, and the remains are stored in the house for a whole year in a dark place.
If you do not have the opportunity to go to church, then you can get water from the tap. In this case, you need to know when to get water from the tap for Epiphany in 2018. This needs to be done at night between 00.10 and 01.30. In principle, many are sure that it is possible later, but this time is still considered the best.
Most often, the liturgy in churches is held on January 19, after which the ritual of bathing is performed. However, in certain churches there are night services, the ice holes are consecrated, and on the night of January 18-19 people swim in these ice holes.
The church itself notes that bathing is not a canonical position, but has already become a tradition. Accordingly, for Epiphany 2018, it is not so important when swimming will take place, from the 18th to the 19th or in the morning of the 19th.
Many also ask where to swim on Epiphany in 2018. Each city has its own places where such rituals are held. Find out in advance where your swimming will take place, you can also ask about it at the church.
The Savior sanctified water baptism by receiving it in the waters of the Jordan. It is water that reveals the meaning of Baptism in Orthodoxy, being a very ancient religious symbol. The basis of life on earth and the destructive force, the basis of death - in Christian theology, water has a dual image. And, of course, water is a symbol of purification, rebirth and renewal.
The word “baptism” itself means washing through immersion, pouring. The first Christians performed baptism in open reservoirs. In later times, Baptism was carried out in baptismal fonts and baptismal fonts. Orthodox baptism, carried out in the font, is a necessary condition for the liberation of a person from demonic forces and submission to fallen sinfulness.
In the process of sanctification, water returns to its primary purpose: to be the source of Eternal Life, the medium of God’s presence, the all-destroyer of demons. In Baptism, the redeemed soul receives the revelation of the Triune God and is united with Him.
Christmastide continues until candles, as was celebrated in the old days, because after the Great Blessing of water on the eve of Epiphany, candles intertwined with colored threads or ribbons were placed next to the vessel with blessed water. This custom alone testifies to the importance and solemnity of the blessing of water. This entire day, in fact, is spent in very strict fasting (even children try not to eat until the “first star”), and during Vespers, churches do not always accommodate all the worshipers.
The Great Agiasma (Epiphany holy water) has a special grace; it is collected and brought to every home. First, the whole family takes a few sips with reverence, and then - according to custom - you need to take the sacred willow from behind the icon and sprinkle the entire home with holy water in order to protect yourself from troubles and misfortunes. In certain villages, in addition, holy water was poured into wells so that evil spirits they did not penetrate there and did not spoil the water.
Upon completion of all these and other rituals, holy water was most often placed near the images. In order for Epiphany water to last for the whole year, it did not have to be a lot: with one drop it sanctifies any other.
Approximately the same power is attributed not only to water blessed in the church, but also to simple water from rivers, in which, according to popular belief, on the night of January 19, Jesus Christ himself performs ablution. The water taken from the ice hole on the eve of Epiphany is considered healing and helping those who are sick.
On the day of Epiphany, as soon as the first bell rang, some pious parishioners lit sheaves of straw in front of their houses (so that Jesus Christ, after baptism in the river, could warm himself near this fire). Others, having asked for the priest’s blessing, were on the river, setting up a “Jordan” - a cross-shaped wormwood, near which both old and young came to worship.
When the holy cross was immersed in water, everyone was united by prayer, as well as the desire to drink the Epiphany water and wash themselves with it. There have always been brave souls who, despite the Epiphany frosts, bathe in icy water. For many centuries there is no information that anyone got sick or drowned.
With the celebration of the Epiphany and Epiphany, combining two great events in one holiday, the holy days and evenings come to an end.
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 also 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 pond 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 from all operating Orthodox churches in 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 natural process in a woman’s body, and there is no fault of hers in it, and therefore there is all the 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 thing 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. She has amazing property don't spoil. Thus, believers usually keep Epiphany holy water for a whole year, until 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 church canons Animals are still not allowed to enter the temple, 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. Butand in no case 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 magic ritual. Holy water is a gift that strengthens us on our path to the Lord, but beneficial properties it manifests itself 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, with severe life circumstances), only because I 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, not 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 a long time. 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 must be an appropriate attitude towards the shrine, and drinking it “from the throat” will not be very pious. But in life there are different situations, and if a person, with the feeling that he was touching a shrine, nevertheless drank holy water from a bottle, then this will not in any way 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.
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 the grace of God to people. But the essence of all Orthodox rituals is not to get water, but to get closer to God and believe 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 commit another important ritual this holiday - they swim in the 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.When consecrating your home with consecrated water, according to tradition, you need to draw crosses in the air when the sprinkling process takes place. It's pretty old tradition, which 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