When is the water consecrated for the Epiphany?

In Christian culture, holy baptismal water is very important. It is attributed to various properties. The consecration of water to baptism has long acquired a sacred meaning. Many wonder how it is possible to give water very different properties, but almost no one thinks that it is very volatile, absorbs any vibrations from the outside (both positive and negative).

When the water is consecrated for Baptism, the water structure changes. She acquires higher vibrations, which leads to the fact that she can heal both spiritual and physical infirmities, and also help in other difficult life situations.

The peculiarity of this action and holiday

Baptism came to us from the time of Jesus Christ. This event is described in the texts of Holy Scripture, in the four Gospels. So, let us consider in more detail how it happened, where the Baptism of the Lord happened, which river water washed the body of the Savior during the ritual.

The first incarnation took place in the Jordan River, when Jesus Christ asked the prophet John to perform this action. It was a symbol of purification from sins, sincere repentance and faith in salvation. Christ was baptized for the sake of humanity and his future salvation. He was aware of the importance of this event for the people, which he told John the Baptist.

After Christ came out of the water and prayed, there was a voice of the Lord who spoke of the fact that He is his son, the beloved. Also there was a descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. After his baptism, Christ held public service.

The Becoming of the Feast of Epiphany

It is not known exactly when the consecration of water for Epiphany became a traditional ritual, and when the approval of this feast occurred. However, already in the third century in the "Stromatah" of Clement of Alexandria, the first mention of him occurs. Until the fourth century, the day of celebration was the sixth of January (the Julian calendar). It was built on the memory of both Christmas and the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ.

After the fourth century, these two holidays were divided into two different days - Baptism was left on the sixth of January, and Christmas began to celebrate the twenty-fifth of December.

Initially, the baptism of Christians occurred once a year, on a holiday. But by the time when Russia adopted Christianity, such a practice almost did not exist.

So, to date, when the water is consecrated for Baptism, it is a tribute to that ancient event that happened in the time of Jesus Christ. At a time when, through his intercession and sacrifice, he took upon himself the sins of mankind and showed the way to salvation for all.

How is this rank accomplished?

The consecration of water for baptism in its final version was installed in Russia in 1681. For people it was a great holiday, which everyone celebrated with great rejoicing and obligatory bathing in the ice-hole.

To date, this is no less solemn holiday, which is also called the Great Water Consecration. Now consider in more detail how this rank takes place, and when the water is consecrated. On the Epiphany Eve, before the day of the Epiphany, the first consecration of this blessed liquid takes place. This action is dedicated to remembering how the Lord Himself was baptized in the Jordan River, and also how the baptized catechumens were baptized.

On the day of the Epiphany, there is a memory of the event itself. But since Jesus received his baptism outside the temple, the custom also appeared on that day to go out to the rivers and lakes and make a water consecration. This event is also called "Walking to the Jordan".

The very same consecration of water at Epiphany has the following actions. At the end of the Liturgy, a prayer of prayer or supplicatory litany is performed. Then the rector, in full vestment, must go out through the royal gates to the font or to the source. Ahead of the procession, the priests carry candles, followed by people who sing the troparia "The Voice of the Lord." Then follows the deacons and priests, and the rector closes the procession, which is preceded by the Cross.

On the place where the watering process is supposed to begin, there should be a table with a bowl of water and three candles. Then the abbot croakes water, and if the ritual takes place in the temple, then the altar, and those present during the rite.

When water is consecrated for Baptism, many passages from the Gospel are read, as well as excerpts from the book of the prophet Isaiah, from the Apostolic reading. Many prayers are said in which they ask for grace to be sent to the water so that as a result it can heal both spiritual and bodily infirmities. At the end of the ceremony, the abbot should bless the water with fingers and a cross, and after three times immerse the water in the liquid. At the same time he sings a troparion "In the Jordan you are baptized, O Lord." The ceremony ends with a cross-like sprinkling in all directions, as well as singing stichera.

When this action occurs

In our time, after the long decline of the Orthodox faith, many prejudices have arisen about the "quality" of the water. The liquid that was consecrated in the evening, and the one that was consecrated in the morning, is the same in its properties. So, if you answer the question: "When the water is sanctified for baptism on the 18th or 19th?", Then it is correct to note that there is no difference in this, because the rank is the same. The beneficent power that descends upon this liquid is the same as in the Evening, and after the morning Liturgy.

Bathing in the ice hole at Epiphany

Another rite for Baptism is immersion in the water in an ice hole. For its fulfillment in the place where there will be a bath, in advance cut down a hole in the form of a cross. Above the water, the priest reads the order (prayer), and then consecrates the water. Traditionally dipped in the hole in the evening of the eighteenth, however, you can do it on the nineteenth. By the way, only in the area where there is a river nearby or another pond, the consecration of running water in Nadvecherie is taking place. Most often it occurs in the morning, the day of the Epiphany, after the Liturgy.

Although the water on the day of baptism and has special properties, but still during swimming, you should follow safety rules, especially if you first dip into the water. You should not swim if you have any chronic or acute illnesses (especially inflammatory ones). If you attach a child to this ritual, you should do it very carefully, after he gets out of the hole, his body should be well rubbed with a towel, put on dry clothes and give a drink of hot tea.

It should also be noted that dipping into the hole at Baptism though has healing power, but this alone can not get rid of all sins. This ritual does not eliminate the need for penitential prayer, Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of Confession.

What is the peculiarity of water as a liquid?

Now let's talk about what is so special about this liquid, which on earth is almost eighty percent of the entire earth's surface. As mentioned above, holy water in baptism has special properties. This is why she has been assigned a special role from ancient times. In the cinema this topic was well covered in the video "The Great Mystery of Water". In it, the statements of various academicians and professors about the properties of this life-giving fluid were removed, about how its structure can change under the influence of different words, musical compositions and even people's thoughts.

It also tells how the holy water is transformed into baptism. Against the background of the received knowledge, this does not seem so implausible, besides many experiments can be repeated at home.

What happens to the water Epiphany evening

So, let's see how the water changes after Baptism. Some scientists conducted an analysis of this water and concluded that after the ritual, the output is purified water, as if from silver. And this becomes not only the liquid over which the ritual was performed in the temple (you will agree, after all, it receives more silver from the cross), but also in the large reservoirs where the ritual is performed. Clergymen are convinced that this is the effect of prayer, as well as the descent of the Lord's grace.

Water on the baptismal properties is special. For example, from purely physical - it's absolute safety throughout the year (color and smell do not change). Agree, in the current state of water - this is an indicator. In addition, vodichka possesses healing properties, which makes it possible to use it in non-standard situations.

How to use holy water. Its properties

After you went to church and brought home the holy water, it is desirable to keep it near the icons, as a shrine. It is believed that it should be in the house of every Christian. Since the water has a special property for baptism, it is used in those cases where ordinary actions do not help.

By the way, prayer in consecration even mentions some of them. This is the deliverance from sins, and healing from infirmities, and purification from various demons. Very many elders and saints spoke on this matter, and there was no greater healing power for them than drinking holy water.

It can be taken regularly on an empty stomach, in small portions. Before that, you should pray. If there is a special need, then you can drink water at another time (also without forgetting about prayer). If a person has on the body sore spots, then it can be anointed. If necessary, allowed and sprinkled the house. For all actions, you need to read special prayers.

Holy water in baptism, with its regular consumption with due respect and prayer, is able to consecrate the soul and body. Man in this case becomes more prone to all virtue, fasting and prayer. The unclean spirit can not approach him, and also influence him. Using it constantly ceases raging passions, a person becomes calm and balanced. There is a purification from evil and filth.

With the help of holy water, you can consecrate any thing in everyday life, as well as directly the dwelling itself. Some of the elders advised us to sprinkle the food we eat with the baptismal water.

Our ancestors had a special attitude towards it. Grandmothers always advised to wash small children with water, after visiting bad or strange people. She also helped with the evil eye, or if the baby is often crying for no reason (wash with water and read the maternal prayer). It was useful for everything.

By the way, holy water can (sometimes, but sometimes) become worthless. It should be noted that this is an indicator of the ungodly life of people living in the house or some other misfortune. If this has happened, then pour this water into a place where no one walks (for example, under a tree, or even better - in running water, a river). The capacity in which it was contained can no longer be used.

The rules that should be observed during the consecration of water and bathing parishioners

On this day for the parishioners there are also rules. On the Epiphany Eve, you should refrain from eating until the candles are lit after the Liturgy, and also until holy water is consumed. In Baptism (yes, as well as in another similar feast), one should be benevolent towards other parishioners, do not crowd and create a crush, because a lot of people come to the temple.

Sometimes it is sad to look at how some parishioners rush to get first under the sprinkling of holy water, pushing everyone in their way and swearing at the same time. Be attentive to each other.

Before the priest comes out to sanctify the water, you must open all the containers that they brought with them (they should be with a wide neck).

While swimming in the ice hole, especially if this place is with a large crowd of people, you should also be polite and friendly. It is not necessary to bring and drink alcoholic beverages, as this can badly end. Take care when dipping, do not push other people, take your time. Do not forget to say a prayer before you go into the water.

Conclusion

Thus, we see when the water is consecrated for Baptism, there is a great effect. We get a wonderful liquid with special properties that can be used in different situations. By the way, this water is still called "agiasm", which means "shrine". Some compare this miracle with that which happened at the will of the Lord in Cana of Galilee, when he turned water into wine.

Remember, when water is consecrated on Christmas Eve, and also the next day of the Epiphany, it has the same properties. In these two days, the same rank is performed over it, and the same grace condescends. Use this water with prayer, keep it with reverence, as a shrine, and then in all you will be from her help. Do not forget about the obligatory visit to the temple during the Feast of Baptism, as well as stay in the service.