In nature there is a well-known and surprising substance - water. It is she who can carry both destruction and healing. There are many legends and tales about this, according to which the extraordinary power of this life-giving moisture works wonders. Is it really?
The miraculous properties of holy water
Its cleansing and medicinal properties water is acquired exclusively at certain times of the year. This phenomenon still remains a mystery to all scientists, since none of them can provide an intelligible and intelligible explanation for this fact. However, this is true. People who swam in an ice hole on the Epiphany holiday, as a rule, do not catch a cold. And if you immerse yourself in water on a day popularly called “ Maundy Thursday", you can be cured of various diseases.
Our mothers and grandmothers know how to use it well. They are convinced that, for example, on days such as Epiphany and Maundy Thursday, even ordinary water drawn from the tap will not spoil for many years. In addition, you can plain water add a few drops of prepared holy water, thanks to which it itself will become consecrated.
The Secret of Holy Water
What to do with holy water - everyone needs to decide individually. Some people simply store it in the closet, others regularly spray their homes with it, and others drink it every day. At the same time, people do not realize the main secret of holy water. It lies in the fact that such a liquid has a harmonious structure, compared to the chaos in plain water.
By conducting experiments characterized by observing changes in such a liquid, scientists found that the structure of Epiphany water is much more harmonious than on other days. This liquid has very strong energy and is characterized by the presence of many unique properties.
Epiphany healing
According to numerous experiments, it is clear what an amazing effect water that was collected on January nineteenth from a church spring can have on human body. After taking it, all people who participated in this experiment and were directly exposed to such a liquid showed a significant increase in the level of biological and energetic activity. And the water, which was collected from the same source, but at the beginning of the month, had absolutely no effect on the human body.
Based on the results of the experiment, scientists came to the conclusion that the saint has a fairly good effect on overall health, can help improve the level of energy circulation, and also enhance human energy functions. Therefore, a completely understandable question arises: “How to use holy water?”
Miracle of Healing
Unfortunately, today many people do not know what to do with holy water and how to use it correctly. But such a liquid is an extremely unusual phenomenon of an unexplored nature. Indeed, thanks to holy water you can be cured of various diseases and ailments.
Its miracle is that it can transmit harmony to all people. Entering the human body, holy water rebuilds its unhealthy organs in its new way, thereby provoking their subsequent healing.
In addition, there is another important factor in the history of science, which proves that after crossing ordinary water, you can remove millions of microbes in it, and also change its optical characteristics and properties. The same applies to food. clean the food immediately.
The Powerful Impact of Prayer
Nowadays, many people have an idea of how to use holy water. But not everyone knows how to make it from ordinary liquid. In one of the experiments conducted by scientists, it was established exactly how the well-known and signs of the cross affect negative bacteria in water. During this experiment, samples from different reservoirs were used. At the same time, both church people and non-believers read prayers for water. Ultimately, this experiment revealed that the number of bacteria decreased significantly in all cases.
In addition, prayers and signs of the cross also have a rather beneficial effect on the human body. As a result of experiments, it was proven that such methods can normalize blood pressure and improve blood levels. Amazing fact is that the pressure during the research changed according to the requirements of treatment, for example, in hypertensive patients it decreased, and in hypotensive patients it increased.
Science's opinion
Do you know how to bless an apartment with holy water? Delving into such a pressing issue, many people do not even think about how this simple liquid acquired its miraculous powers. IN modern world many scientists consider it reliable
the theory that water is charged exclusively from space. This can be explained by the fact that on January 19th the planet Earth is subjected to special irradiation, due to which the bioenergy of all water then increases. Therefore, all living organisms on Earth receive additional energy boosts just before spring.
If you follow another theory, then before the holiday of Epiphany, for many years, strong accumulations of neuron flows are observed, exceeding the background levels by hundreds of times.
Astrologers about holy water
Astrologers believe that on the eighteenth and nineteenth of January our planet is looking for a connection with the middle of the entire galaxy, due to which a general interaction occurs. At the same time, the Earth is under the influence of energy channels that structure everything, including liquid. The result is holy water. Everyone knows where to get it these days, since any body of water during such a period has healing properties.
The miraculous characteristics of holy water are indeed not a fairy tale. However, one should not rely on complete physical and spiritual recovery with their help. The clergy claim that even if you lie in holy water for days on end, it will not bring you holiness. A righteous lifestyle and prayers can fully help cleanse the soul. Moreover, holy water is a blessing on this road.
This liquid is very useful for people who suffer from any disease. Therefore, many are interested in the pressing question: “How to drink holy water?” To do this, you can take from sixty to one hundred milliliters of it on an empty stomach daily. It is better to store it in a glass container and in a place where daylight does not reach. To enhance the effect, you need to read a prayer.
You should also not use holy water in everyday life when doing any household chores. This could be washing dishes, making tea, preparing food or taking a bath. In addition, water for blessing does not always come only from the church, and ordinary tap water can be blessed. To do this, you just need to dilute it with holy water, and an ordinary liquid will acquire its properties.
Based on the above, it becomes extremely clear how to use holy water at home. By following such simple instructions and preaching a righteous lifestyle, you can actually get rid of some problems thanks to holy water.
Ruban Yu. I.Holy water– 1) water of ordinary composition and original origin (well, spring, lake, river, tap), miraculously acquired, as a result of a prayer service called , the properties of sanctifying and healing (according to the faith of the people who piously use it); 2) (sometimes, in some understanding) water from a holy source.
All our lives there is a great shrine next to us - holy water (in Greek, ἁγίασμα - shrine).
We first plunge into it when, upon accepting this, we are immersed three times in a font filled with holy water. Holy water in the Sacrament of Baptism washes away the sinful impurities of a person, renews and revives him in new life in .
Holy water is necessarily present during the consecration of temples and all objects used in the church, during the consecration of residential buildings, buildings, and any household item. We are sprinkled with holy water at religious processions and prayer services.
« Blessed water, – wrote Saint Demetrius of Kherson, – has the power to sanctify the souls and bodies of all who use it" She, accepted with faith and prayer, heals our bodily illnesses. After the confession of the pilgrims, the monk always gave them to drink from the cup of holy Epiphany water.
Is it possible to sprinkle holy water on unclean places?
There is the power of the cross as something protecting, like an exorcism. We can sanctify something in the sense of “filling with grace,” but we sprinkle something (say, a toilet) with baptismal holy water so that no evil is hidden there, and not for the consumption of holy things there.
Is it possible to drink holy water on an empty stomach?
According to tradition, holy water is taken on an empty stomach in the morning, which is understandable: first of all, a person eats the holy thing, and then proceeds to ordinary food. As for the remaining days, in the Typikon (Typikon, chapter 48 - month book, January 6, 1st “zri”). It is said that it is unwise to abstain from holy water because of eating food:
« Let it be known to everyone about holy water: those who separate themselves from holy water for the reason that they have already tasted food are doing bad things, for grace given by God for sanctification of the world and all creation. We also sprinkle it everywhere, in all unclean places, and even under our feet. And where is the intelligence of those who do not drink it because they eat food?».
What are the benefits of holy water? This is the most common and universal method to fight negativity and heal from mental and physical wounds. Believers drink water every day; it helps them think only about good things, displaces unfavorable thoughts, and protects them from fears and other worries. Of course, it is best to go to church and bless the water there, but what if you want to do this process yourself? The only thing that should always be there during sanctification is unshakable faith in God. This article will be about how to properly bless water at home, and what power it has.
How to bless water yourself at home?
The first thing you need is a large jar, preferably a three-liter one. You need to fill it with plain water and let the liquid sit in it for a while. Now, you should read special prayers over the filled jar, holding your hands in the water, and cross it three times.
“Great God, work miracles, they are countless! Come to Your praying servant, Master: eat Your Holy Spirit and sanctify this water, and give it the grace of deliverance and the blessing of the Jordan: create a source of incorruptibility, a gift of sanctification, resolution of sin, healing of ailments, destruction by demons, unapproachable to opposing forces, filled with angelic strength : as if everyone who draws from it and receives from it has it for the cleansing of the soul and body, for healing harm, for the change of passions, for the remission of sins, for the driving away of all evil, for the sprinkling and consecration of houses and for all similar benefits. And if there is anything in the house, or in the place of those living faithfully, this water will sprinkle this water, so that all uncleanness will be washed away, and it will deliver from all harm; below there, let a destructive spirit settle down; below, let the harmful air flee; There is a hedgehog, either it envies the health of the living, or peace, by sprinkling this water, let it be reflected. May the most honorable and magnificent be blessed and glorified your name, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."
Those who are wondering whether it is possible to bless water at home now know the answer and should not be afraid to carry out such a ritual. It is not at all necessary to go to church for Father to do this. If you believe in God, often attend church and read prayers, then you will not have any problems with how to bless the water yourself.
What is the power of holy water?
There is much evidence that God exists. Icons that stream myrrh, crosses that appear in the sky, miraculous healings, holy fire, which you can touch. But another fact is holy water. This is not just a liquid in a vessel, it is water that can be stored for years without getting dirty.
Believers say correctly that this is something inexplicable, because it has properties that are beyond the control of the mind. It can be used to consecrate houses, drive out evil spirits, and perform baptismal rituals. Holy water is a universal remedy that can do everything. Those who perform the consecration ritual on their own for the first time should drink holy water and give it to everyone who lives in the apartment to drink. It will be good if the apartment is blessed with water from the same jar. But for this you need to prepare the apartment:
- Be sure to do a thorough cleaning of your house.
- Wash each corner several times.
- And only then take a rag, moisten it with holy water and wipe the corners with it.
But this is not all the miracles that holy water can perform. It is worth drinking consecrated water as often as possible if you think that damage, the evil eye or a conspiracy are near you. The power is that the sacred liquid can cure, just drink it. It can be the best “pill” if something really hurts.
What is the difference between Epiphany water and holy water?
Epiphany water is blessed on a special day, namely Christmas Eve, January 19. Also, this day is called the Feast of the Great Blessing of Water. People line up for this water, because it is considered the most powerful and healing. But an interesting fact is that even the doctors themselves do not deny the magical properties of Epiphany water - and this is surprising. It turns out that the source, consecrated on January 19 right on Christmas Eve, is literally considered a miracle of the Lord God. You need to wash your face with this water and drink it on an empty stomach. There have been cases when, inexplicably, just a couple of drops brought people out of a deep coma.
How to properly consecrate Epiphany water? Most The best way do this - come with the whole family to Epiphany bathing to the ice hole and, after the words of Father, who dipped a large cross into the water, collect several bottles with it. After this, the house should be blessed with the freshest and purest source.
Holy water is a slightly different concept. If you can baptize it yourself, while at home and read a prayer, then you cannot consecrate baptismal water at home. The period of action plays a role here. You can choose any day for holy water, but only January 19 for Epiphany water. Another difference is that different prayers are recited during the consecration. So, Epiphany water is much stronger and more powerful than holy water. This is their difference.
The best place to store jars of water is a corner with icons. This area is considered the cleanest. Also, you should always cover filled jars with lids. If blessed water ends, you can simply add ordinary water to it, which also becomes holy.
Real examples of healing
Believers already know that there are many phenomena that are simply impossible to call “coincidence.” Many are amazed at how a seemingly ordinary liquid can treat any disease, remove damage and much more. After these examples that occurred in real life, I want to believe in the Lord God even more.
Example 1
In 1872 a miracle happened. A girl named Maria fell ill with an incomprehensible disease that no one knew about. Her vocal cords failed and she could not speak. And after a while, the girl began to behave like a raging person: she destroyed everything that came to her hand, danced and fought in fits. During her illness, Maria lost a lot of weight and literally looked like a living skeleton. Doctors were poring over her, trying to do everything possible to somehow help the poor girl. Everything was unsuccessful.
Realizing that she needed to somehow fight the demons in Mary’s head, her family took her to the holy spring of Fr. Seraphim. Before bathing, the girl raged and raged with such force that many strong men could not restrain her, but as soon as Maria was dipped into the spring, she calmed down.
According to Father, who observed the whole situation from beginning to end, this miraculous property of the holy spring had such an effect on her. After all, after some time the girl began to talk, although before that she had been silent for more than six months.
Example 2
There lived one good surgeon in the USSR - Valentin Feliksovich Voino-Yasenetsky. Believers at that time already knew that he was not only a doctor with golden hands, but also an archbishop. During any operation that took place on his table, Valentin Feliksovich always lit a church candle, placed an icon and took iodine in his hands to draw a small cross on the patient’s body.
Usually, all cuts on the body were wiped with hydrogen peroxide so that the blood would coagulate and no longer flow, but the surgeon did this with holy water. Not a single patient whom the archbishop operated on had infections or complications, even though the wounds were not treated medically.
Example 3
This incident occurred in an ordinary modern family quite recently. The couple only had one child; the wife really wanted a second child. The husband was against it and every time the conversation started about the second child, he stopped it. The wife had no choice but to approach the icons and pray. There was no point in leaving the family, because everything is very good, there is love, feelings, harmony. There’s just one thing – my husband doesn’t want another baby. The mother-in-law suggested that the girl drink holy water, which could very well help in this situation. It’s incredible, but after a while the husband changed his mind and said that he really wanted a child.
Proper handling of holy water
Just because water has healing and miraculous properties, this does not mean that you can treat it as you please. Even in Everyday life There is special rules handling of holy water, which must be strictly observed.
- It is important to always drink holy water on an empty stomach in the morning and a few minutes before bedtime. Even one small glass is enough to start and end each day with good thoughts.
- Holy water should be drunk in unlimited quantities if a person feels melancholy, sadness, despondency and other unpleasant emotions.
- As soon as the glass is empty, it is important to pray to God. This prayer will take no more than a minute, which can easily be given to the Almighty.
- Any wound or place on the body that is very painful is treated with holy water. All you have to do is dampen a rag with it and apply it.
- It is important to store water in a place where it will thrive. A corner with icons is the most suitable thing that could be. This is the most sanctified place in the apartment, therefore, as soon as the holy water is brought into the house, it is important to place it next to the images of the Saints.
If a person wants to feel God in his life, his support and strength, it is important to believe in him. Holy water will be useless if you drink it without believing in the Lord. Everyone who touches the consecrated liquid should attend church at least once a week on weekends. Only in this case can the healing power of holy water be truly felt.
How to sprinkle your home with holy water
Holy water is water that is ordinary in composition and original origin (well, spring, lake, river, tap), miraculously acquiring sanctifying (graceful) and healing properties after performing a special prayer service called water blessing.
All our lives there is a great shrine next to us - holy water (in Greek “agiasma” - “shrine”). We first plunge into it at Baptism, when, upon receiving this Sacrament, we are immersed three times in a font filled with holy water. Holy water in the SacramentBaptism washes away the sinful impurities of a person, renews and revives him into a new life in Christ.
Holy water is necessarily present during the consecration of churches and all objects used in worship, during the consecration of residential buildings, buildings, and any household item. We are sprinkled with holy water at religious processions and prayer services.
Blessing of water or blessing of water, there is a small one performed at any time at the water-blessing prayer service, and a great one. The Great Blessing of Water takes place twice a year - on the very day of Epiphany, and also on the eve, on the eve of Epiphany (Epiphany Eve). On Christmas Eve and on the very day of the feast of Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord), the same rite is performed during the blessing of water.
Epiphany water is a shrine that should be in the home of every Orthodox Christian. It is customary to drink Holy Epiphany water on an empty stomach along with prosphora after the morning meal. prayer rule with special reverence as a shrine.
“Consecrated water,” as St. Demetrius of Kherson wrote, “has the power to sanctify the souls and bodies of all who use it.” She, accepted with faith and prayer, heals our bodily illnesses. Venerable Seraphim After confession of pilgrims, Sarovsky always gave them a cup of holy Epiphany water to drink from.
St. Seraphim Vyritsky always advised sprinkling foods and the food itself with Jordanian (baptismal) water, which, in his words, “itself sanctifies everything.” When someone was very sick, Rev. Seraphim blessed to take a tablespoon of consecrated water every hour. He said that there is no stronger medicine than holy water and blessed oil.
It is important to know that swimming in consecrated reservoirs is only a tradition; it does not bring any cleansing from sins and is not a substitute for the Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). On church holidays, Christians try to participate in divine services and the main Sacrament of the Church - Holy Communion.
There is no need to stock up large containers of holy water: when it runs out, just add regular water to it. clean water, which will be sanctified by the existing Epiphany.
The Great Hagiasma, according to church canons, is considered as a kind of lower degree of Holy Communion: in those cases when, due to sins committed, penance and a ban on approaching the Holy Body and Blood of Christ are imposed on a member of the Church, the usual clause according to the canons is made: “Let him drink the agiasma.”
The claims that holy water acquires its properties thanks to silver ions from a silver cross, which the priest immerses in water during the Rite of Blessing the Water, seem naive. There is even this joke about this:
“How many silver ions are contained in a liter of consecrated Epiphany water, if the consecration was carried out in an ice hole cut out in the ice of the Volga (as was usually the case before the revolution and is practiced today), in a place where the width of the river reaches a kilometer, the depth is ten meters, the speed of the current is 5 km/hour, and the cross with which the village priest blessed the water is wooden?”
The consecration of water in the Sacrament of Baptism is generally performed simply by the hand of the priest. And yet, this water has all the properties that holy water should have.
IN Orthodox Church Holy water has the widest application as a source of God's grace in the mysterious sanctification of everyone and everything. Thus, newborn babies (or unbaptized adults) through baptism in water are freed from original sin and united with Christ, becoming a new creation. A person dies, his remains and his final abode - the coffin - are sprinkled with holy water as a farewell to eternity, as is his resting place - the cemetery.
When someone goes on a journey, he is blessed by sprinkling with holy water. Before starting the teaching, the youths are sprinkled with holy water. Both the foundation of the house and the person’s dwelling itself are certainly sanctified with holy water. In the church, everything that has sacred use is necessarily sanctified through sprinkling with holy water, just like the temple itself at its foundation, at the completion of its construction, and constantly on special days and holidays of the year.
Thus, in the church, everything belonging to the altar and the altar servers is blessed with holy water - the throne, the altar, the antimension, service vessels, crosses, Gospels, altar clothes, clergy vestments, etc. All sacred objects are also blessed - icons, crosses, banners, reliquaries, bells, etc.
It is difficult to find something that would be so necessary for people in their earthly life and constitute such an urgent need as bread and water. Bread is the simplest and natural food for man, supporting and strengthening his strength. A person uses water to quench thirst and prepare food, and washes the body and things it uses with it.
These two essential for a person in his bodily life, substances turn out to be integral elements for him in spiritual life. Bread, consisting of many grains, personifies the Church - One with the plurality of its members. Bread serves the greatest Sacrament - Holy Communion.
By consecrating water, the Church returns water element primitive purity and holiness, by the power of prayer and the Word of God, brings down the blessing of the Lord onto the water. Blessed water is an image of God's grace: it cleanses believers from spiritual impurities, sanctifies and strengthens them for the feat of salvation in God, extinguishes the flames of passions, and drives away evil spirits.
Therefore, holy water is necessarily present during the consecration of temples and all objects used in worship, during the consecration of residential buildings, buildings, and any household item. Believers are sprinkled with holy water during religious processions and prayer services.
PRAYER FOR ACCEPTING PROSPORA AND HOLY WATER
Lord my God, may Thy holy gift be: prosphora and Thy holy water for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities according to Thy infinite mercy through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen.
ABC of Faith
Why is water blessed? How do they do this? What properties does holy water acquire? You will find answers to all these questions in our informative article!
Why is water blessed?
Water plays an important role in our daily lives. However, she also has highest value: characteristic of her healing power, which is repeatedly stated in the Holy Scriptures.
In New Testament times, water serves the spiritual rebirth of a person into a new, grace-filled life, cleansing from sins. In a conversation with Nicodemus, Christ the Savior says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). At the beginning of His ministry, Christ Himself received Baptism from the prophet John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan River. The chants of the service for this holiday say that the Lord “grants cleansing with water to the human race”; “Thou hast sanctified the streams of the Jordan, thou hast crushed the sinful power, O Christ our God...”
How is Epiphany water blessed?
The blessing of water can be small and great: the small is performed several times throughout the year (during prayers, the Sacrament of Baptism), and the great - only on the feast of the Epiphany (Epiphany). The blessing of water is called great due to the special solemnity of the rite, imbued with memory gospel event, which became not only the prototype of the mysterious washing of sins, but also the actual sanctification of the very nature of water through the immersion of God in the flesh.
The Great Blessing of Water is performed according to the Charter at the end of the liturgy, after the prayer behind the pulpit, on the very day of Epiphany (January 6/19), as well as on the eve of Epiphany (January 5/18). On the very day of Epiphany, the blessing of water is performed with solemnity. procession to the water sources known as the “walk to the Jordan”.
Will unusual weather conditions in Russia affect the course of the Epiphany holiday and the blessing of the waters?
Such traditions should not be treated as magical rites - the holiday of the Epiphany is celebrated by Orthodox Christians in hot Africa, America, and Australia. After all, the palm branches of the feast of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem were replaced by willows in Russia, and the consecration of grapevines on the Transfiguration of the Lord was replaced by the blessing of the apple harvest. Also, on the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, all waters will be sanctified, regardless of their temperature.
Archpriest Igor Pchelintsev, press secretary of the Nizhny Novgorod diocese.
How to use holy water?
The use of holy water in the daily life of an Orthodox Christian is quite varied. For example, it is consumed on an empty stomach in small quantities, usually together with a piece of prosphora (this especially applies to the great agiasma (water blessed on the eve and on the very day of the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord), sprinkled on your home.
A special property of holy water is that, added even in small quantities to ordinary water, it imparts beneficial properties to it, therefore, in case of a shortage of holy water, it can be diluted with plain water.
We must not forget that consecrated water is a church shrine, which has been touched by the grace of God, and which requires a reverent attitude.
It is customary to use holy water with the prayer: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of passions and my infirmities according to Thy boundless mercy through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen".
Although it is advisable - out of reverence for the shrine - to take Epiphany water on an empty stomach, but for a special need for God's help - in case of illnesses or attacks evil forces- You can and should drink it without hesitation, at any time. With reverence, holy water remains fresh and pleasant to the taste. for a long time. It should be stored in a separate place, preferably next to the home iconostasis.
Is the water consecrated on the day of Epiphany and on Epiphany Eve different in its properties?
– There is absolutely no difference! Let's go back to the time of Patriarch Nikon: he specifically asked the Patriarch of Antioch whether it was necessary to consecrate the water on the very day of the Epiphany: after all, the day before, on Christmas Eve, the water had already been consecrated. And I received the answer that there would be no sin in that, it could be done again so that everyone could take water. But today they come for one kind of water, and the next day for another - they say, the water is stronger here. Why is she stronger? So we see that people do not even listen to the prayers that are read at the consecration. And they don’t know that the water is blessed by the same rite, the same prayers are read.
Holy water is absolutely the same on both days - both on the day of Epiphany and on Epiphany Christmas Eve.
Priest Mikhail Mikhailov.
Is it true that swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany cleanses all sins?
This is wrong! Swimming in an ice hole (Jordan) is a good old fashioned folk custom, which is not yet a church sacrament. Forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God and His Church is possible only in the sacrament of repentance, during confession in church.
Does it happen that holy water “doesn’t help”?
Saint Theophan the Recluse writes: “All the grace coming from God through the Holy Cross, holy icons, holy water, relics, consecrated bread (artos, antidor, prosphora), etc., including Most Holy Communion The Body and Blood of Christ has power only for those who are worthy of this grace through prayers of repentance, repentance, humility, service to people, works of mercy and the manifestation of other Christian virtues. But if they are not there, then this grace will not save, it does not act automatically, like a talisman, and is useless for the wicked and imaginary Christians (without virtues).”
Miracles of healing still occur today, and they are countless. But only those who accept it with living faith in the promises of God and the power of prayer of the Holy Church, those who have a pure and sincere desire to change their lives, repentance, and salvation, are rewarded with the miraculous effects of holy water. God does not create miracles where people want to see them only out of curiosity, without a sincere intention to use them for their salvation. “An evil and adulterous generation,” the Savior said about his unbelieving contemporaries, “seeks a sign; and the sign will not be given to him.” In order for holy water to benefit us, let us take care of the purity of our souls and the high dignity of our thoughts and actions.
Is water really baptismal all week long?
Epiphany water is such from the moment of its consecration and for a year, two or more, until its reserves at home run out. Taken from the temple on any day, it never loses its holiness.
Archimandrite Ambrose (Ermakov)
My grandmother brought me Epiphany water, which a friend gave her, but it smells musty and I’m afraid to drink it. What to do in this case?
Dear Sofia, due to various circumstances, although very rarely, it happens that water comes into a state that does not allow internal use. In this case, it should be poured into some untrampled place - say, into a flowing river, or in the forest under a tree, and the vessel in which it was stored should no longer be used for everyday use.
Archpriest Maxim Kozlov
Why can holy water spoil?
That happens. Water must be collected in clean containers in which the water should not spoil. Therefore, if we previously stored something in these bottles, if they are not very clean, there is no need to collect holy water in them. I remember in the summer one woman began pouring holy water into a beer bottle...
Often parishioners like to make comments: for example, they began to explain to one of our priests that he blessed the water incorrectly - he did not reach the bottom of the tank... Because of this, they say, the water will not be blessed... Well, should the priest be a diver? Or that the cross is not silver... There is no need to reach to the bottom and the cross can be wooden. There is no need to make a cult out of holy water, but you also need to treat it piously! One priest I know, in 1988, had a bottle of water that he had kept since 1953 or 1954...
You need to treat water piously and carefully and lead a pious life yourself.
Priest Mikhail Mikhailov.
Is it possible for unbaptized people to use holy water, oil consecrated on the relics of saints, and prosphora?
On the one hand, it is possible, because what harm could a person do if he drinks holy water, or anoints himself with oil, or eats prosphora? But you just need to think about how this could be useful to him.
If this is a certain approach of a person to the church fence, if he, not yet deciding to be baptized, say, having been a militant atheist in the past, now, through the prayers of his wife, mother, daughter or someone else close to him, no longer rejects at least these external as if signs of churchliness, then this is good and pedagogically it will lead him to what is more essential in our faith - to the worship of God in spirit and truth.
And if such actions are perceived as a kind of magic, as a kind of “church medicine,” but at the same time the person does not at all strive to become a church member in order to become Orthodox Christian, only reassures himself that I am doing something like this and it will serve as some kind of amulet, then there is no need to provoke this kind of consciousness. Based on these two possibilities, you decide, in relation to your specific situation, whether or not you need to offer church shrines to any of your loved ones.
Archpriest Maxim Kozlov.
Questions and answers about holy water
If God sanctifies all water life on earth on January 19, why then does the priest sanctify water on this day? I asked the priest, he replied that he didn’t know. Alla
We know that the water over which a special prayer is performed is sanctified and becomes holy - the opinion that ALL waters are sanctified on this day is based on a broad interpretation of some expressions from the service of the Feast of Epiphany and is not part of the Orthodox doctrine. In addition, think logically - if all waters are sanctified, then they are sanctified everywhere, including in bad and unclean places. Ask yourself - how can the Lord allow the Holy Spirit to work in unclean things?
Sincerely
Priest Alexy Kolosov
Hello, Nikolay!
The blessing of water is performed according to one rite (the same) on both January 18 and 19. Therefore, it makes no difference when you take the water - January 18 or 19, both of which are Epiphany waters.
John the Baptist performed a ceremony called “baptism.” But the very concept of the cross, as a symbol of Christianity, from which, as it seems to me, the word “baptism” comes, came with the crucifixion of Christ, that is, later than the death of John the Baptist. Then why did John have “baptism” and not, for example, “washing”? Thank you. Igor.
Hello, Igor! In the Greek text of the Gospels, Baptism is indicated by the verb “baptizo” - to immerse, and in the first meaning - to bury. This is quite consistent with the context and meaning of the actions of John the Baptist. The term “Baptism” arose during the actual Slavic translation of the Gospels, when such a specific action was characteristic, first of all, of Christianity. However, I was unable to find precise information about the history of this term. It is very likely that the Sacrament of Baptism came to the Slavic world earlier than the term for it. Perhaps this is precisely why such a term was chosen, as it more clearly explains what happened on the Jordan, and is now inextricably linked in the minds of people with the acceptance of Christ. Sincerely, priest Mikhail Samokhin.
On the day of the Baptism of the Lord, having plunged into an ice font or doused yourself with water, can one consider oneself baptized and wear a cross? Sincerely, Alexander.
Hello, Alexander!
No, dipping into an ice hole and dousing oneself is not enough to consider oneself baptized. You need to come to the temple so that the priest performs the Sacrament of Baptism on you.
Sincerely, priest Alexander Ilyashenko
Good afternoon Please tell me, is it true that if an unbaptized person comes to church on January 19 and attends the entire service, then after that he can consider himself baptized and can wear a cross and go to church? And in general, can an unbaptized person go to church? Thank you very much, Elena
Hello, Elena!
An unbaptized person can go to Church, but participate in Church Sacraments(confession, Communion, wedding, etc.) he is not allowed. In order to become baptized, it is necessary that the Sacrament of Baptism be performed on a person, and not attend a service on the feast of the Epiphany. After the service, approach the priest and tell him that you want to be Baptized. This requires your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the desire to live according to His commandments, as well as some knowledge about the Orthodox doctrine and the Orthodox Church. The priest will be able to answer your questions and help you prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. God help you!
Sincerely, priest Alexander Ilyashenko
Father, I have a 6-month-old daughter, and when I bathe her, I add holy water to the water. Is it possible to drain this water later or not?
Hello, Lena!
When bathing your daughter, there is no need to add holy water to the bath: after all, holy water can only be poured into a special place that is not trampled underfoot. It’s better to give your daughter holy water to drink, and also regularly commune her with the Holy Mysteries of Christ.
Sincerely, priest Alexander Ilyashenko
Hello, please tell me if it is possible to throw it away glass bottle, in which holy water was kept, in trash can? If not, what to do with it? Marina
Hello, Marina!
It is better to continue storing Holy water in this bottle, but if this does not work, then it needs to be dried and then thrown away.
Sincerely, priest Alexander Ilyashenko.
Is it possible to give holy water to animals? if not, why not? After all, they are also creatures of God. Thank you for your reply. Elena
Hello, Elena! Why is it necessary to provide something sacred to an animal? It all depends on the specific situation. Based on the literal interpretation of the words of the Lord: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6) without special need, you should not give holy things to animals follows. At the same time, in church practice there are cases when, during a pestilence, animals were sprinkled and given holy water. The grounds for such boldness, as you see, must be extremely serious indeed. Sincerely, priest Mikhail Samokhin.
Is it necessary to swim at Epiphany? And if there is no frost, will bathing be Epiphany?
In any church holiday it is necessary to distinguish between its meaning and the traditions that have developed around it. The main thing in the feast of the Epiphany is the Epiphany, the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist, the voice of God the Father from heaven “This is my beloved Son” and the Holy Spirit descending on Christ. The main thing for a Christian on this day is presence at church services, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and communion of baptismal water.
The established traditions of swimming in cold ice holes are not directly related to the Feast of the Epiphany itself, are not mandatory and, most importantly, do not cleanse a person of sins, which, unfortunately, is discussed a lot in the media.
Such traditions should not be treated as magical rites - the holiday of the Epiphany is celebrated by Orthodox Christians in hot Africa, America, and Australia. After all, the palm branches of the feast of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem were replaced by willows in Russia, and the consecration of grapevines on the Transfiguration of the Lord was replaced by the blessing of the apple harvest. Also, on the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, all waters will be sanctified, regardless of their temperature. P Rotopriest Igor Pchelintsev, press secretary of the Nizhny Novgorod diocese
Is it possible to douse myself with holy water if a gypsy has jinxed me? Maria.
Hello Maria!
Holy water is not bathing water, and belief in the evil eye is superstition. You can drink holy water, you can sprinkle yourself with it, you can sprinkle your house and things with it. If you live according to the commandments of God, often visit church for confession and communion, pray and observe the fasts established by the Church, then the Lord Himself will protect you from everything bad.
With respect, priest. Dionisy Svechnikov.
Tell me: can the Grace of God leave holy water and consecrated objects because of our sins or is it impossible? And one more thing: how to get rid of the evil and negative? Sincerely, Alexander.
Hello, Alexander!
It all depends on how a person treats holy water and consecrated objects, and whether he reverently keeps the shrine he receives. If yes, then there is no reason to worry; the grace received during sanctification will benefit the person spiritually and physically. And in order for the Lord to protect from all evil, we must live according to the commandments of God.
With respect, priest. Dionisy Svechnikov.
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