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

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

When to collect holy water for Epiphany?

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

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

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

What should you pour holy water into for Epiphany?

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

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

How much and how to store water collected for Epiphany

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

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

How to use holy water collected for Epiphany

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

What to do if holy water has spoiled?

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

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

Water collected on Epiphany holidays is considered healing and can be added to ordinary water so that it imparts all its beneficial properties.

January 19 is a great holiday in the life of a Christian. It is dedicated to the events when Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River at the age of 30. This day is called the Epiphany and Epiphany. The blessing of baptismal water has already become a tradition, since baptismal water is unique water. There are many beliefs that such water can heal and purify. Even scientists, after numerous studies, have confirmed that Epiphany water is similar in composition and properties to the waters that flow in the Jordan River, where Jesus was once baptized. Take with you pies with cherries made from yeast dough in the oven: recipe with photos.

That is why most believers go to church and consecrated open springs for Epiphany to draw water from them. Considering that January 18 is also a holiday, Epiphany Eve, and in the evening of this day services and lighting of water are held in churches, the question arises: when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 29?

Difference between Epiphany water January 18 and 19
The first illumination of Epiphany water will take place on the evening of January 18, closer to midnight. The second illumination takes place on January 19th. At this time, you can come with your own container and collect Epiphany water for storage at home. When answering the question of when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19, it should be noted that the lighting of the water in the evening of January 18 and January 19 is exactly the same. The blessing of water is carried out in one order, the same prayers are used, so there is no difference between Epiphany water on January 18 and 19. Water reserves in different days have the same properties and are suitable for use for the purpose of cleansing and healing.

It has been scientifically proven that Epiphany water does not spoil. You can store it for a long time, it retains its unique properties. This applies to both the water collected on January 18 and the water collected on January 19. Water on January 18 and 19 is baptismal only after the procedure of lighting the water by a clergyman. The services that take place on the evening of January 18 are also festive, like the services that take place on January 19, so you can collect Epiphany water on both days.

There is an opinion that the most valuable Epiphany water, which has strong active properties, is the water that was collected on the night of January 18-19. However, clergy emphasize the fact that there is no difference between the waters, and that you can come and collect water both on the night of January 18-19 and throughout the next day.

It should be remembered that, first of all, the effect of holy water depends on a person’s faith. Since the water on January 18 and 19 is Epiphany, one should understand its significance in the religious world. According to the Bible, water is the personification of all life on Earth. Therefore, one should collect and consume Epiphany water only with bright thoughts, saying prayers mentally.
The blessing of water on the day of Epiphany is similar in its beneficial properties to the blessing of water on the sacrament of Baptism. The consecrated water for the day of Epiphany and the water for the sacrament of Baptism even have the same name - the Great Agiasma.

Every year the water for Epiphany is blessed twice, and there is no difference between such water.

What not to do with holy water
Despite the fact that Epiphany water is universal in use, there are several strict prohibitions when such water cannot be used:
Epiphany water cannot be used for the purpose of fortune telling or performing any magical rituals.
Superstitions associated with holy water cannot be supported by actions. For example, that in order to achieve the highest grace, one should collect baptismal water in three different churches.
You cannot use Epiphany water for the purpose of cleansing from sins. This is only possible in confession.

When Jesus, who did not need to cleanse his soul, entered the Jordan River, he cleansed the entire water element, without which it is impossible human life. Therefore, one should treat Epiphany water and the Feast of Epiphany with respect. And when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19 is decided individually, depending on free time.

DOES ALL WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM, DOES ALL TAP WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM? Does all water become holy at Epiphany? On the night of January 19, the Orthodox world annually celebrates one of the main holidays - Epiphany. On this day, Christians remember the greatest event - the baptism of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River.

There are many prejudices associated with Baptism. On the eve of the holiday, Priest Georgy Vorobyov, who is the rector of the temple in honor of the Hieromartyr Andronik, told AiF-Prikamye journalists about the most common mistakes and misconceptions regarding the Baptism of the Lord.

Does all water become holy at Epiphany and does tap water become holy at Epiphany?

There is a popular belief that at Epiphany midnight, from January 18 to 19, all water becomes holy. And supposedly holy water also flows from the tap. For this reason, many believe that it is not necessary to go to church for holy water, but that you can collect it at home. Answer from Priest Georgy Vorobyov: Epiphany water is that water over which the clergyman performed a special church ceremony- The rite of the Great Blessing of Water. This rite is performed on the eve of the holiday - January 18, Epiphany Eve, and on the holiday of the Epiphany itself, January 19. To this question earlier to the publication “ Orthodox life“answered Archimandrite Spiridon (Khodanich). According to him, if you delve into the prayers and features of the rite of consecration of water at Epiphany, it becomes obvious that only the water that is consecrated by the clergy in a temple or on a river (reservoir) is holy.

From the answers of representatives of the Orthodox Church, we can conclude that the consecrated (holy) water in the Baptism of the Lord is the water over which the priest performed a special rite of consecration.

Many people claim that blessed water, which is recruited to the Great Orthodox holiday Baptism has magical properties: it can heal from many diseases and protect from evil people, troubles and evil spirits. Therefore, every year many people, and not necessarily believers, gather at temples with bottles and other containers to draw water from the font.
Those people who are going to go to church to get water for the first time will probably ask themselves questions: How is Epiphany water used? Does the time of the activity itself come on January 18 or 19?

Blessing of water

The rite of blessing the water takes place at approximately the same time every year. January 18th is Epiphany Eve. All believers fast during the day, then go to church services, then pray and light candles in the temple.
After the last evening service ends, the clergy go to the reservoirs that are located near the temple, and the blessing of the water begins. This ceremony is also carried out according to all church rules.

First, holes are cut. Most often, ice is cut in the shape of a cross. In the old days, a carved ice cross was placed next to an ice hole and poured with red juice, for example, tomato or beetroot. Now this tradition is not always observed. After the hole is ready, the priest begins to read a prayer, then dips a silver cross into the water. Then a white dove is released into the sky, which symbolizes the appearance of the Holy Spirit. The water in church fonts is also blessed. After all these rituals, the water is considered sacred and acquires magical properties.

Epiphany water can be collected immediately after consecration, when a person has already served in the church. However, some believers are confident that the most healing water is water collected ten minutes after midnight, that is, already on January 19th. Although church ministers claim that it does not matter when exactly the water was collected. This can be done both on Christmas Eve and on the day of Epiphany, the most important thing is that the person prepares for this, cleanses himself spiritually and does not have any bad thoughts.

Many people believe that water in clean springs, streams and rivers becomes holy on January 19 for nothing, so they collect it there. But the water that flows from the tap does not become holy. However, if you add a little Epiphany holy water to ordinary water, it will also acquire unusual properties.

Use of Holy Epiphany Water

It is worth remembering that the water brought from the church is sacred. This means that it cannot be used in vain for everyday activities. You cannot, for example, do laundry in holy water or wash dirty objects in it.
The person who has just brought holy water from the church should take some of the liquid, sprinkle it on the house, and then closed lid remove the rest of the water from the container in a dark place.
Holy water brings many benefits to people. Every morning, after praying, you can drink some water before breakfast. People who are sick should drink holy water. You can apply a compress with holy water to painful areas of the body. The priests also say that a person should wash himself with holy water after someone wishes him harm.

In addition, holy water can be sprinkled on places where conflicts have occurred. In villages, people used to pour holy water on poorly growing trees to make them bear fruit.
Another unusual property of holy water is that it can be stored for a very long time and does not spoil. However, after a year, that is, when Epiphany comes again, it is better to pour it out. You should not send holy water down the drain. It is better to water the flowers in the house or the trees on the property. You can also pour the water into a clean source.

Already at the end of this working week, January 19, Orthodox believers celebrate the Feast of Epiphany. Historically, on this day, a person has a special power that can protect a person from illness and misfortune. main symbol life on Earth - water. How and when to collect Epiphany water - let's look into our material.

According to biblical scriptures, the Baptism of Jesus took place on the Jordan River. It was on this day that Christians believed in the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When Jesus entered the water, God's voice sounded from heaven, calling him his Son. At that same moment, the Holy Spirit descended to Jesus in the form of a dove.

Christians, remembering the memorable event, formed their traditions for Epiphany - on this day they bless water in churches and open reservoirs and plunge into ice holes to cleanse themselves of sins and receive the blessing of heaven for health, luck and prosperity in the next year.

Water has special properties at Epiphany - they say that on the night of January 18-19, it becomes healing and sacred even in an ordinary household tap. The water is collected and then stored for the entire next year, thus protecting one’s home from troubles and misfortunes, using it as a cure for ailments and the like.

When to collect water for Epiphany

Many believe that Epiphany water becomes magical only after it is consecrated in the temple. At the same time, deeply religious people will immediately refute this fact - absolutely all water becomes healing and miraculous, regardless of where and how it “flows.”

The water begins to have special properties after sunset on January 18 - Epiphany Eve, which is considered a mystical evening. The water retains its properties until lunch on January 19 - that is. until the end of all church rituals related to the lighting of open reservoirs and ice holes for swimming of citizens.

If you are wondering when is the best time to collect water for storage, the answer is simple. If you go to a temple, then the water that was in it during the solemn service will be considered “your” baptismal water.

If for objective reasons you don’t go to the boor, but plan to take part in mass swimming in the ice hole, collect water there, because the clergy always sprinkle the water and bless it before the ritual bathing.

If you decide to collect water simply from the tap, but do not know at what time the sacred water will flow from there, then we inform you - people say that the most strong time for collection falls between midnight and 1.30 on the night of January 18-19. It is at this time that good begins to fight evil, which gets especially close to people on Epiphany Eve.

How and where to collect Epiphany water, how to store it

Epiphany water It is considered a shrine, and therefore must be treated with special respect. Do not even think about putting water into dirty dishes - such a ritual will be considered simply blasphemy. Glass or plastic containers - it doesn’t matter at all. At the same time, believers say that it is better to prefer glass, because plastic is not a natural material and is even harmful to human health.

As for how to properly collect water, there are also several unshakable rules. On Epiphany Christmas Eve, you must keep a strict fast - refrain from overeating and fast foods, at least out of respect for the holiday. While collecting water, read a prayer or turn to God in your own words - ask for forgiveness for sins and blessings from heaven.

You need to store Epiphany water in a place protected from light, but it is better to place it under the icon or in the corner where the images hang. It is unacceptable to pour holy water down the drain - if for any reason you decide to remove it from the house, go out into the yard and water the trees, share with friends or neighbors, but do not pour it, as they say, “down the sink.”

You should not store water for more than a year. If you store it in reserve but don't use it until next Epiphany- better pour it out. You should not imprison the shrine for a long time, as this can bring bad weather to your home. The grace of holy water does not decrease, no matter how long it is stored, but people who do not turn to the shrine are robbing themselves. It is best not to store water, but to share it with loved ones, neighbors and friends.

They say that holy water does not deteriorate over time, but if you still notice something wrong, immediately pour it into a river or other natural source. Holy water is not thrown onto the ground. It is poured into an “untrampled” place, that is, into a place where people do not walk (they do not trample underfoot) and dogs do not run. You can pour water into the river, you can flower pot, you can go to a clean place under a tree.

How to use Epiphany water

You should drink holy water in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening before going to bed, take a spoonful (but not from a common container). Can be consumed together with a piece of prosphora.

If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then holy water is taken first, followed by the medicine. And then breakfast and other things to do.

At very serious illness or if a person is in a state of intense spiritual struggle, despondency, it can be drunk in unlimited quantities, regardless of food intake.

After drinking, you need to pray for healing.

For pain or just a sore spot, you can apply a compress moistened with holy water.

You can only sprinkle it on your home (while reading a prayer), a car, or some other thing, also clothes, and even pets.

Women on critical days are not blessed to take Epiphany water. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy, C-ib reports. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter.

In contact with

Holy water is available in any Temple and you can come and take it any day. But special days priests bless the water. On the day of January 18, the rite of Blessing of Water is read over the water and the water is called Epiphany. On the night of January 19, the Blessing of Water is performed once again and the water is called Epiphany. She has special power.

If you are too lazy to go to the Temple at night, then you can dial it at home on the night of January 19th. It is better to do this in the period from 00 o'clock on January 19 to 03-00 - the peak of the water force. Over the subsequent time, the water gradually decreases in strength and by the evening of January 21 it returns to normal, to its normal state. But it’s still better to get water in the Temple.

Holy water can be collected both in the church itself, and after consecration and in an ice hole or reservoir. But the first baptism water, which is consecrated before the Baptism of the Lord in the temple, is considered the most powerful and healing. It is given to seriously ill patients and children to strengthen their strength.

You can always pour blessed water for your needs in the Church; there is always a supply there. But soon the feast of the Epiphany will come, and then you can collect holy water from a source or reservoir, where the priests read the rite of blessing of water. Then they store this water for a long time, drink it little by little, wash it, wipe the body, or add it to a poured bath. Only few people know that before drinking such water, one must read the prayer for receiving holy water.

In Greek this holy water is called agiasma or shrine. It is better to collect it in the Church after consecration by the priest; they store the water carefully in a corner near the icons or in a secluded place.

Holy water. She did all sorts of miracles.

Use this water to wash your face. They drink this water and even bathe in it. It rejuvenates the body, protects against the evil one, kills bacteria and microorganisms.

You can collect holy water on Christmas Eve by going to church and praying.

Usually water is collected from the container in which it was consecrated by church ministers. Also from the sources where the priest’s silver cross was lowered and a prayer was read over it.

Holy water can be collected in a church or at a holy spring, but the most powerful holy water is considered to be baptismal water, consecrated on the eve of baptism on January 19. I also heard that on the day of baptism all water becomes holy, although people go to church for holy water on January 19th.

Holy water can be collected in the church at any time. This is water that the priest blessed with a cross and read a prayer over it. You can also collect holy water from the springs, but if you go there on a pilgrimage trip from the church. There are holy springs on the site of which temples are located.

On the eve of Epiphany, on Epiphany Eve, the blessing of water in churches begins. On the day of Epiphany itself, rivers and lakes - natural reservoirs - are sanctified, and an ice hole is made in them in the form of a cross. On this day people worship the holy cleansing power of water.

There is a river not far from our church. There will be an ice hole there. On January 19, the day of Epiphany, the priest conducts a special ceremony. In this ice hole on January 19, you can get water yourself. Or you can collect Epiphany water in the church or temple itself. Moreover, it is customary to stock up such water on January 19th.

Holy water can be collected in the church during the rite of blessing of water on certain days during prayer services. This rite is called the small consecration. In addition, for Epiphany, holy water can be collected from consecrated springs.

On Christmas Eve and the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord it is performed in all Orthodox churches Great consecration of water. At Epiphany, after the service, clergymen often bless nearby ponds, lakes, and rivers. Christians believe that Epiphany holy water brings spiritual and physical health. Every year in Epiphany Christmas Eve Believers come to churches to stock up on Epiphany water for the whole year. E is taken a little every day on an empty stomach, and her home is consecrated.