There is no need to assume that holy water is a medicine. Without sincere faith in God, it will not bring more benefit than ordinary spring water. In addition, a special prayer is required to accept holy water, for it is a shrine that must be drunk according to certain rules.
How to use holy water
Blessed water is taken for illnesses and as a preventive measure for spiritual health. But drinking water in itself does not have any benefit if you drink it mechanically, without participating in the ritual with your heart.
There are several rules for accepting holy water. Firstly, this is done on an empty stomach. Secondly, water must be poured into a separate cup, and not drunk from a common can or bottle.
In addition, sick people can drink it at any time of the day, regardless of their diet. Holy water is also used externally for wiping a sore spot.
What words to say before and after use
Exists common prayer to receive holy water and prosphora. Sometimes they drink water separately. Then the word “ ” is omitted.
So, before drinking holy water, you need to cross yourself and say: “Lord, my God, may Your holy gift (prosphora) 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 , in my soul and body, in the subjugation of my passions and infirmities according to Your infinite mercy through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen."
You can also read a short prayer: “Lord, may it be for me, a sinner, to drink this holy water not for judgment and condemnation, but for cleansing, healing and eternal life.” At the end of the ritual, you need to thank the Lord and pray for healing (if the person is sick).
Rules for storing holy water
Blessed water is a shrine, and the attitude towards it should be appropriate. Water must be stored separately from food. The best thing is in that place, the iconostasis.
It is advisable to stick a label on a jar or bottle of holy water so that household members do not confuse it and drink the shrine like ordinary water. You also need to keep holy water away from animals.
Holy water does not disappear and does not lose its taste qualities. Once consecrated, it retains this property forever. In addition, Epiphany holy water can be used to sanctify ordinary water - one drop per bottle is enough.
If you still have to pour out holy water (for example, after compresses), in no case
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 Everyday life. 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 takes place with a solemn religious procession to the water sources, known as the “procession 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 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 grace coming from God through the Holy Cross, holy icons, holy water, relics, consecrated bread (artos, antidor, prosphora), etc., including the Most Holy Communion of 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 was consecrating the water incorrectly - he did not reach the bottom of the tank... Because of this, they say, the water will not be consecrated... 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 join the church, to become an Orthodox Christian, he only reassures himself that I am doing something like this and this will serve as something If it is a talisman, 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 uncleanness?
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 he cannot participate in Church Sacraments (confession, Communion, weddings, etc.). 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 faith and 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 a church service, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, communion Epiphany 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.
Using site materials
Holy water is water of ordinary composition and original origin (well, spring, lake, river, tap), which miraculously acquires special beneficial, sanctifying and healing properties after a special service is performed over it - the blessing of water.By consecrating water, the Church brings down onto the water, through the power of prayer and the Word of God, the blessing of the Lord and the grace of the Most Holy and Life-giving Spirit.
Water consecrated according to a special great rite, on the feast of the Epiphany, is called “agiasma”, which means “shrine”.
St. John Chrysostom speaks about Epiphany water:
« A clear sign is happening“This water in its essence does not deteriorate over time, but, drawn today, it remains intact and fresh for a whole year, and often two or three years, and after a long time is not inferior to waters just drawn from sources.”
And Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus compares the change in the “nature of the waters” with the transformation of water into wine in Cana of Galilee.
We must never forget that consecrated water is a great church shrine, which has been touched by the grace of God, and which requires a reverent attitude.
This great shrine has been next to us all our lives. 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.
We first plunge into it in baptism, when, upon receiving this sacrament, 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 Christ.
In the Orthodox Church, holy water has the widest use as a source of God's grace in the mysterious sanctification of everyone and everything.
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 on religious processions, during prayer services.
How to use holy water?
Epiphany water is a shrine that should be in every home of an Orthodox Christian. It is carefully kept in the holy corner, near the icons. In addition to Epiphany water, Orthodox Christians use water blessed at prayer services in their home or church.
Holy water is usually taken by believers on an empty stomach in small quantities, after the morning prayer rule with special reverence and prayer.
However, in case of special need for God’s help, during illnesses or attacks by evil forces, it can be drunk with prayer and reverence at other times. You can also anoint sore spots with holy water and sprinkle your home.
In Typikon or Minee for January, on the 6th (19th) date, a special note was made about Epiphany water:
“Let everyone know about holy water. For those who separate themselves from holy water for the sake of tasting, do not do good, for for the sake of grace given by God be for the sanctification of the world and all creation. Likewise, in all sorts of stingy places, it is sprinkled everywhere, even under our feet. And where is the understanding of these, so as not to drink sow? but let us know that it is not for eating for the sake of food that we have impurity, but from our bad deeds, and cleansed from these, we drink without a doubt this holy water.”
Prayer for accepting prosphora and holy water
Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be 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 Your infinite mercy through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints Yours. Amen.
Prayer for the sanctification of every 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, as if armed with the power of heavenly intercession, it will help those who want to use it for bodily salvation and intercession and help, oh Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
(And sprinkle the item with holy water three times).
Hermogenes Ivanovich Shimansky writes about the use of consecrated water:
“The water consecrated on the eve of the holiday and on the very feast of Epiphany is called the great agiasma, that is, the great shrine, because through the influx of the Spirit of God it received within itself great, Divine and miraculous power. Therefore, this water has important and extensive use among Christians. The houses of believers are sprinkled with it on eve and the feast of the Epiphany; believers can use it at any time with great reverence, eat it before eating, carefully store it throughout the year, sprinkle it and signify it for the health of soul and body. The Church uses it during consecration of the world, during the consecration of the antimensions and during the consecration of the artos on the day of Easter.The Church determined that this same Epiphany water, together with the antidoron (i.e., with the remainder of the prosphora, from which part was removed for the Holy Lamb), should be given instead of communion of the Holy Mysteries of the Body and Blood of Christ to those who have been excommunicated from communion of the Holy Mysteries or have not prepared themselves to receive them.Finally, the Church uses it when consecrating various substances that have been defiled in some way.
Water blessed according to the rite of the small consecration of water is called small agiasma, in contrast to the great agiasma - the water of the Holy Epiphanies, but its use is even more extensive than the latter. It is used by the Church when performing various kinds of rites and consecrating prayers, such as: during the consecration of temples, dwellings and everything that serves to support our bodily life, i.e. food and drink. The Church uses it when performing prayers that bless our good intentions, namely: when consecrating a new house, when setting off on a journey, before beginning good deeds. In all these cases, a small blessing of water and sprinkling of St. is performed. water for encouragement and grace-filled strengthening of believers for the labors and deeds set before them. Finally, the minor consecration of water is performed in difficult times of public and private disasters, because the Church, in the sanctified element, wants to give us grace that delivers us from troubles, illnesses and sorrows. The minor consecration of water is performed on church holidays before the liturgy, as a sign of the renewal of the unfading grace imparted to the church during its consecration.”
What are the benefits of drinking holy water?
The priestly prayer during the blessing of water lists the gifts of the grace of water: resolution of sins, healing of ailments, destruction of demons.
Holy water extinguishes the flames of passions, drives away evil spirits - that is why they sprinkle holy water on their homes and every thing that is consecrated.
“When a person consumes prosphora and holy water,” said the recluse Georgy Zadonsky“Then the unclean spirit does not approach him, the soul and body are sanctified, thoughts are illuminated to please God, and the person is inclined to fasting, prayer and all virtues.”
“Consecrated water,” as he wrote Saint Demetrius of Kherson, - has the power to sanctify the souls and bodies of all who use it.”
Not only Church Tradition convinces us of the miraculous power of holy water, but also personal experience believers. The grace of God descending on the water through the prayers of the priest gives it the power to heal illnesses, quench passions and weaken emerging sinful attractions, free from all evil, and cleanse from defilement. Any item used by an Orthodox Christian is sanctified with holy water.
Reverend Ambrose Optinsky sent a bottle of holy water to a terminally ill patient - and the incurable disease, to the amazement of the doctors, went away. Saint Seraphim of Vyritsky He always advised sprinkling food and the food itself with Jordanian (Epiphany) water, which, in his words, “itself sanctifies everything.” When someone was very sick, Elder Seraphim gave his blessing to take a tablespoon blessed water every hour. The elder said that there is no stronger medicine than holy water and blessed oil.
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.
How is water blessed?
Blessing of water can be small and great: small things are done several times throughout the year (during prayers, the Sacrament of Baptism), and big things are done only on the feast of the Epiphany (Epiphany). The Great Blessing of Water on this Holiday is performed twice - on the day of Epiphany, and also the day before, on the eve of Epiphany (Epiphany Eve).On Christmas Eve and on the very day of the feast of the Epiphany, during the blessing of water, the same rite of the great blessing of water is performed.
Holy water is absolutely the same on both days - both on the day of Epiphany and on Epiphany Christmas Eve.
The blessing of water is called great because of the special solemnity of the rite, imbued with the memory of the 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 blessing of water performed on the eve of Epiphany on January 18 serves as a monument to the fact that in ancient times, on the eve of Epiphany, the blessing of water was performed for the baptism of catechumens.
After the liturgy on January 19, the blessing of water is performed in memory of the Baptism of the Lord, so there is a solemn procession with a cross, the Gospel, lamps and banners, with bells ringing and the singing of a troparion to water sources.
The Great Blessing of Water mainly consists of: singing the stichera “The Voice of the Lord on the Waters,” reading three proverbs, the prokeme, the Apostle and the Gospel, a peaceful litany and a consecrating prayer with petitions for the consecration of water. And, finally, the very consecration of the water with the threefold immersion of the holy cross and the threefold singing of the troparion of the Epiphany: “I am baptized in the Jordan, O Lord.”
Small water blessing is supposed to be done at the beginning of each month. On this basis, it takes place on August 1st and is therefore sometimes called the “August Blessing of Water.” Then the small blessing of water is performed at the end of Pentecost in remembrance of what Jesus Christ taught the people about living water flowing into eternal life (John 4:10). It is also performed before the liturgy on church holidays, on which the church is renewed with prayer and the sprinkling of holy water. Finally, it can be performed at the request of each believer at any time (at home or in church) in conjunction with prayer singing.
The small consecration of water, just like the great consecration of water, dates back to ancient times, to the first times of the Church.
In the Apostolic Decrees, the establishment of the sanctification of water is attributed to the Evangelist Matthew. According to Baronius (132), the ancient custom of performing a minor consecration of water, which existed since the times of the apostles, was approved as a church rite by Alexander, Bishop of Rome, who suffered under the Emperor Hadrian. Balsamon, Patriarch of Antioch (XII century) in his interpretation of the 65th rule of the Trullo Council mentions the small consecration of water as ancient custom and explains that the fathers of this Council decided to perform a small blessing of water at the beginning of each month in opposition to the pagan superstitious customs of the new moon, which had been maintained for a long time among Christians.
The final formation of the rite of minor consecration of waters is attributed to the Patriarch of Constantinople Photius, who lived in the 9th century.
Does it happen that holy water “doesn’t help”?
Saint Theophan the Recluse writes: “All grace coming from God through the Holy Cross, holy icons, holy water, relics, consecrated bread (artos, antidor, prosphora), etc., including the Most Holy Communion of 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 occur in our days, and they are countless. But the miraculous effects of holy water are awarded only to 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, salvation. God does not create miracles where they 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, the dignity of our thoughts and actions."
(Archimandrite Ambrose (Ermakov))
What to do if holy water has spoiled?
Rarely, but due to various circumstances, 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 - into a stream or river, where there is a current, into standing (flowing) water, and the vessel in which it was stored should no longer be used for domestic use. This should be a reason for us to treat holy water piously and carefully and to lead a more attentive, pious life.
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 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.
(Archimandrite Ambrose (Ermakov))
Archpriest Vasily Izyumsky. Why do we need the Church.
Compiled using articles from sites: Pravoslavie.Ru
Tatyana's Day
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 its 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, relieve you of 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 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 return it to the baby peace of mind. 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 him from being affected by bad energy. 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?
Basically church rules Muslims are not prohibited 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 an open heart and 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 there are no strict rules or restrictions on taking 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 a conspiracy was made 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 enchanted water because of drunkenness, alcoholism or drug addiction, then it will be better if you do not combine enchanted and holy water together.
Since the first one will still carry negativity, it will destroy the healing effect of holy water. In view of this, it will be better if you give the addicted person first the charmed liquid 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. For her to become such, the priest first leads over her church ceremony 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 simply disrespectful 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 it to retain its beneficial 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?
You cannot use holy water for everyday hygiene procedures. 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 stained benches and floors in the temple with menstrual blood. 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 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 true Christian and sacredly honor all the commandments of God, then under no circumstances let your cat or dog 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”)
All our lives we have a great shrine next to us - holy 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.
We first plunge into it in baptism, when, upon receiving this sacrament, 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 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 during religious processions and prayer services. On the day of Epiphany every Orthodox Christian carries home a vessel with holy water, carefully preserves it as the greatest shrine, prayerfully communing with holy water in illnesses and any infirmity.
Epiphany water, like Holy Communion, is taken by believers only on an empty stomach. “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. Holy water extinguishes the flames of passions, drives away evil spirits - that is why they sprinkle holy water on their homes and every thing that is consecrated. Venerable Seraphim After the confession of the pilgrims, he always gave them to drink from the cup of holy Epiphany water. The Monk Ambrose sent a bottle of holy water to a terminally ill patient - and to the amazement of the doctors, the incurable disease went away.
Elder Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyritsky always advised sprinkling food and the food itself with Jordanian (Epiphany) water, which, in his words, “itself sanctifies everything.” When someone was very sick, Elder Seraphim gave his blessing to take a tablespoon of consecrated water every hour. The elder said that there is no stronger medicine than holy water and blessed oil.
It can be argued that there is not a single stream of water in the world, not a single drop that has not been sanctified, spiritually fertilized by prayer, blessed and, consequently, which would not be life-giving and saving for people, animals, birds and the earth itself. If we always acted as the Church and the Word of God teach us, then the gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit would constantly pour out on us, then every spring would be for us a source of healing from bodily and mental ailments, every cup of water would serve as purification and enlightenment, “water of healing and peace”, holy water. But that doesn't happen. Water makes people sick, water becomes a dangerous, deadly and destructive element. Well, what about tap water - and holy water doesn’t help us! Are the prayers of the Church powerless?
When God intended to punish the first world with water, then He said to Noah: “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with evil deeds from them; and behold, I will destroy them from the earth... I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the spirit of life under the heavens; everything that is on earth will lose life” (Gen. 6, 13. 17). These words can be applied to our days. You shouldn’t be surprised that water doesn’t heal or bring benefits. What is surprising here, when the most important sacrament - the Eucharist, the reception of the Body and Blood of the Lord - serves many not for salvation, but for condemnation... “Whoever eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks condemnation for himself, without considering the Body of the Lord” ( 1 Cor. 11:29).
Miracles and healings still occur today. 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 race, the Savior said about his unbelieving contemporaries, seeks a sign; and no sign will be given to him.
In order for holy water to be beneficial, we will take care of the purity of the soul, the lightness of thoughts and deeds. And every time we touch holy water, we will offer this prayer in our minds and hearts.
Prayer for accepting prosphora and holy water
Lord my God, may Thy holy gift and Thy 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 my passions and infirmities, according to Thy infinite mercy through the prayers of the Holy One Your Mother and all Your saints. Amen.
From the book "What you need to know about holy water"
Question to the priest: