Why is it considered that at baptism the water in the tap is also baptized? Science has confirmed the miracle of Epiphany water. When holy water becomes Epiphany water in the tap.

It must be said right away that holy water becomes like this on the night of January 19th. No additional prayers are required, just believe. Although here it is immediately worth clarifying the fact that it is best to go to churches on the eve of Epiphany on January 18 in the evening. Solemn services are held there, after which the first rite of blessing of water is carried out. This water is already considered holy and healing, you can take it home.

But the question remains when to draw Epiphany water from the tap and whether it can be done. In general, in churches they say that after the ceremony of the great consecration of water, it becomes healing precisely on Epiphany Eve and precisely on Epiphany in all bodies of water and everywhere. That is, based on this logic, from the tap that night, ordinary tap water will also be healing. It has the unique properties of cleansing a person from his sins, healing the body and soul from ailments.

When to dial

When Epiphany water appears from the tap in the apartment - on the night of January 18-19. That is, it is on this night that all water is considered Epiphany. Epiphany falls on the same day every year in the Christian calendar. The holiday itself falls on the 19th, but the first consecration of water takes place on the evening of January 18th, and the transition from Christmas Eve to the holiday is the period when you need to get some water, even from the tap, if you really don’t have time to go to church.

On the other hand, clergy note that holy water from the tap is the path of least resistance. If a person believes in God, believes in the holiday of Epiphany and in the great blessing of water, then he should go to church for a service. If possible, you should first receive communion and confession. This does not have to be done on January 18 and 19; you can prepare for Epiphany in such a situation in advance.

Where else to get water

In addition to the fact that the water is blessed in the temple, already on Epiphany Eve the clergy go to open bodies of water: rivers, lakes and ponds. There, ice holes are made in the shape of a cross and the water is also blessed. This is called the action of the great consecration of water and you can swim in the ice hole: the water is considered sacred, and you can also collect this water. Because it is considered clean.

Interesting! In some regions of our country, ice holes are not just carved into the ice. If there is frost, and this is exactly what happens on Epiphany, then various holiday decorations are made from ice. Some carve chapels, domes and even real temples out of ice.

You can open the water tap to draw holy water from 18.00 on January 18 on Epiphany Eve. The clergy say that from now on you can get water from the church. During this period, the collected volume of water is already considered sanctified and is valid until the evening of January 19. On the morning of Epiphany, the second rite is performed, when the water is baptized and blessed. A supply of water collected on the 18th after 6 pm is also considered blessed. Even if the water was simply taken from the tap. The main thing is to do this with a pure soul and an open heart.

Important! Do not be upset if the time when you can collect Epiphany water during this holiday has been missed. Because during the entire holiday week you can go to the temple and get water there. This can be done on any of the seven days following Epiphany on January 19.

If water is simply drawn from a tap, then it is best to do it at night, from one o’clock in the morning, when the feast of Epiphany has already begun. This is what they write on some forums, although the opinion of the clergy is worth emphasizing once again: water can be collected as early as 6 pm on Epiphany Eve.

What to dial

The container in which the water will be collected is of great importance. If possible, this should be a glass vessel. Plastic bottles are also suitable, but it is better to buy such containers specifically at a church store. Although, people who are not inclined to believe in superstitions can simply put water in any cleaning bottle. The main thing then is to ensure proper storage, and for this the lid must be closed.

Important! Dishes left over from alcoholic drinks are definitely not suitable for these purposes.
Last year's water, if there is any left, should under no circumstances be simply poured down the drain. Housewives in Rus' usually watered the plant with it and added it to the laundry. It doesn’t matter that this is last year’s water, it is healing and has strong energy, so you also need to use it correctly.

In conclusion of this material, I would still like to note that collecting blessed water for Epiphany from the tap is an extreme option, when there is absolutely no possibility of going to church on this day. Therefore, try to get water in the temple. Moreover, this can be done from six o’clock in the evening on Epiphany Eve, then on Epiphany itself and another seven days after this holiday.

Immersion in an ice hole is a sacred rite. The Vodokanal of the northern capital simplified this action by consecrating the city’s tap water.

On the night of January 18-19, Orthodox believers celebrate one of the main holy holidays - the day of the Epiphany. Along with the holiday, a cleansing ritual also takes place. Another name for Epiphany is Holy Epiphany; it is one of the most ancient Christian holidays and is celebrated at the end of Christmastide. In 2016, Orthodox Epiphany falls on Tuesday. The Epiphany of the Lord, an event taken from the Gospel, is a Christian holiday. On this day John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During the ceremony, as the Gospel says, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. The bird said in a human voice: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” It is believed that the Son of God began to serve on our earth for the benefit of all mankind on this day. Signs of the past This holiday is often called the “Day of Spiritual Enlightenment” and the Feast of Lights. On this day, after the rite of Baptism, Christ gave a person who had fallen in sin the opportunity to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit. As you know, the baptism of people began in this way. Thousands of Orthodox Christians go to the nearest bodies of water. Most of the traditions have been lost, but the most famous of them and the signs of this day remain and are as important as in ancient times. On January 18, on the eve of Epiphany, Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve. On this day, believers adhere to strict fasting. It is necessary to prepare spiritually for the upcoming night of Epiphany. The main tradition of this day is the blessing of water and immersion in it. According to legend, the best time to bless water is the night of January 19th. At the same time, it is necessary to read prayers, asking the Lord for health, longevity and all the good things for yourself and your loved ones. Holy water supply On the night of January 18-19, all water in taps and reservoirs becomes holy. If you wash yourself with this water, the most terrible diseases disappear from a person. When washing yourself with water at night you should say: “Water from the street, water from me.” For example, in St. Petersburg, at the main water station on the eve of Epiphany, a procedure for the blessing of water will take place. This was reported by the press service of the water utility on the air of Radio Baltika. At the Southern and Northern water supply stations, the blessing of water will not be carried out, since they were built already in the atheistic Soviet era, when all Christian traditions were not supported. And the water blessed at the main station will flow from the taps of St. Petersburg residents today. The procedure for the blessing of water in St. Petersburg is a historical tradition. In 1901, a chapel was built on the territory of the station with donations from workers, but in the twenties of the last century the building was destroyed. The chapel was restored only in 2000, thanks to which the tradition of blessing water was revived. Representatives of Moskvodokanal reported that such events will not be organized in Moscow. Also today, many baths and hundreds of Jordans in the regions have been prepared for residents of the capitals. Other Baptism Traditions There are many beliefs about what is necessary or prohibited to do on the night of baptism. “Do not leave your shoes outside the threshold on Epiphany night, otherwise you will get sick.” “If there are problems in the house, take water at night, leave it open at the threshold, and in the morning wipe the shoes of each family member with this water. Then pour the water into the latrine with the words : “The evil spirit is underground, the good spirit is on the earth.” With the onset of Epiphany, people go to church for mass and the great blessing of water. And then they start the festive meal at home. January is the time of frost, so special ice holes are created on frozen reservoirs. They are called “Jordan” - in honor of the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. There is no need to treat swimming in an ice hole as entertainment. Diving into an ice hole for fun or doing it for company is strictly prohibited. This attitude towards the holiday is a sin. Before diving, a prayer is said and all holiday traditions must be observed throughout the day. Only such a bath will bring cleansing to the soul and body. Also, according to believers, swimming in an ice hole brings health and long life. Dreams Come True Epiphany water, or as it is also called “Epiphany water,” has long been considered holy. Throughout the year, she needs to sprinkle things, take it during illness, and give drink to those who were unable to receive communion for some reason. There is also a tradition of making wishes on the night of baptism; it is considered the most successful time for this. On the night of January 18-19, all dreams will be heard and fulfilled. All these signs are hundreds, and maybe thousands of years old. They arose after people observed natural phenomena, after which they compared and drew conclusions. As an example, some of them: “If on the day of Epiphany the weather is clear and cold, then expect a dry summer”; “If Epiphany night coincides with the full moon, spring floods are quite possible; “A starry Epiphany night foreshadows summer droughts, and if the wind blows from the south, the summer promises to be stormy.” “If the weather was clear on Epiphany, a lean year was expected. Orthodox Christians also consider baptism the best day to arrange a wedding. According to the old saying: “Epiphany handshake leads to a happy family.” There is also a belief that people baptized on January 19 will be happy all their lives. Fortune telling and dreams On Epiphany evening, the girls told fortunes about their betrothed: they put the rings in a bag of grain and, taking them out in turn, determined their fate. A copper ring promised a poor groom, a silver one - from a family with average income, a ring with a gem - a noble groom, and a gold one - from rich merchants. They also tested their fate in this way: when leaving the gate in the evening, they waited to see who would be the first to cross the path. Meeting a young guy was considered a good omen, and an old man was considered a bad omen. The dreams seen on Epiphany night did not stand aside either. All dreams that occurred during this period relate to the whole of life and destiny and can come true many years later. Sergei Vyazemsky

Epiphany water, which is brought into the house on Epiphany Eve and Epiphany, is considered special. It does not deteriorate for several years, maintaining its structure. This water is used for healing and the home is sprinkled with it. Epiphany water also helps in many other cases. Epiphany in 2019 will be soon, on the night of January 18-19. Let's find out in more detail what needs to be done for Epiphany, where and how to get water and how long you can store it. And this night.

History of Epiphany water

Baptism is celebrated by Orthodox Christians on January 19 and is considered one of the great church holidays established in memory of the day when Jesus Christ came to the Jordan River to John the Baptist to be baptized by him. A special feature of the holiday are two great blessings of water. One takes place on Christmas Eve (the evening before Epiphany) in the church.

Another is held on the day of the holiday in the open air, if possible - at a water source (river, lake, spring, spring). At the same time, if the water is frozen, an ice hole is hollowed out in it in advance. According to the church charter, this ritual is accompanied by the reading of prayers and the immersion of the cross in consecrated water three times, after which it is endowed with special healing powers. The word "baptize" or "baptize" is from the Greek "baptizo" meaning "to immerse."

This great Christian holiday has a double name; Epiphany is also called Epiphany. Because at the Baptism of the Lord the main event was the appearance of the Holy Trinity. God the Father testifies from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

God the Son is baptized according to His human nature; The Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove. This confirms faith in the Divine Trinity and faith in the Divinity of Jesus Christ.

Epiphany Christmas Eve - traditions and rituals

So, in the villages, on Epiphany, old women and girls collected snow from stacks.
Old women - in order to bleach canvas, it was believed that only this snow could make it snow-white.

And girls - to whiten their skin and become more beautiful. They believed that after washing herself with this snow, a girl becomes very attractive. In addition, according to legend, Epiphany snow could even store water in dry wells for the whole year.

Snow collected on Epiphany evening was considered healing and was used to treat various ailments.

A bowl of water was placed on the table to witness the Baptism of the Lord. At the same time they said: “at night the water itself ripples,” - this was a sign. If at midnight the water in the bowl really swayed, they ran to see the “open heavens” - whatever you pray to the open sky will come true.

Until the 5th century, it was customary to remember the birth and baptism of the Son of God on one day - January 6, and this holiday was called Theophany - Epiphany, which spoke of the incarnation of Christ into the world and the appearance of the Trinity in the waters of the Jordan. The celebration of the Nativity of Christ was moved to December 25 (according to the Julian calendar, or old style) later, in the 5th century.

This was the beginning of a new church phenomenon - Christmastide, ending with Vespers, or Christmas Eve, the feast of Epiphany.

The word evecherie means the eve of a church celebration, and the second name - Christmas Eve (or sochevnik) is associated with the tradition on this day of boiling a wheat broth with honey and raisins - sochivo.

Epiphany Christmas Eve is an evening of preparation before the great Orthodox holiday called Epiphany. This holiday of the Orthodox Church belongs to the twelfth. On this day, the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist (Baptist) in the Jordan River is remembered.

Due to the importance of the event that took place on the coming day in the life of Jesus Christ, the Church established a fast. This is where the tradition of cooking sochivo came from, which is not mandatory, but is so convenient that it has become a tradition everywhere.

Of course, these days not everyone has such an opportunity, but it is still necessary to observe fasting: “As we are nourished by God’s Grace, we will be freed from covetousness,” the Typikon tells us. Covetousness refers to everything that is consumed beyond need, and let everyone’s conscience be the criterion here.

Believers determine the extent of fasting individually, according to the strength and blessing of their confessor. On this day, as on Christmas Eve, they do not eat food until the candle is taken out after the Liturgy in the morning and the first communion of Epiphany water is taken.

Properties of Epiphany water and how to drink it

She eats it on an empty stomach, a spoonful at a time, a little at a time. The man stood up, crossed himself, asked the Lord for a blessing on the day that had begun, washed himself, prayed and accepted the great agiasma. If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then first take holy water, followed by the medicine.

And then breakfast and other things to do. Devotees of Christian piety call consecrated water the best cure for all spiritual and physical ailments. Often confessors “prescribe” Epiphany water to their sick children - a spoonful every hour, with faith, of course, but without faith, drink at least half a canister. You can wash the patient with it and sprinkle the bed with it. True, women are not blessed to take Epiphany water on critical days.

But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter. May Epiphany water help her!

There is a pious tradition of sprinkling your home with Epiphany water on this day while singing the troparion of Epiphany. Epiphany water is consumed on an empty stomach in small quantities all year round, usually together with a piece of prosphora “so that we can receive strength from God that supports health, heals illnesses, drives away demons and turns away all the slander of the enemy.”

At the same time the prayer is read:

“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 my passions and infirmities, according to Your boundless mercy through Your prayers Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen".

In case of illness or attacks by evil forces, you can and should drink water without hesitation at any time.

Is it necessary to add Epiphany water to the bath in which babies are bathed so that they do not get sick?

This is also one of the superstitions. Every person can get sick. And great saints suffered from physical illnesses. For example, the Monk Seraphim of Sarov could not straighten his back due to the injury he received. He was attacked by robbers and severely beaten.

Saint Matrona of Moscow was blind from birth until the end of her days. No one forbids giving holy Epiphany water to infants (it is still better to drink holy water), including during illness. But once again we need to remind you that the use of a shrine is not a mechanism, but an action that requires faith and hope

How to take a bath at Epiphany

This night, pour yourself with Epiphany water three times or take a bath. Between 0:10 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., fill the bathtub with cold tap water. Cross the water and yourself three times, read the prayer and hit the chest with the fist of your right hand three times to cause a body vibration that is in harmony with the vibrations of the water.

Then, without screaming or making noise, sit in the bath and plunge your head three times, hitting your chest each time.
Silently leave the bath (if someone else in your household wants to swim in Epiphany water, fill the bath with new water).

Do not dry yourself immediately; let the water absorb into the skin. At this time, perform self-massage or vigorously tap your fingers all over your body from head to toe. Then put on warm clothes, underwear, socks, everything new and always washed and ironed. Drink herbal tea with honey.

Is it possible to dilute Epiphany water?

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.

It is believed that holy water does not spoil, so there is no need to put it in the refrigerator. Orthodox Christians keep it in the Red Corner, next to the icons. In addition, a drop of shrine sanctifies the sea. You can take ordinary, unconsecrated water and add a drop of Epiphany water to it, and it will be completely sanctified.

When taking or receiving holy water, it is strictly forbidden to quarrel, swear, or indulge in unpious actions or thoughts. As a result, holy water loses its holiness and often simply spills.

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. With a reverent attitude, holy water does not spoil for many years. It should be stored in a separate place, preferably next to the home iconostasis.

When to collect Epiphany water

You can take water from the temple after the service; you can also bring your own water for consecration, but remember that it should be ordinary clean water, not mineral or carbonated.

If you decide to simply draw water from the tap, then you need to do this in the time period from 00.10. until 01.30. on the night of January 18th to 19th. You can store water later, but this is the best time.

Unfortunately, most of our people have a purely superstitious attitude towards Epiphany water. They take water as medicine and then try to heal with it.

• Firstly, it is better to collect water not thoughtlessly, but after you take part in a church service.
• Secondly, you need to pour it into a container without any markings. It’s better to put it in a special jug or flask purchased at a church store. And certainly not in a beer bottle!

Epiphany water is believed to have healing properties. You can drink it when you are sick on an empty stomach and wash your face to stay healthy.

True, you need to drink holy water with prayer, asking the Almighty for spiritual and physical health. And it is not at all necessary to take it in reserve, in cans. There should be a lot of faith, not water.

Where to get Epiphany water

It is believed that water collected at Epiphany midnight from any source (even from the tap) has healing properties. In modern language, Epiphany water is structured. If such water is stored away from human eyes and empty conversations - in a quiet and dark place - (believers keep it near the home iconostasis), then it retains its healing properties all year round.

Researchers believe that every year, starting from fifteen minutes past midnight on January 19, a person can draw water from the tap at any time during the day for subsequent storage and use as bioactive throughout the year.

How long is Epiphany water stored?

Epiphany water, stored in glass containers, can be used for a year or even. This is a very strong energy water, so drinking it constantly is not recommended. But if you are unwell, take it as a medicine, add it to the bath (from one teaspoon to one glass per bath), rinse your mouth, wash your face, spray your face, eyes, whole body - it is very useful.

I remind you: there is no need to dry yourself. To cleanse the home, Epiphany water is sprinkled in the corners of the rooms, and then a small part of the water is poured into a glass vessel, without closing the lid, and left in the room.

Do not leave your shoes outside the door on Epiphany night, otherwise you will get sick.

If there are problems in the house, draw water at night, leave it open at the doorstep, and in the morning wipe the shoes of each family member with this water. Then pour the water into the latrine with the words:
“The evil spirit is underground, the good spirit is on the earth.”

Epiphany water - scientific facts

Studies have shown that the optical density of Epiphany water is higher than water from the same sources on ordinary days. Moreover, it is close to the optical density of water from the Jordan River. Some scientists explain the healing properties of Epiphany water by the characteristics of the Earth's magnetic field. On this day it deviates from the norm and all the water on the planet becomes magnetized. What causes these changes is not yet fully understood.

Professor Anton Belsky, a Russian experimental physicist, once on the night of January 19, took water samples in plastic bottles from a nearby pond. They stood in his laboratory for many years. The water in them remained clear, odorless and sediment-free. At one of the scientific conferences, he told about this experiment to a professor he knew from the Research Institute of Nuclear Physics at Moscow State University, who was studying neutron fluxes from space and from the Earth.

He promised to look at his experimental data over recent years. Soon A. Belsky received very interesting information by e-mail. According to him, before January 19, intense bursts of neutron flux were recorded for a number of years, exceeding background levels by 100-200 times. There was no strict connection to January 19: the maximums fell on both the 18th and 17th, but sometimes exactly on the 19th.

Unique studies of Epiphany water taken from the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, carried out several years ago at the Moscow Institute of Information Wave Technologies, showed that the frequency spectrum of the Epiphany water radiation is similar to the electromagnetic radiation of healthy human organs. That is, it turned out that the Epiphany church water contains a certain information program in the form of an ordered set of healthy frequencies of the human body.

If the healing properties of Epiphany water in church are known to everyone, then few people know that ordinary tap water on Epiphany night can also become bioactive and then retain its special qualities not only for a whole year, but much longer.

It turns out that tap water annually on January 19 changes its structure many times over the course of a day and a half.

The studies carried out included measurements of the biofield of water, acid-base balance, hydrogen potential, specific electrical conductivity, as well as the result of its impact on humans during internal and external use (using gas-discharge visualization methods, dowsing, laboratory studies).

To do this, starting from the evening of January 18, samples of water flowing from the tap were taken at short intervals and measurements were taken. For control purposes, samples were left in storage for a long time.

Specialists of the drinking water supply laboratory of the Institute named after. Sysina also conducted serious scientific research. As Candidate of Technical Sciences Anatoly STEKHIN said, the main task was to record the phase of transition of water into an unusual state; for this, they began to monitor the water from January 15. The water collected from the tap was settled and the amount of radical ions in it was measured.

During the study, the number of radical ions in water increased from January 17th. At the same time, the water became softer, its pH value (pH level) increased, which made the liquid less acidic. The water reached its peak activity on January 18th, in the evening. Due to the large number of radical ions, its electrical conductivity was really like that of an artificially created catholyte (water saturated with electrons). At the same time, the pH value of water jumped over neutral (7 pH) by 1.5 points.

The degree of structure of Epiphany water was also studied. The researchers froze several samples - from a tap, from a church spring, from the Moscow River.

So, even tap water, which is usually far from ideal, when frozen, presented a harmonious spectacle under a microscope. The curve of electromagnetic activity of water began to decline in the morning of January 19 and by the 20th it had taken its usual form.

Scientists believe that the reason for such a sharp increase in the electromagnetic activity of water at Epiphany was a large accumulation of radical ions in the Earth’s lithosphere. On normal days, the amount of energy in the water varies depending on the time of day.

From 7 pm to 9 am the water is most active (but not to the same extent as Epiphany). This is the best time to wash your face and stock up on household needs. When the sun rises, a large number of radical ions “fly away” from the water into the upper layers of the atmosphere.

Such channels through which energy “escapes” from us are all vortex processes in the atmosphere. It is not without reason that many people feel worse during cyclone activity. We simply don't have enough aquatic electromagnetic energy. But the most extreme phenomenon, which literally devastates the Earth energetically, is an earthquake.

As for the three Epiphany days, this, according to Stekhin, is an “anomalous” period when an anticyclone always dominates on Earth. And the electrons, obeying some kind of cosmic influence, quietly “sit” in the lithosphere and water and saturate us with healing powers. The only explanation for this can be a special redistribution of the poles of the magnetic field that exists between the Sun and the Earth. It is the cosmic forces that hold the energy on Earth during Baptism.

Doctor of Sciences, professor of the Faculty of Biology of Moscow State University Vladimir VOEYKOV believes that water is affected by all kinds of magnetic and neutron storms. In particular, scientists have proven that the properties of water are greatly changed by a solar eclipse.

And everywhere, regardless of the degree of darkness in one or another part of the globe. As for the processes that affect water at Epiphany, they have not yet been fully studied. Perhaps during this period there really is a restructuring of interplanetary magnetic fields and the electrons of water are somehow “magnetized” to the Earth. But this is just a hypothesis.

The phenomenon of Epiphany water has not been fully studied, and researchers, it seems, will not soon be able to unravel its secret. Epiphany water has not undergone scientific research, which is used for medicinal products, and there are no medical reports on the properties of Epiphany water yet. But there is centuries-old experience of a huge number of people. And, probably, it is not so important what heals - water or a person’s firm belief that it will help him

18.01.2013 15:05 4 (11617)

Despite the Ural cold, there will most likely be many Chelyabinsk residents who want to test themselves in the Epiphany font. Every year, festive swimming in an ice hole wins more and more adherents. After this ritual, people traditionally go to the temple for holy water.

Epiphany is one of the main holidays of the Orthodox Church. Takes place on January 19th. The day before, January 18, is the day of the Eve of the Epiphany, or Epiphany Christmas Eve.

The word “forever” means the eve of a church celebration, the second name - “Christmas Eve” - is associated with the tradition on this day of boiling a wheat broth with honey and raisins - juicy.

On Christmas Eve, after the liturgy, the great consecration of water takes place in churches. The second great consecration of water takes place on January 19, the feast of the Epiphany. If there is a body of water near the temple, the priests bless the water in it too.

The main thing in the feast of the Epiphany is the Epiphany, the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. On this day, Christians go to worship, confess and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Swimming in Jordan is a good folk custom, which is not a church sacrament and does not wash away the sins accumulated over the year.

How to properly use the shrine? Is it true that consecrated water spoils for notorious sinners? Why should unused water be thrown onto the wall of the house? We are talking about this with the cleric of the Holy Trinity Church, Priest Georgy Prosvirnin.

Father George, people say that on Epiphany night all water is blessed. So does the water in our taps also become holy?
- Such reasoning is one of the ways to move away from the church. The water over which a special prayer is performed is sanctified and becomes holy. Of course, in order to go to the temple, you have to work hard. During the service you have to pray, it’s hard to stand, and there are a lot of people. And how good it is to come up with an excuse: on Epiphany night all the water is holy - get as much as you want from the tap, and you don’t have to go to church. Grandmothers sometimes still do this: at Epiphany they open the window, put a jar of water next to it and read prayers. But we do not condemn such people. Yes, a person is mistaken, but he sincerely believes that on this day the Lord was baptized and sanctified all the water. Such a pious story is known. An old woman came to the church and asked the deacon for holy water. But the deacon cannot consecrate, so he brought her ordinary water with the words: “According to your faith, be it done to you.” Grandma drank some water and was healed. We know an incident from the life of the holy righteous John of Kronstadt. One day he came to visit, and it was a fast day, but they gave him chicken. To his question: “What is this?” They answered: “Fish, father.” He ate, and when they looked at his plate, there were fish bones there.

Today it is fashionable to plunge into the baptismal font. Even if a person does not go to church, on a holiday he considers it his duty to swim in a frosty hole. How do you feel about this?
- And what's wrong with that? Agree that it is useful to harden yourself. And the water is cleaner in winter. The main thing is not to harm your health. Health is a gift from God.
If a person goes to the font with the thought that the Lord was baptized on that day, that’s also not bad. This means he already believes in Jesus Christ. Another thing is that his faith is weak. But it needs to increase. This year he will take a swim in Jordan and not get sick, and then he will decide to thank God - he will go to church and light a candle. Everything happens gradually. Only saints could immediately fulfill all Christian laws. For example, Seraphim of Sarov.

Before diving into the Jordan, should you pray? And what if a person does not know a single prayer?
- It is never a sin to pray. And the fact that our people don’t know prayer is a myth. “Of all the prayers that I know, when I sing or read aloud, the prayer that breathes with wondrous power is: “Lord, have mercy!” Tell me, who doesn’t know these words? And this is an abbreviated Jesus Prayer.

A drop of the sea sanctifies

Father George, how much holy water should you take in church? Some townspeople come to the church with canisters. Is this pious?
- But they don’t ride horses. They won’t take more than they can hold in their hands. It’s clear that a drop sanctifies the sea. Therefore, it is customary to add small amounts of holy water to a kettle or other container with ordinary water. There is also such a pious tradition: for example, while preparing cabbage soup, they add a spoonful of holy water. They say it makes good soup.

There is an opinion that water blessed on the eve of the holiday, January 18, has special power and healing properties. It is called Epiphany. Is it really different from the Epiphany church, consecrated on January 19?
- It's a delusion. The rite of blessing water on Epiphany Eve and directly on the holiday is the same, therefore the power of grace is the same. This water is called Agiasma, which translated from Greek means “Great Shrine”.

What to do with holy water after it has been brought home from the temple?
- Previously, there was a pious tradition of inviting a priest home to sprinkle the home with holy water. Now residents of a million-plus city do not have such an opportunity. But upon returning from the temple, believers usually sprinkle the apartment themselves. First, they stand in front of the icons, light a candle or lamp, and read prayers - the Trisagion, “Our Father.” Then, with the singing of the troparion or with the prayers “Lord, have mercy!”, “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” they sprinkle holy water on the place where the icons stand, all the corners, windows, doors. As people say, this is done in order to drive away demons and protect the house from evil. In general, holy water is sprinkled so that the house becomes blessed. But do not confuse sprinkling with holy water with the consecration of a home - this rite can only be performed by a priest.

Take care of the shrine

How to use the shrine?
- You can take holy water every day. Every holy thing is consumed on an empty stomach, before meals, after prayer. And then - work for the glory of God.

How to store holy water?
- This requires special utensils. For example, you can use food-grade plastic jars. It is best to place it in the corner where the icons are located. The shrine is kept next to the shrine. You can place it in a sideboard with holiday dishes or in a closet next to food, with an icon on top. And be sure to put the “Holy Water” label on it.

For some, holy water is stored for several years, while for others it quickly deteriorates. They say that the latter sin too much. Is it true?
- Often water spoils due to the fact that the container for storing it is of poor quality. For example, they used to pickle cucumbers in it or close the jar with an old, dirty plastic lid. Secondly, once you have filled the container with water, you cannot drink from it. Pour holy water into a mug and drink to your health. Do not pour unfinished water back into the jar. And then the water will stand for at least ten years. Do not pour the remaining holy water into public places to avoid trampling on the shrine. It can be poured into a spring, into a river, or into places where no human foot can go: for example, splash it on the wall of a house, it will evaporate, or on a tree.

If, indeed, holy water comes from the tap at Epiphany, how many minutes does it last and is it possible to collect this water as holy for its further use throughout the year? After all, if the water in the tap could be sanctified by itself, then what would be the point for priests to conduct the rites of the Great Blessing of water on Christmas Eve and Epiphany?

You need to understand that the clergy on Christmas Eve on January 18, as well as on the day of Epiphany itself on January 19, performs a special prayer service for the blessing of water not only in churches, but also in reservoirs throughout the world.

About the Lord's miracle

Of course, the Lord God is omnipotent and he has the power to perform miracles if believers pray and ask for it. For example, there are known cases when venerable righteous people and believers were given communion by angels in the desert. However, this does not mean that you need to wait for your angels while sitting in your apartment for Epiphany. Fortunately, many churches are open today and it is possible to go there in the morning, afternoon or evening to join the beautiful, bright and great holiday.

There was a time, unfortunately, in the recent history of our country when it was impossible to sanctify water in temples. Because temples and faith were considered illegal. Believers simply went to the source and collected water, which they believed was sanctified through their faith and prayer. But today you don’t have to collect holy water from the tap for Epiphany (how many minutes you wait for it is not so important), because there is an amazing opportunity to go to the temple - to the house of the Lord on earth.

The prescribed rite of consecration

Of course, the Lord God performs miracles for the salvation of a person’s soul. Therefore, water that is not even blessed in church can be blessed by the Lord if a person is a true Christian and believes in a miracle.

But every believer must remember that there is a commandment that you should not tempt the Lord God. Holy water is distributed not only on Christmas Eve and on the day of Epiphany itself, but then for many days after the holiday. That is, modern people do not need to collect water from the tap at all, because it can be obtained for free in the temple. In honor of the holiday, you can do it.

So, holy water from the tap for Epiphany, how many minutes does it take? There is no church rule here, but among the people, before the revolution, people always went to the temple to get water there. Holy water is an important holy attribute of the Epiphany holiday. On this great holiday, a person must go to the temple to show his faith, his repentance. Why sit at night at a tap that is used during the day for domestic purposes when you can go to church.

There, in the house of the Lord on earth, take home