Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Mikhail Kurik
Every year on January 19, people line up near churches to get Epiphany water, and the bravest ones rush to swim in the ice hole. After all, it has long been believed that this water is healing. Both the clergy and simple people. And more recently, scientists too!
Physicists and chemists in different countries conducted experiments and found out: the structure of holy Epiphany water is many times more harmonious than on an ordinary day, and its energy and beneficial features simply unique.
Ukrainian experiments on volunteers
At the Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Mikhail Kurik has been conducting his research on Epiphany water for about 9 years. In the scientist’s laboratory there are dozens of bottles of water, dated from the end of December-January different years. Epiphany water long years remains transparent, odorless and almost without sediment.
– As a scientist, I was primarily interested in the fact itself - what Epiphany water represents from the point of view of physics. Patriarch Filaret blessed our research, specially allocated a hieromonk, a graduate student of the Theological Academy, to help, and we plunged into work,” Mikhail Vasilyevich tells BLIK.
One of the experiments was carried out over five years on several volunteers, with the participation of an employee of the Institute of Human Ecology, Viktor Zhukov. The experimental subjects drank 150 ml of water in small sips, and after 30 minutes the condition of their body was measured using the electropuncture diagnostic method. For the experiment, water samples were taken from the same church well. One water sample was taken in December - early January; the other - on the morning of January 19th.
“In experiments with water collected from a church well at the end of December - beginning of January, no effect on the subject’s body was found,” says Mikhail Vasilyevich. – The electrical conductivity values did not differ in any way before and after the subject drank water. But the effect of drinking water collected on January 19 from the same church well always made itself felt with an abrupt effect - a sharp increase in bioenergetic activity in all subjects. We came to the conclusion that Epiphany water improves and equalizes the circulation of energy, enhances human energy, which has a beneficial effect on human health, and unblocks “stuck” energy.
Perfect crystals
What happens to water on the physical level? You probably know that frozen water has a crystalline structure. So, scientists took different types of water, froze it and looked at it under a microscope. Tap water crystals looked like ugly monsters, water from an ordinary river or lake looked almost the same. But the crystals of the water over which prayers were read, and especially Epiphany holy water, are perfect shape symmetrical crystals. And it conveys its harmony to people who drink it or plunge into the Epiphany ice hole.
By the way, the famous Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto came to the conclusion that any water “hears”, perceives and absorbs information: if it plays music, speaks good words, read prayers, then its structure becomes more harmonious and cleaner.
Ukrainian scientist Mikhail Couric also examined water not only from church springs, but also from lakes, regular bottled water, and tap water.
– All our experiments have shown that any water collected on the morning of January 19 is subject to the “Epiphany” phenomenon - that is, it has increased energy.
And specialists from the drinking water supply laboratory of the Moscow Institute named after. Sysin began monitoring the water on January 15th. The water collected from the tap was settled, and then the amount of radical ions in it was measured. During the study, the number of radical ions in water began to rise from January 17th. At the same time, the water became softer, its pH value increased, which made the liquid less acidic. The water reached its peak activity on January 18th, in the evening. Because of large quantities radical ions, its electrical conductivity was really like that of water saturated with electrons. At the same time, the pH value of water jumped over neutral by 1.5 points. The researchers also studied the degree of structure of Epiphany water. They froze several samples - from a tap, from a church spring, from a 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 decrease in the morning of January 19 and by 20 it had taken its usual form.
Water is “charged” by space
To understand why water becomes bioactive at Epiphany, scientist Mikhail Kurik decided to go further. He began collecting water samples from December 22, the day of the winter solstice, in order to more accurately trace why and how the water changes its structure on January 18–19.
And he came to the conclusion that the properties of water are influenced by the energy fields of the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, the fields of the planets of the solar system, and various cosmic radiations.
“Everything is explained by the laws of nature,” says Mikhail Vasilyevich. – Every year on January 19th the Earth together with solar system in Space it passes through rays of special irradiation, as a result of which all life on Earth comes to life, including the increase in the bioenergy of all the waters of the Earth. It is on January 18–19 that water receives additional energy due to changes in the gravitational field in galactic space. For what? It's simple! After all, spring is approaching, and all living things need energy to be born again.
But according to the results of research by Russian physicist Anton Belsky, in space before January 19 whole line years, intense bursts of neutron flux were recorded, exceeding background levels by 100-200 times. The maximums occurred on both the 18th and 17th, but sometimes exactly on the 19th.
The energy channel structures water
Astrologers also adhere to the “cosmic” theory of the origin of Epiphany water.
– On this day, the water becomes clean and carries a charge of holiness and rejuvenation. And this is not just like that,” says Pavel Mikhlin, candidate of technical sciences, astrologer.
It is believed that the Sun, Earth, and the center of the galaxy are located in such a way that on January 18–19, a line of communication opens between our planet and the center of the galaxy, and everything begins to interact. The Earth falls under an energy channel that structures everything, in particular water on Earth. In addition, it is usually frosty at Epiphany, and frozen water absorbs and “preserves” positive energy during services and prayers. And during consecration, people themselves charge the water with their positive energy, because they really believe that the water should become healing and consecrated.
By the way
Many people ask: if a person is 70% water, can our bodies be cleansed of all bad things on Epiphany night and immediately cured of all diseases? But no, this is impossible, the churchmen say.
– After all, there is nothing automatic in religion. A person consists not only of water and protein - a body, he also has a soul, says Abbot Evstratiy. “You can’t just cleanse your soul that way.” You can lie in holy water all day long, but you will not become a saint. To cleanse the soul, you need to live and pray righteously. And holy water is just a blessing for this.
How to use holy water
Often we ourselves do not know how to use holy water, although we literally collect it in the church in liters. But this is not necessary. Hegumen Evstratiy, press secretary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, told BLIK about these subtleties and some secrets.
They drink holy water during illness and every day on an empty stomach a little - 60-100 grams.
They store it in a glass vessel near the icons so that light does not enter.
You can enhance the effect of water by reading a prayer over it, for example - “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Holy water cannot be used for household purposes - washing dishes, making tea, cooking something, or even taking a bath from it. After all, it can’t go down the drain.
It is not necessary to take consecrated “temple” water; you can bring your own water for consecration – even tap water.
It is advisable to take clean and high-quality water for consecration, because physical dirt will not go anywhere.
Blessed water can be diluted with regular water; such water acquires the qualities of holy water. You shouldn't bring soda, mineral water, it’s better to take the regular one.
Epiphany water You can sprinkle your home.
The water stood for three years
Usually Epiphany water is stored for a year until the next Epiphany. But few people know that such water can last longer - three or even ten years.
“My Epiphany water stood for three years and did not spoil or bloom,” says Father Barsanuphius, treasurer of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. “I collected it from our holy spring of Anthony.” After I drank it, I felt a surge of strength all day and felt blessed. I know that scientists came and even collected water for experiments from the source of St. Anthony. After all, studies have shown that the optical density of Epiphany water is higher than water from the same sources in common days. Moreover, it is close to the optical density of water from the Jordan River.
But Abbot Evstratiy, press secretary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, told BLIK that he knows of a case when Epiphany water stood for 10 years and did not spoil!
Epiphany magic will preserve beauty and fulfill wishes
The main thing is to remember the dream
Everyone knows about Epiphany fortune-telling. But even ordinary dreams on the night of Epiphany are “letters from the future.” Before you fall asleep, you need to ask a question about your destiny that interests you most. Single girls In the old days, they put a comb or the king of diamonds under the pillow and asked for the betrothed to appear in a dream. Spend the evening before as calmly as possible, go to bed early, and on the morning of the 19th wake up without the alarm ringing. In this case, there is a greater chance of seeing a prophetic dream and not forgetting it right away. They say that your sleep will be brighter and remembered better if you eat something salty at night, but do not drink water. Place a pen and notepad next to your bed, and when you wake up, immediately write down your dream or tell it to someone right away - this way you’ll have a better chance of remembering it.
The most cherished
It is believed that the night from the 18th to the 19th - perfect time to make your deepest wishes. It is believed that at this time the sky hears best what people ask for, and requests are fulfilled. There is only one main condition: you need to make wishes with a pure soul. And only good ones! Before asking for anything for yourself or your loved ones, it is better to first at least mentally ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt over the year, whom you have harmed, even if reluctantly. And also - thank God for all the good things in life. And only after that, with an open heart, make wishes. How? Even just by going out onto the balcony and looking at the sky! You can write 12 wish notes and put them under your pillow. And when you wake up in the morning, pull out three of them. They will definitely come true.
Wrinkle-free all year
Here is some advice for ladies who want to maintain their youth for a long time. Early in the morning of December 19, pour Epiphany water into a bowl and look at your reflection. You need to examine yourself very carefully, noticing wrinkles and flaws, and then wash your face with your hands three times. Water the flowers with the remaining water. The effect will increase if the water comes from a river, where the woman herself goes to get it early in the morning. But, if you believe that during Epiphany all water gains strength, ordinary water left overnight under the sky may also be suitable. They say that after such a magical procedure, your face will be fresh and attractive all year round.
Read a book about Epiphany water:
Why is holy water used to consecrate temples, houses and vital objects? How does Epiphany water differ from the water blessed at the water prayer service, and from the water in holy springs, springs and wells? How are prosphora consecrated and what is the difference between antidor and artos?
And finally, what is the significance of these shrines in the life of an Orthodox believer and how should they be treated?
You will find the answer to all these questions in this book.
See also section books Nature's Pantry- there are interesting publications about water and its properties.
| | On: 01/10/2014 | Heading: NewsJanuary 19 marks one of the oldest and most revered holidays in the Orthodox Christian Church - Epiphany. It was on this day that John the Baptist baptized Jesus who came from Nazareth in the Jordan, after which Christ began to enlighten people. As all four Gospels testify, on this day God comes into the world to show people the Light. Therefore, another name for this holiday is Epiphany.
It is believed that on Epiphany night the Spirit of God sanctifies the water in all reservoirs, and swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany allows one to be cleansed of all sins. These days, the Blessing of Water takes place - on the eve of January 18, Epiphany Eve, the blessing of water in churches is carried out. January 19, after the morning Liturgy, in reservoirs.
And here I personally have questions: if the Spirit of God himself has ALREADY sanctified the water in rivers and lakes, then why do the priests do this again during the procession of the Cross? If on this day ALL water becomes holy, then can we consider that holy water simply flows from the tap?
This year I decided to conduct an experiment. From childhood, despite the fact that my parents were non-believers, I firmly knew that there should always be holy water at home. And that on the day of Epiphany you need to sprinkle holy water on all the corners in the house so that peace and prosperity reign in it. And that you definitely need to drink 3 sips of holy water collected that day in the church. All this will protect you from illnesses and cleanse your soul for the whole year.
Of course, swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany is not for me, because I have never been a walrus, but I definitely collect holy water in church. And I drink 3 sips, and sprinkle the corners, the cat, the dog.
Does holy water help or harm?
Does it help? Maybe. Because I have peace and tranquility in my house, and my indifference to my own health has not had any particularly terrible consequences so far. Well, I always have holy water at home. It lasts until next year, and sometimes several years.
Harmful? In no case! Well, what are a few drops of water on the floor and walls?! Additional humidification of air dried out by heating. No, theoretically, of course, this could cause harm. For example, if you sprinkle holy water on exposed wires (SC) or pour water into a cat’s ear (otitis media).
So, let’s return to our sheep, that is, to the water. Since I am Lazy, why not look for a way to make my life easier: After all, if holy water flows from the tap on this day, then why go to church for it?
Therefore, the experiment will be as follows: I will take water into 3 identical containers. One will contain tap water collected on Epiphany Day, January 19th. In the second - water from the same tap, but collected a day or two before or after, in the third - holy water from the church. And if the weather is good on this day, perhaps there will be a fourth container with water from the river, which will be blessed. I’m really interested in how long the water will last in each jar, what about you?
P.S. The experiment was carried out, see the results.
On January 19, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord. Otherwise, this holiday is called the Epiphany, since at this moment the manifestation of the Fullness of the Divinity took place - the appearance of all the Persons of the Holy Trinity: the Father, who testified with a voice from Heaven about the Son, the Son who received Baptism, and the Holy Spirit, who descended on the Son in the form of a dove.
Since the New Testament Baptism took place in the waters of the Jordan River, this holiday is closely associated with the symbolism of water and purification. It is no coincidence that in Russia, whose climate is very different from the climate of Palestine, on Epiphany thousands of believers, and not only believers, swim in ice holes. It is believed that on the night of Epiphany, all water, both in ponds and rivers, and even from the tap, becomes holy, baptismal.
What the Orthodox Church says
Epiphany water in Greek is called “Great Agiasma” (“shrine”). This water, the church teaches, provides healing for mental and physical ailments, extinguishes the flames of passions, and drives away evil forces. Therefore, baptismal water is sprinkled on the home and every thing that is consecrated. Saint John Chrysostom, who lived in the 4th century, said that holy water remains incorruptible for many years, is fresh, pure and pleasant, as if it had only been drawn from a living source a minute ago.
Many saints, in response to requests for healing, sent the sick a bottle of Epiphany water, or simply advised prayerfully, reverently, to drink such water every day.
Attitude to Epiphany water Orthodox people special. For example, it is not customary to pour holy water where it can be trampled under foot, and if for some reason the need to pour out Epiphany water arises, then this should be done somewhere in the garden, at the roots of a tree, or in a flower bed. Epiphany water should be stored next to the images, and drunk in the morning, on an empty stomach, after reading the morning prayers.
It is also believed that if you dilute ordinary water with Epiphany water, then the entire liquid will become holy.
What Science Says
Scientists, even non-believers, in general, have never denied such a property of Epiphany water as the ability to remain fresh for a long time. Is it strange if this water is taken during the coldest period of the year, when the activity of microorganisms is zero? In addition, when consecrating water, a silver cross is immersed in a vessel, but everyone knows that silver ions destroy microorganisms.
However, it recently became clear that the properties of Epiphany water are not limited to this.
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 has not yet been studied.
Russian experimental physicist Professor A. Belsky conducted the following experiment: on the night of January 19, he took water samples from a nearby pond. Polyethylene bottles with samples stood in his laboratory for several years. The water in them remained clear, odorless and sediment-free.
At a scientific conference, Belsky told about this 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 became interested and promised to look at the experimental data of his laboratory over recent years.
So, according to these data, before January 19, bursts of neutron flux were regularly recorded, 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.
Specialists of the drinking water supply laboratory of the Institute named after. Sysin was also held Scientific research properties of Epiphany water. As A. Stekhin, Candidate of Technical Sciences, said, the goal of the experiment was to record the phase of transition of water to an unusual state; for this purpose, water began to be monitored from January 15th. Tap water was settled and the amount of radical ions in it was measured. The number of radical ions began to increase from January 17th.
At the same time, the pH value (pH level) increased, making the water less acidic. On January 18th, in the evening, the changes reached their peak of activity. Due to the large number of radical ions, the electrical conductivity of the water was like that of an artificially created catholyte (water saturated with electrons). At the same time, the pH value of water jumped over neutral (7pH) by 1.5 points.
However, it is necessary to warn that links to scientific publications Professor A. Belsky and Candidate of Technical Sciences A. Stekhin are either not there at all, or there are so few of them that no one can detect them.
What do neopagans think?
But astrologers and followers of various mystical practices devote a lot of space to the properties of Epiphany water.
They claim that on the night of January 19, the Sun, Earth, as well as the center of the Galaxy are positioned in such a way that a line of communication opens between the heart of our planet and the center of the Galaxy. At this time, a special energy channel operates, which structures everything that falls into it. Water on Earth and everything made from it undergoes this structuring.
Followers of the teaching, which they call the “Slavic Vedas,” believe that the name “Epiphany water” does not come from the word “baptism,” but from the name of the ancient Slavic deity Khors. And the word “water” comes from the word “Veda”. This is the water, “Khorsa Knowing”. And the followers of this teaching offer to swim at baptism not in ice holes cut in the shape of a cross, but in open reservoirs and ice holes.
For Christians, the experiments of scientists and the speculations of mystics are unnecessary. They know that water is sanctified by the Grace of God, and they believe in its power and healing properties.
When we come to a festive church service, we first of all go to meet God, to meet the joy that, in theory, we should share at this hour with loved ones and those around us. But does this happen in our real life? Soon the feast of Epiphany will come and we will be jostling in queues for Epiphany water (to get it as quickly as possible), plunging into all sorts of ice holes, but why? Just because we're used to it?
Everything we do must have some meaning, otherwise it is wasted work.
And, unfortunately, traditions, which initially had a beneficial meaning, in this regard take on an entertaining connotation. Let's try to figure out what's what. For answers to the most common questions about Epiphany water, we turned to priest Dimitry Baritsky.
Epiphany and Epiphany water
People often ask:
“Which water is stronger - Epiphany or Epiphany?”
Here you need to understand that we are not talking about different water, differing in their properties.
“Epiphany” water is the one that is consecrated on the eve of the holiday on Christmas Eve, and “Epiphany” water is consecrated on the day of the holiday itself.
But in a single sense and understanding, this is the Great Agiasma (great shrine).
So to the question
“What kind of Epiphany water?”
we can safely answer that all the water consecrated on the feast of the Epiphany (Epiphany) is baptismal.
“When does the water become baptismal?”
We begin to celebrate Epiphany on the 18th. Then the first consecration of water takes place. That is, water that is blessed in the morning is already considered baptismal. Then the water is also blessed on the 19th, directly on the feast of Epiphany itself. And she is also baptized. In general, this is the same water.
As legend says, on this day the entire water element is sanctified.
There is some symbolic moment in this, connected with the fact that the Spirit of God descended onto the water. It is clear that He does not descend on any individual container of water, but He descends on the entire element at once.
Epiphany water is called the Great Agiasma, that is, the great shrine, since this is the most important and final consecration of water.”
“When should I go for Epiphany water?”
As mentioned above, water can be collected both on Christmas Eve and on the feast of Epiphany itself. However, it is important not just to draw water, but to become, as it were, an accomplice in its consecration, an accomplice in universal prayer.
Epiphany water does not turn into something else, it does not become some kind of “magic substance” that will instantly change a person’s life and cleanse him of all sins. No, that's not true.
We have important sacraments of the Church, such as repentance and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, which should not be forgotten.
It is not important when to draw baptismal water, but with what intentions, with what heart you approach the temple and perform certain actions. After all, if you don’t make any effort, even the desire to understand the meaning, then you can devalue anything in this way, even the Great Agiasma.
“What is the difference between Epiphany water and holy water?”
There is no device capable of distinguishing Epiphany water from holy water in degrees of holiness.
Epiphany water occupies a special place in, let’s say, ritual life. Simply by the fact that this water is sanctified only two days a year, it stands out in a special way, is considered separate and is not equated with holy water. But there are no parameters by which one could determine why Epiphany water is better than holy water, what are the differences. This is the same holy water, only it is dedicated to a specific holiday.
Just as there is a prosphora of the Lamb (it is from this prosphora that the priest cuts out the Lamb - a rectangular particle that will become the Body of Christ during the Liturgy), but it is not in itself the Body of Christ - it is also the same prosphora that we eat.
“When can you drink Epiphany water?”
According to tradition, it is believed that Epiphany water is drunk on an empty stomach, while holy water can be drunk in the morning and evening, before and after meals.
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 infinite mercy through Your prayers Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen".
“How to drink Epiphany water?”
The first rule is with reverence and prayer. We say on an empty stomach, I think this is a recommendation of the same kind as why we take communion on an empty stomach. We must understand that this is not an absolute rule and it does not apply to all cases of life. That is, a person who is sick, for example, with diabetes, can take pills in the morning, drink tea, and eat bread, and then go to communion.
In the same way, a person can take holy water, even the Great Agiasma, without an empty stomach, if some special conditions have arisen.
But, in general, this is a tribute to pious tradition - to consume it on an empty stomach, before tasting something else.
Sometimes people, for some reason, do not drink holy water or are afraid to put jars of water on the floor, because they believe that they might somehow desecrate the Great Agiasma. But we sanctify apartments with this water, with everything that is in it, and it never occurs to us that something could desecrate it in this case. And therefore, even despite the fact that pious tradition says that it is better on an empty stomach, you can drink on some other days and in some other situations not only in the morning, but also during the day and in the evening.
Eating something sacred is not just a mechanical action, it requires faith and hope in God.
What can you do with Epiphany water?
“How to use Epiphany water at home?”
In addition to drinking water, according to tradition, on the feast of Epiphany they consecrate (sprinkle) their home with it. You can also consecrate any thing while reading the prayers prescribed for a layperson.
“How to sanctify with baptismal water?”
“It is clear that a person can perform any consecration independently. Just take a sprinkle or a tail from a rosary, holy water.
You need to moisten the brush in holy water and, with the prayer “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” sprinkle the room with it in a cross shape.
In the evening prayer rule we have the prayer “May God rise again...”; you can perform consecration by saying this prayer.
There is also a prayer for the sanctification of every thing. It is also in prayer books, and can also be found on the Internet. So, you can read this prayer, and then sprinkle the thing you are consecrating in the same way with a cross.”
“How to sanctify an apartment with Epiphany water?”
“There is a special prayer for the consecration of a home: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. By sprinkling this sacred water, all evil demonic action will be put to flight. Amen".
But again, the most important thing is to do everything with reverence and faith.”
Water on Epiphany night
“Is it possible to heat a bathhouse with Epiphany water?”
“It is possible and necessary! There is no such thing as too much holiness. On the contrary, we need it faster
take it and use it, because tomorrow there will be nowhere to get it.”
“Is it possible to swim in Epiphany water?”
“Of course it is possible, but it is very important with what motivation and what attitude we do it. It is clear that if we take this water and begin to somehow desecrate it, precisely by our behavior, then this will not be good, if it is used for cooking, or for a bath, or bathing, then this is wonderful. In this case, water should become a kind of symbol of internal cleansing. That is, it cleanses the body, but symbolizes the cleansing of the soul.”
Properties of Epiphany water
“Why has the Epiphany water spoiled/turned green?”
In our country, for example, Epiphany water lasts for a whole year and does not spoil. For many people, it lasts for a very long time, while other water would have spoiled long ago. And therefore, a certain pattern can be deduced here, that perhaps this is happening due to the human condition. Perhaps he should think about how he lives, in case he uses this water for other purposes. For example, people often use this water for some magical rituals. Maybe the Lord is thereby showing the person that he is doing something wrong.
But if the holy water has spoiled, then you need to take it and pour it into some clean place under a tree, into a flower, into a river. And you can continue to use the bottle.”
“Does Epiphany water help you get pregnant?”
“Faith helps, and water acts as a kind of symbol, because we are material beings and we need some kind of created symbols. And water, earth, oil are created symbols. That is, we should approach it this way. And if a person drinks water, smears himself with this water, and so on, then why not.
I had an incident at my parish. The grandmother was the only one who really complained about herself for giving the cat baptismal water. And she gave it because the cat was sick. But as soon as she drinks, she feels better and gets better, but as soon as she stops drinking, her condition worsens.
In fact, the Lord helps animals through this holy water; in the missals there is an order for sprinkling cattle with holy water.
The same thing with Epiphany water. We can use it for pious purposes. Helping an animal is a pious goal. After all, the Lord loves and has mercy on every Creation.
Therefore, everything is possible by faith. The main thing is what mood we approach, what our motive is.”
It is very important what attitude we put into our actions, be it bathing in baptismal water or something else.
And in order to join in this great joy of the holiday, it is not at all necessary to force yourself and your family to dive into ice holes. The main thing is to maintain faith and a good attitude in your heart. After all, why is it so necessary for us to observe everything down to the smallest detail, to surround ourselves with everything material (bottles of water, for example) - because there is no faith.
Or maybe I’ll drink water or take a dip, and it (faith) will appear, suddenly I’ll see clearly. But this will not happen by itself. Where can good feelings come from if we have not made any effort for this?
In order to meet with God, we must be ready for this meeting, we must be open to Him. Having abandoned all prejudices, finally tear your gaze away from the usual and look around you. But this is work that not everyone will do. What then do we want?
Let's first just strive for sincere joy and share it with loved ones. And we will try not to reproach others for doing something wrong, but, if possible, we will carefully guide them. We all have our own paths, we are in different circumstances, but what’s wonderful is that each of us is unique, and the ways of the Lord, as we know, are inscrutable.
Happy holiday to everyone, dear friends!
January 19 is a great holiday in the life of a Christian. It is dedicated to the events when Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River at the age of 30. This day is called the Epiphany and Epiphany. The blessing of baptismal water has already become a tradition, since baptismal water is unique water. There are many beliefs that such water can heal and purify. Even scientists, after numerous studies, have confirmed that Epiphany water is similar in composition and properties to the waters that flow in the Jordan River, where Jesus was once baptized. Take with you pies with cherries made from yeast dough in the oven: recipe with photos.
That is why most believers go to church and consecrated ceremonies for Epiphany. open sources to fill them with water. Considering that January 18 is also a holiday, Epiphany Eve, and in the evening of this day services and lighting of water are held in churches, the question arises: when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 29?
The difference between Epiphany water on January 18 and 19
The first illumination of Epiphany water will take place on the evening of January 18, closer to midnight. The second illumination takes place on January 19th. At this time, you can come with your own container and collect Epiphany water for storage at home. When answering the question of when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19, it should be noted that the lighting of the water in the evening of January 18 and January 19 is exactly the same. The blessing of water is carried out in one order, the same prayers are used, so there is no difference between Epiphany water on January 18 and 19. Water reserves in different days have the same properties and are suitable for use for the purpose of cleansing and healing.
It has been scientifically proven that Epiphany water does not spoil. It can be stored for a long time; it retains its unique properties. This applies to both the water collected on January 18 and the water collected on January 19. Water on January 18 and 19 is baptismal only after the procedure of lighting the water by a clergyman. The services that take place on the evening of January 18 are also festive, like the services that take place on January 19, so you can collect Epiphany water on both days.
There is an opinion that the most valuable Epiphany water, which has strong active properties, is the water that was collected on the night of January 18-19. However, clergy emphasize the fact that there is no difference between the waters, and that you can come and collect water both on the night of January 18-19 and throughout the next day.
It should be remembered that, first of all, the effect of holy water depends on a person’s faith. Since the water on January 18 and 19 is Epiphany, you should understand its meaning in religious world. According to the Bible, water is the personification of all life on Earth. Therefore, one should collect and consume Epiphany water only with bright thoughts, saying prayers mentally.
The blessing of water on the day of Epiphany is similar in its beneficial properties to the blessing of water on the sacrament of Baptism. The consecrated water for the day of Epiphany and the water for the sacrament of Baptism even have the same name - the Great Agiasma.
Every year the water for Epiphany is blessed twice, and there is no difference between such water.
What not to do with holy water
Despite the fact that Epiphany water is universal in use, there are several strict prohibitions when such water cannot be used:
Epiphany water cannot be used for the purpose of fortune telling or performing any magical rituals.
Superstitions associated with holy water cannot be supported by actions. For example, that in order to achieve the highest grace, one should collect baptismal water in three different churches.
You cannot use Epiphany water for the purpose of cleansing from sins. This is only possible in confession.
When Jesus, who did not need to cleanse his soul, entered the Jordan River, he himself cleansed the entire water element, without which life is impossible. human life. Therefore, one should treat Epiphany water and the Feast of Epiphany with respect. And when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19 is decided individually, depending on free time.
DOES ALL WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM, DOES ALL TAP WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM? Does all water become holy at Epiphany? On the night of January 19, the Orthodox world annually celebrates one of the main holidays - Epiphany. On this day, Christians remember the greatest event - the baptism of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River.
There are many prejudices associated with Baptism. On the eve of the holiday, Priest Georgy Vorobyov, who is the rector of the temple in honor of the Hieromartyr Andronik, told AiF-Prikamye journalists about the most common mistakes and misconceptions regarding the Baptism of the Lord.
Does all water become holy at Epiphany and does tap water become holy at Epiphany?
There is a popular belief that at Epiphany midnight, from January 18 to 19, all water becomes holy. And supposedly holy water also flows from the tap. For this reason, many believe that it is not necessary to go to church for holy water, but that you can collect it at home. Answer from Priest Georgy Vorobyov: Epiphany water is that water over which the clergyman performed a special church rite - the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water. This rite is performed on the eve of the holiday - January 18, Epiphany Eve, and on the holiday of the Epiphany itself, January 19. To this question earlier to the publication “ Orthodox life“answered Archimandrite Spiridon (Khodanich). According to him, if you delve into the prayers and features of the rite of blessing water at Epiphany, it becomes obvious that only the water that is blessed by the clergy in a temple or on a river (reservoir) is holy.
From representatives' responses Orthodox Church we can conclude that the consecrated (holy) water in the Baptism of the Lord is the water over which the priest performed a special rite of consecration.