Rituals, rituals and conspiracies for Christmas! Epiphany Christmas Eve. Holy water

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At every word about the Nativity of Christ the Savior, bright thoughts and joyful feelings always sparkle in the heart, at the same time, the consciousness clearly says that neither to express nor convey this with our limited concepts and poor language. greatest event no possibility.

The Nativity of Christ has always, from the most prehistoric times to the infinite future, been and will remain an incomparable Event.

From the first people - the common progenitors of the entire human race of Adam and Eve - to the last inhabitant of our planet, the gospel was initially addressed to everyone, which at first received the name of the First Gospel, which in a small grain of hidden truth mysteriously foretold prehistoric humanity that the generated evil is like an epidemic that began to spread in human society, can only be destroyed the seed of the woman that will crush the head of the serpent(see Gen. 3:15).

And according to the fulfillment of times, according to the Epistle of the Apostle Paul (see Gal. 4:4), when the fullness of times came, then God sent into the world His Only Begotten Son, who was born of the Father before the age, so that He would incarnate the fallen human nature became like us in everything except sin, in order to justify, purify, redeem the human race.

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Our hopes for a brighter future, for eternal life. God is with us! - understand peoples, - from the depths of millennia, a prophetic inspiring hymn rushes that The virgin in the womb will receive and give birth to a Son, and they will call His name Immanuel, which means: God is with us.(Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:2).

What does the event of Christmas show us? - The Great Piety Mystery: GOD APPEARED IN THE FLESH…

Athanasius the Great (4th century) classically expressed the basic dogmatic doctrinal truth about the Incarnation in a concise formula: God became a man in order to make a man a god.

It is remarkable that in our days the feast of the Nativity of Christ has become a national holiday. Millions of Orthodox Christians and Christians of other denominations are getting ready to celebrate the Salvation Day - the Nativity of Christ.

IN Orthodox Church a forty-day Christmas fast was established, preparing Orthodox Christians in purity and holiness to meet and spend the time, which was called "Christmas Day", that is, holy days.

The entire period from Christmas to the Baptism of the Lord constitutes the feast of “Lights”, or “Enlightenment”, in which the events of the appearance of the Lord in the flesh are remembered and celebrated through the testimony of angels at the Birth of Jesus Christ and through the testimony of the Baptist John during the Baptism of the Lord in the rivers Jordan.

We, dear brothers and sisters, will also bring the gifts of our hearts, the warmth of love and the ardor of faith, holy desire always be with the Lord, as the wise men of the East brought to the manger of the Divine Infant Christ - the wise men of myrrh, gold, Lebanon.

Nativity.
Ampoule of Monza. Reverse. 6th century, Jerusalem.

About water and its properties

Draw water with joy

from sources of salvation.

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We can talk about water as much as we drink it. So, it's endless. We drink it because we live. And we live because we drink.

Water is the material fundamental principle of everything living on earth.

If the Creator, according to the biblical Revelation, created the world out of water and with water, then there was no more perfect means than water for the development of life at all levels: biological, animal, rational.

Just as our life itself in an endless stream of daily worries and difficulties can be turned into an everyday banal fact, so any word about what one cannot do without even one day seems superfluous. What to say when it's clear to everyone.

So you can think, surrendering to the general flow of thought.

But as soon as we really think about this simplest phenomenon - what is water in its originality - our thought will face an insoluble question about the mystery of our life, about its origins and about where we are flowing.

More than once I had to answer the question why water is blessed in the Church if it is pure and useful in its depths. The tradition of consecration of water cannot be traced - it goes back thousands of years. And therefore, probably, it has always been - when from time immemorial there was a practice to consecrate products: bread, wine, oil, salt. Some were sacrificed for worship, others, after consecration, were taken to houses for food. Consecrated natural products were used not only as a means of nutrition, but as a means of healing.

Water, which has the universal ability to purify and enrich the human body with the necessary amount of vital products, is less known for many other truly beneficial qualities: to receive and transmit energy and strength prayer word and the grace of the priesthood.

On the first pages of the Holy Bible, it is noted that the primary matter, which consisted of water and many other elements and was in a state of chaos, was especially active by God: Spirit of God hovering on top of the water(Genesis 1:2) - received the primeval power capable of forming the universe.

The consecration of water in the Church is the return of its lost “spirit-bearing properties”. For those who believe in me- says the Lord in the Gospel of John, - rivers of living water will flow(John 7:38) calling the Grace of the Holy Spirit living water.

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Water and the Spirit of God, according to the Savior’s word (see John 3:5), in the wondrous unity of the holy Sacrament of Baptism become the font of new life, replacing the mother’s womb, incapable, according to the ironic remark of the righteous Nicodemus, to contain it for a new birth, to which the Savior answered : What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit(John 3:6).

If it were possible whole line births of a person from the composition of the mother (matter), each time the same nature would be reproduced. Truly speaking<…>unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God(John 3:5).

Delving into the Holy Scriptures, one can cite many events related to the nature of water, through which God saved, enlightened, and admonished His people. Gathered together in liturgical order on the days of the feast of Baptism, or Theophany, they represent a rich treasury for the prayerful experience of the Mysterious Rebirth of mankind through the power of grace and the water element. “You are the Great and wonderful God in Your works, and not a single word can sing and praise Your wonders. You are our God, drowning sin under Noah with water. You are our God, free from slavery across the sea Pharaoh Moses Jewish people. You made the thirsty people drink with streams of water from broken stones. You are the God who with water and fire turned away from the charm of Baal through the prophet Elijah his people. You sanctified the streams of Jordan from Heaven with Your Holy Spirit sent down and destroyed the foundations of evil.”

Thus, we see the immensity of the Divine actions through water, which has become the cradle of life on earth and a new means for purification, rebirth through repentance to a grace-filled life in God.

Interesting parallels can be drawn: if before the existence of our world, the Lord created it from water and water, then any sacred action in temples is preceded by the blessing of water and holy water all liturgical objects are blessed and consecrated.

The sacred age-old tradition teaches us with what grateful feeling we should treat the great gift of God - our sources of pure water. Saving them, we fulfill the will of our Creator, who commanded the entire human race to preserve and cultivate the nature given to us.

And every thankful and pure word that we utter before drinking even a small amount of water will turn out for us with its wonderful and unique healing properties for the benefit of the soul and body.

On the days of the great feast of the Baptism of the Lord, in an endless stream, from early morning until late at night, the inhabitants of our region went to the consecrated source and to the Church for the “great agiasma”, a great shrine. So from the first centuries, in the liturgical language of the Church, Epiphany water is called, consecrated by a special rite, the prayers of the feast of the Epiphany.

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According to the testimony of the great saint John Chrysostom, Christians collected baptismal water on the day of the Baptism of the Lord in special vessels and saved it for the whole year, using it as a gift of God's grace, healing spiritual and bodily ailments, sanctifying dwellings, destroying all sorts of demonic machinations.

In our time, when an unhealthy interest in the forbidden, harmful knowledge of the occult, all kinds of white or black magic, conspiracies has increased, Saint Agiasma - Epiphany water remains a true powerful tool that protects believers from all kinds of evil eye, damage, slander, demonic influences. It is enough just to take baptismal water in the palm of your hand with faith and wash your face with water three times with the words: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen How will relief come. Our pious ancestors knew this very well.

... ". It was believed that it both takes away and gives life energy. All natural reservoirs were objects of worship. live water, dead water, saint water Water, flowing towards the sun, helps with gastritis! Our ancestors knew that water can both heal and negatively affect people. This was the reason for the birth of a belief about a living ...

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One litre. However, this was enough that in half an hour water became sterile, clean, neutralized. subsequently introduced into this water microorganisms died. like " saints"Some other substances also have properties, for example, tannins, which are ... electricity. As a result, one of the rods (anode) gradually dissolves and water enriched with silver. That's the whole secret of wonderful properties " Saint" water. What about Easter eggs? Do they spoil or not? There have been cases...

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Say: “How pure are the thoughts of Christ, so be my soul pure. How pure water saint so be my body clean. I wash myself, remove damage, cleanse my spirit and body. Amen". Wet your hands... Holy Scripture nothing is said about it. The tradition of celebrating appeared only in the 7th-8th centuries AD. Christmas Christ. Perhaps it has something in common with the customs of our more distant ancestors? After all, the cult water was one of the main in paganism. For example, Slavic peoples rain has long been worshiped, which moistened and ...

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Roar with them. Phoenix birds flocked to get drunk water into a clean key, only the key turned out to be in the dark… Empty? Like intelligent birds and bells, All holy that is on the walls darkens at the sight of the night. ... started construction, I carried logs and stones on my shoulders. As a reward for these labors, they sprinkled me with this very water, - Saint The demon pointed with his staff to the spring, - they christened me. Blessed in the name of Jesus Christ. That's how I became a Christian. Later I...

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In the morning the villagers set out for water, which on this day became healing: they washed themselves with it and kneaded dough for Christmas bread on it. In the morning the hostess began to kindle the stove. Front Merry Christmas it was done in a special way. By ... soon, cheerful voices of young people are already heard, asking "to say a carol": Kolyada, carol! The carol came the day before Christmas: We walked, we were looking for Kolyada holy Through all the yards, Through all the lanes... At the end of their song, carolers who go to praise Christ, ...

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Bethlehem in the family of the carpenter Joseph and his wife, the virgin (?) Mary, who conceived miraculously from "spirit saint". However, upon closer examination of the gospel texts, it turns out that they do not mention the date anywhere ... That is why (and not because of the mythical old and new styles), it has historically happened that in the West they celebrate Christmas 25, and in the east the 7th. Celebration christmas Christ's in Russia began to be celebrated after the introduction of Christianity in the 10th century. He "arrived" at the time...

Why bless water? How do they do it? What are the properties of holy water? You will find answers to all these questions in our informative article!

Why bless water?

Water plays an important role in our Everyday life. However, it also has a higher significance: it has a healing power, which is repeatedly mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.

In the New Testament time, 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). Christ Himself at the beginning of His ministry received Baptism from the prophet John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan River. In the hymns of the service for this holiday it is said that the Lord “grants cleansing with water to the human race”; “You sanctified the jets of Jordan, you crushed the power of sin, Christ our God ...”.

How is baptismal water blessed?

The consecration of water can be small and large: the small is performed several times during the year (during prayers, the performance of the Sacrament of Baptism), and the great - only on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany). 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 away of sins, but also the actual sanctification of the very nature of water through the immersion of God in the flesh into it.

The Great Blessing of Water is performed according to the Rule at the end of the Liturgy, after the prayer behind the ambo, on the very day of Theophany (January 6/19), and also on the eve of Theophany (January 5/18). On the very day of the Epiphany, the consecration of water is performed with a solemn procession to the water sources, known as the “way to the Jordan”.

Will unusual weather conditions in Russia affect the course of the Epiphany and the blessing of waters?

Such traditions should not be treated as magical rites - the feast of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated by the Orthodox 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 vines on the Transfiguration of the Lord - the blessing of the harvest of apples. Also on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, all waters will be consecrated, 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 daily life Orthodox Christian quite varied. For example, it is consumed on an empty stomach in small quantities, usually together with a piece of prosphora (this is especially true for the great agiasma (water consecrated on the eve and on the very day of the feast of the Epiphany), they sprinkle their dwelling.

A special property of holy water is that, added even in a small amount 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, with which the grace of God has come into contact, and which requires a reverent attitude towards itself.

It is customary to use holy water with a 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 spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of passions and my infirmities through Thy boundless mercy through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen".

Although it is desirable - out of reverence for the shrine - to take Epiphany water on an empty stomach, but due to a special need for God's help - in case of ailments or attacks evil forces- you can and should drink it, without hesitation, at any time. With a reverent attitude, 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 bless the water on the very day of the Epiphany of the Lord: after all, the day before, on Christmas Eve, the water had already been blessed. And I received an answer that there would be no sin in that, it can be done again so that everyone can take water. And today they come to us for one water, and the next for another - they say, here the water is stronger. What makes her more powerful? So we see that people do not even listen to the prayers that are read at the consecration. And they do not know that the water is sanctified by one rank, the same prayers are read.

Holy water is absolutely the same on both days - on the day of Epiphany, and on Christmas Eve Epiphany.

Priest Mikhail Mikhailov.

Is it true that bathing in the hole at Baptism cleanses all sins?

This is not true! Swimming in the hole (Jordan) is an old good 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 the temple.

Does it happen that holy water “does not help”?

St. Theophan the Recluse writes: “All the grace coming from God through the Holy Cross, holy icons, holy water, relics, consecrated bread (artos, antidor, prosphora), etc., including Holy Communion 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 impious and imaginary Christians (without virtues).”

Miracles of healing are still happening today, and they are countless. But only those who accept it with living faith in the promises of God and the power of the prayer of the Holy Church, those who have a pure and sincere desire to change their lives, repentance, and salvation are rewarded with miraculous effects of holy water. God does not work 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 of his unbelieving contemporaries, “is looking for a sign; and a sign will not be given to him.” In order for holy water to benefit us, let us take care of the purity of the soul, the high dignity of our thoughts and deeds.

Is it really baptismal water all week long?

Epiphany water is such from the moment of its consecration and for a year, or two or more, until its supplies at home run out. Taken in the temple on any given 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 Sophia, 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 impregnable place - say, in a flowing river, or in a forest under a tree, and the vessel in which it was stored should no longer be used for domestic use.

Archpriest Maxim Kozlov

Why can holy water go bad?

That happens. Water must be collected in clean containers in which the water should not deteriorate. Therefore, if we used to store 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 to pour 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 consecrated the water incorrectly - he did not reach the bottom of the tank ... Because of this, they say, the water will not be consecrated ... Well, the priest should be a diver? Or that the cross is not silver... No need to reach 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 be pious! A priest I know, in 1988, had a bottle of water that he had kept since 1953 or 1954...

One must treat water piously and carefully, and lead a pious life oneself.

Priest Mikhail Mikhailov.

Is it possible for unbaptized people to use holy water, oil and prosphora consecrated on the relics of saints?

On the one hand, it is possible, because well, what harm can a person get from drinking holy water, or anointing himself with oil, or using prosphora? But you just need to think about how it can be useful to him.

If this is a certain approach of a person to the church fence, if he, not yet daring 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, he no longer rejects at least these external as signs of churchness, then this is good and pedagogically this will lead him to something more essential in our faith - to the worship of God in spirit and in truth.

And if such actions are perceived as a kind of magic, as a kind of "church medicine", but at the same time a person does not at all strive to become churched, to become an Orthodox Christian, he only reassures himself that I am doing something like this and this will serve -something a talisman, then this kind of consciousness does not need to be provoked. 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 the watery nature on earth on January 19, why then does the priest sanctify the water on this day? I asked my father, he replied that he did not know. Alla

We know that the water is consecrated and becomes holy, over which a special prayer service is performed - the opinion that ALL waters are consecrated on this day is based on an expansive interpretation of some expressions from the service of the feast of the Epiphany and is not part of the Orthodox dogma. In addition, think logically - if all waters are sanctified, then they are sanctified everywhere, including in filthy and unclean places. Ask yourself - how can the Lord allow the Holy Spirit to work in the filth?

Sincerely

Priest Alexy Kolosov

Hello Nikolay!

The consecration of water is performed in one order (equally) on January 18 and 19. Therefore, there is no difference when you take water - on January 18 or 19, and both waters are Epiphany.

John the Baptist performed a ceremony called "baptism". But the very concept of the cross, as a symbol of Christianity, from which, 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, "baptism"? Thanks to. Igor.

Hello Igor! In the Greek text of the Gospels, Baptism is indicated by the verb "baptiso" - 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 could not find exact 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 that is why such a term was chosen, as more clearly explaining what happened in the Jordan, and now inextricably linked in the minds of people with the acceptance of Christ. Sincerely, priest Mikhail Samokhin.

On the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, having plunged into an ice font or doused with water, can one consider oneself baptized and wear a cross? Sincerely, Alexander.

Hello, Alexander!

No, dipping into an ice hole and dousing is not enough to consider yourself baptized. It is necessary to come to the temple so that the priest performs the Sacrament of Baptism over 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 defends 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? Thanks a lot, 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 the presence at the service on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Approach the priest after the service 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 dogma and the Orthodox Church. The priest will be able to answer your questions and help you prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. Help you Lord!

Sincerely, Priest Alexander Ilyashenko

Father, I have a 6-month-old daughter, and when I bathe her, I add holy water to the water. Can this water be drained or not?

Hello Lena!

When bathing a 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 under foot. It is better to let your daughter drink holy water, 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 glass bottle, in which holy water was stored, into a trash can? If not, then what to do with it? Marina

Hello Marina!

It is better to store Holy water in this bottle in the future, but if this does not work out, then it must be dried, and then it can be thrown away.

Sincerely, priest Alexander Ilyashenko.

Can you give holy water to animals? if not, why not? They are, after all, creatures of God. Thank you for your reply. Elena

Hello, Elena! What is the need to give a shrine to an animal? It all depends on the specific situation. Based on the literal interpretation of the words of the Lord: “Do not give holy things to dogs and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample it under their feet and, turning, tear you to pieces.” follows. At the same time, in church practice, there are cases when, during the pestilence of animals, they were sprinkled and drunk with holy water. The grounds for such boldness, as you see, must be really extremely serious. Sincerely, priest Mikhail Samokhin.

Is it necessary to bathe at Epiphany? And if there is no frost, will the bathing be Epiphany?

In any church holiday, it is necessary to distinguish between its meaning and the traditions that have developed around it. In the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the main thing is the Epiphany, this is 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 the presence on church service, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, communion of baptismal water.

The established traditions of bathing 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 from sins, which, unfortunately, is much talked about in the media.

Such traditions should not be treated as magical rites - the feast of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated by the Orthodox 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 vines on the Transfiguration of the Lord was a blessing for the harvest of apples. Also on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, all waters will be consecrated, regardless of their temperature. P Rotopriest Igor Pchelintsev, press secretary of the Nizhny Novgorod diocese

Is it possible to douse with holy water if a gypsy 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 it, sprinkle the house, things. If you live according to the commandments of God, often visit the church for confession and communion, pray and observe the fasts established by the Church, then the Lord Himself will keep you from all evil.

Sincerely, Rev. 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 the negative? Sincerely, Alexander.

Hello, Alexander!

It all depends on how a person treats holy water and consecrated objects, whether with reverence he keeps the received shrine. If so, then there is no reason to worry, the grace received during sanctification will benefit a person spiritually and bodily. And in order for the Lord to keep from all evil, one must live according to the commandments of God.

Sincerely, Rev. Dionisy Svechnikov.

With the use of site materials

- This is ordinary in composition and original origin water (well, spring, lake, river, water), miraculously acquiring sanctifying (fertile) and healing properties after performing a special prayer service called water sanctification. The people often call it the blessing of water.

Why does the Church sanctify water and bread?

– It is difficult to find something that would be so necessary for people in their earthly life and constitute such an urgent need as bread and water. Bread is the simplest and natural food of man, supporting and strengthening his strength. A person uses water to quench thirst and cook food, washes the body and the things he uses with it.

These two substances, which are essential for man in his bodily life, turn out to be inalienable elements for him in his spiritual life as well. Bread, consisting of many grains, personifies the Church - One with the plurality of its members. Bread serves the greatest Sacrament - Holy Communion.

By consecrating water, the Church returns the water element to its original purity and holiness, by the power of prayer and the Word of God, it brings the blessing of the Lord to the water. Consecrated water is an image of the grace of God: it cleanses believers from spiritual filth, sanctifies and strengthens them for the feat of salvation in God, extinguishes the flame of passions, drives away evil spirits.

Therefore, holy water is necessarily present at the consecration of churches and all objects used in worship, at the consecration residential buildings, buildings, any household item. Believers are sprinkled with holy water in religious processions, during prayer services.

What is agiasma?

- Translated from the Greek "agiasma" - a shrine. This is the name of the water, consecrated by a special great order, on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

What is the difference between epiphany water and baptismal water?

There is a misconception that this different water: the water that is consecrated on January 18 is Epiphany water, and the one that is consecrated on January 19 is Epiphany. And on the 18th and 19th of January, the water is consecrated by the same great rite. This consecration of water is called great, as compared with another, smaller one, performed on August 1/14 on the feast of the Origin (wearing out) of the Honest Trees. Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, and on other days, and according to the special solemnity of the rite, imbued with the remembrance of the Baptism of the Savior from John in the Jordan River.

The consecration of water, performed on the eve of Theophany on January 18, serves as a monument to the fact that in ancient times, on the eve of Theophany, water consecration was performed for the baptism of the catechumens, and therefore it is performed in the churches where the catechumens were baptized.

After the Liturgy on January 19, the consecration of water is performed in remembrance of the Baptism of the Lord, so there is a solemn procession with a cross, the Gospel, lamps and banners, with bells ringing and singing a troparion to water sources.

This holiday is called Epiphany because at the Baptism of the Lord the Divine Holy Trinity: God the Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son of God was baptized by John and witnessed from God the Father, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove. Since ancient times, this holiday is also called the day of enlightenment and the feast of lights, because God is the Light and appeared to enlighten "those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death" (Matthew 4:16).

How to use baptismal 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. Holy water remains incorruptible for many years, it tends not to deteriorate.

Out of reverence for the shrine, they usually take baptismal water on an empty stomach. However, in case of ailments or an attack by evil forces, you can drink it at any time. You can also anoint sore spots with holy water and sprinkle your home.

What to do if the holy water has gone bad?

- Spoiled holy water is poured into a stream or river - where there is a current, into the so-called living, non-stagnant (flowing) water.

What is artos? When is it distributed?

- Artos (translated from Greek - "bread") is leavened bread, a special prosphora, consecrated on Easter night. Invoking God's blessing on the artos, in a special prayer the priest asks the Lord to heal every ailment and disease, to give health to all who partake of it.

Throughout Bright Week, artos stays on the lectern opposite royal doors the altar and is worn daily on Easter religious processions. On Bright Saturday, it is crushed with a special prayer and distributed to believers. Artos is a symbol of the Risen Christ and reminds of His stay on earth.

What is an antidor? When and who can take it?

- Antidor (translated from Greek - "instead of a gift") - these are particles of the main prosphora used for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is distributed to those present at the Liturgy for the blessing and sanctification of the soul and body - so that those who did not partake of the Holy Mysteries would taste the consecrated bread.

Antidor is a shrine that became it through the prayer of the priest and the remembrance of the sufferings of the Savior on the Cross. Therefore, it is established to use antidor only on an empty stomach with attention and caution so as not to spill the crumbs on the floor. It is best to eat this sacred bread in the temple, but you can also take it home. It is impossible to give antidor to unbaptized people.

What is a prosphora and what does it symbolize?

– Prosphora in the current Church is a small round loaf used during worship. It is prepared only from leavened wheat dough. The prosphora is two-part (has an upper and lower part) - as a reminder of the unity of the two natures of the Lord Jesus Christ: divine and human.

The upper part of the prosphora is sealed with a four-pointed cross with the words "IC.XC.NIKA", meaning "Jesus Christ the Conqueror". There are prosphora with the image Mother of God and saints of God. The prosphora consecrated in the altar, from which a particle is taken out, is a shrine.

What does the word "prosphora" mean?

- Translated from Greek, the word "prosphora" means "offering", since in ancient times best bread brought to the temple. Part of it was intended for the celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the other part was eaten at a fraternal meal.

How to deal with prosphora?

- Since the consecrated church bread is a shrine, it is customary to eat it on an empty stomach, not allowing the crumbs to fall on the floor. Reverent and with faith, eating prosphora brings mental and bodily health.

It is advisable to burn the paper in which church bread was wrapped, as crumbs may remain in it. It is better to use special bags for storing prosphora, which are sold in church shops. It is necessary to store the consecrated bread with due care, in a certain place (in the holy corner next to the icons), preventing mold. If, as a result of careless storage, the consecrated bread still deteriorates, then it must be burned.

Can the unbaptized use holy water and prosphora?

It is possible, but with reason. Of course, there will be no harm, but will there be any benefit?

If a person does not reject the external signs of churchness, has at least a little faith, then eating prosphora will be for him an approach to the church, will lead him to something more essential in our faith - to worship God in spirit and truth.

If prosphora is perceived as something magical, a kind of amulet, "church medicine", while a person does not at all strive for churching, then he does not need prosphora.

Is it possible to eat prosphora in the cemetery?

- Prosphora is not eaten "for the dead" or "for the living." This shrine serves to sanctify only those who partake of it. You don’t need to eat prosphora at the cemetery, but you need to eat it at home, after reading the prayer “For the use of prosphora and holy water”, which is in Orthodox prayer books.

Is it possible to crumble prosphora on the grave?

- Since prosphora is a sacred thing, it is not good to crumble it. The dead do not need bodily food, they only need prayers for them.

What kind of bread is handed out at the all-night vigil?

– This is also consecrated bread. Previously, divine services lasted quite a long time (and the all-night vigil lasted all night), and Christians ate bread to strengthen their strength. Although the duration of the services has now been reduced, this custom has been preserved.

When do they bless and give Christmas water?

- There is no special consecration of water at Christmas.

What happens if baptismal water is added to ordinary water?

- Epiphany water will sanctify ordinary water, and all of it will become sanctified.

Is it possible to cook soup from the remaining holy water?

- Holy water can be added to food for its consecration, it can be sprinkled with food.

What is the use of taking prosphora and holy water?

- If a person uses prosphora and holy water with faith and reverence, then an unclean spirit does not approach him, the soul and body are sanctified, thoughts are illuminated to please God, and he is more disposed to fasting, prayer and all virtue.

Not only Church Tradition convinces of the miraculous effect of holy water, but also personal experience believers. The grace descending on the water through the prayers of the priest of God grants her the power to heal illnesses (whether headache or insomnia, irritation, or what is called a “stressful state”), quench passions and weaken emerging sinful inclinations, free from all evil, cleanse from filth. Any thing from the everyday life of an Orthodox Christian is consecrated with holy water.

First of all, I want to congratulate you all, my dears, on this bright, purest and most joyful holiday - Merry Christmas! You can pick up my musical postcard by clicking on the picture and congratulate all your relatives and friends on the most best wishes and gifts!

January 7 (according to the old style, this is December 25) is the great feast of the Nativity of Christ and our Savior Jesus Christ. There are many at Christmas different signs and rituals that I think will be interesting for you to know!

Signs and conspiracies for Christmas.

Conspiracies for Christmas

Conspiracy for wealth
On Christmas you need to knock a nickel on the window glass
and say: “Christ was born, Piglet showed up.
As he showed up with me, So he would never be translated.
Christ is born, my money multiplies.
Key, lock, tongue. Amen. Amen. Amen".

Conspiracy from 9 misfortunes
They read at Christmas, standing on the threshold facing the house:
“Take away, Lord, nine arrows from me, from water, a noose, fire, judgment, a knife, a thief, from a slander, from an encroachment on the body and shelter, and damage to the blood. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

On the night of January 6 to 7, draw a bucket of water and slander all the bad and unpleasant things that happened to you last year. After that, throw it out over the threshold (outside the door, out of the gate, or through the window or from the balcony)

Conspiracy for health

On the morning of January 7, before washing your face, say three times: "The Savior has appeared, the light of the world has appeared. I will also be saved (name) through Jesus Christ. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Rite of desire. At Christmas, take holy water from the church and drink it at midnight in small sips, while mentally thinking about your cherished desire. You need to go to sleep in silence and continue to think about the desire - it will come true.

If there is nowhere to take holy water, then you can pour water into a glass and put a silver spoon in it. Such water should stand overnight.

Signs and traditions

On Christmas you need to bake a cake and bake a coin in it - and whoever gets a piece with this coin will have great monetary luck in the New Year.

January 7 is the best time to visit and receive guests. It is important to communicateit is better for Christmas only with those people who can bring happiness to you - happy families, or those families who are expected to have an addition, or a new family member has already been born.
At Christmas, it is customary to light more candles, lights, a fireplace - if any. Candles bring warmth and wealth to your home. If you have pets, then at Christmas you need to feed them plentifully - then the whole year will be satisfying and financially successful.

One, special candle must be lit for the deceased relatives - then they will help you attract good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

What not to do on Christmas.

From Christmas until the very Epiphany, during all the days of Christmas time, certain prohibitions apply, which are due to the ideas that go back centuries about the holiday as a stop of time, a kind of temporary pause during which one cannot engage in productive labor and everything that is associated with birth, beginning, development. Therefore, a significant part of the prohibitions concerns crafts related to spinning, sewing, knitting, weaving, weaving, that is, everything related to thread (rope). The thread is a symbol of life and destiny.

On Christmas weaving bast shoes - a crooked one will be born, sewing - a blind one will be born.

From Christmas to Epiphany, it is a sin to hunt animals and birds - misfortune will happen to the hunter.

You can't swear on a holy day. Whoever swears takes away the hope of salvation from his ancestors.

There is a widespread belief associated with the arrival of the first guest. If at Christmas a strange woman enters the house first, then women in this family will be ill all year.

Christmas rules also applied to clothing: At Christmas, you need to put on a new shirt, you can’t clean (but already worn), otherwise wait for a crop failure.

On Holy (Easter Week) the shirt is at least inferior, but white; for Christmas, at least harsh, but new [Dal. Proverbs, 900].

For the owner of the house special behavior aimed at preserving livestock was envisaged:

It is not good for the owner to leave the yard on Christmas Day - the sheep will get lost.

They tie the legs of the table at Christmas so that the cattle do not run.

It is impossible to do bent work (they do not repair hoops, skids, etc.), otherwise there will be no offspring of livestock.

Signs and superstitions

At Christmas, they acquire special power folk omens and superstition, as if nature itself and every object are trying to tell us something: how to live, what to fear. Here are just a few of them.

Prosperity note. If you lose any thing at Christmas, this means that you may face losses in next year. But if you find a thing and even some jewelry, then money is already rushing to you in full sail!

A sign of good luck. If you accidentally spilled tea or coffee at the Christmas table (this does not apply to alcohol), then this is good news and great success for all your endeavors.

Mirror superstition.If on Christmas Eve or on Christmas night you drop a mirror and it cracks, it's a disaster. Cracked or broken mirrors should never be kept in the house. But at this time, the crack on the mirror must be carefully sealed (you can even use a band-aid or tape), wrap it in a towel and then throw it away.

Signs for happiness and good luck. Seeing a man with a hump at Christmas is a great happiness, and even better if you can touch this hump with at least one finger. Also, a meeting with a big dog, a great dane or a German shepherd promises no less luck. Moreover, as it is not surprising, but if you step into manure on Christmas (excrement of your beloved neighbor's dog may well act as manure) - and this is good luck.

A sign of possible financial losses. If you happen to see a mouse on Christmas night, it's very bad. You need to be very careful when signing contracts, concluding new contracts or taking loans. You may face financial losses.

natural signs

At Christmas, the weather, snow - for the harvest year (Penz.).

The snows are deep - so there will be good herbs and bread.

Sumety stuffed high - to good year(pinezh.).

About the same and numerous proverbs and sayings:

Winter without snow - no bread.

The snow is deep - the year is good.

A lot of snow - a lot of bread; water will spill, hay will be collected.

Inflate the snow - the bread will arrive.

The snowy year will bring bread.

At Christmas, the day is warm - the bread will be dark, thick.

At Christmas, a snowstorm - the bees will swarm well.

If Christmas is in the new month, then the year will be lean.

At Christmas, frost is a harvest for bread, the sky is starry - a harvest for peas.

Frequent kurzhaks on the trees, patterns on the windows, similar to rye ears, curls down, and not sticking out - to the harvest.

Dark Svyatki - dairy cows, light - nosy hens.

A good toboggan run is a harvest for buckwheat.

And once again, Merry Christmas to you, my dear readers! I hope this article was helpful for you! Happiness, Love to you and Peaceful sky above your head! May love and understanding always reign in your families!