The whole truth about baptismal water. When can I take baptismal water? Why doesn't baptismal water spoil? Epiphany water: about its properties and uses
January 19 is one of the days in which everyone Orthodox churches overflowing, because it is on this day that the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ and, according to ancient tradition, the blessing of water is performed, which is called the Great Blessing of Water. Unfortunately, this particular church holiday is accompanied by a train of various popular superstitions having no basis in church tradition. Together with the cleric of the Saratov Church of the First Apostles Peter and Paul, priest Vasily KUTSENKO, we will try to consider the most common superstitions in order to understand how to treat holy water and what to do with it according to church tradition.
1. There is “Epiphany” water (consecrated on January 18, on Epiphany Christmas Eve) and “Epiphany” (consecrated on January 19, on the very day of the Epiphany).
The Great Blessing of Water takes place twice, it is true. The first consecration of water is on the eve of the Feast of Epiphany, on January 18, on Epiphany Christmas Eve, and the second on the very day of the holiday. But this water has no difference, because on January 18 and 19, the same rite (that is, the sequence of prayers) of water consecration is used. The water consecrated according to this order is called the Great Agiasma, that is, the Great Shrine. There is no separate “Epiphany” and separately “Epiphany” water, but only the Great Agiasma. In liturgical books Orthodox Church The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is called "Holy Theophany, the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ." The word "Theophany" is a brief expression of the events that took place during the Baptism of Jesus Christ from John the Baptist on the Jordan River. In the Gospel of Matthew, this is described as follows: “Having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up out of the water, and lo, the heavens were opened to Him, and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and descending on Him. And behold, a voice from heaven saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). That is, Baptism was a manifestation of Divine glory and a confirmation of the Sonhood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is difficult to accurately answer the question of what the practice of two blessings of water is connected with. It is known that already in the VI century in Palestine there was a tradition of consecrating water in the Jordan River on the eve and on the very day of the feast of Epiphany. IN Ancient Rus' there was a custom, which is still preserved in some places, to perform the Great Blessing of Water on January 18 in the temple, and on January 19 - outside the temple, arranging procession to a specially prepared hole - Jordan.
2. On the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, having plunged into an ice font or doused with water, you can consider yourself baptized and wear a cross.
Indeed, there is a tradition of bathing in the hole on the feast of the Epiphany. But this is precisely bathing, and not the Sacrament of Baptism. Although, if you get acquainted with the history of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, you can see that this particular day was earlier than the day on which adults were baptized. A person who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ was preparing for a certain time to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, which was a new birth for life with God and entry into the Church. Such people were called catechumens. They studied the Holy Scriptures and the foundations of the Christian faith and prepared before accepting Baptism to repent of all their sins, because the adoption of Christianity must begin with repentance, that is, with a change in life. Therefore, Baptism without repentance was simply impossible. And on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the bishop performed the Sacrament of Baptism for adults. Such baptisms were also performed on the eve of the feast of the Nativity of Christ, on Holy Saturday (the Saturday before the feast of Easter), on Easter itself and on the feast of Pentecost, which is also called the day of the Holy Trinity or the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. The great blessing of water on the day of the Baptism of the Lord is a reminder for modern Christians of ancient baptism catechumens. But it must be remembered that the acceptance of the Sacrament of Baptism was preceded by preparation, repentance for sins and confirmation of the sincerity of one's intentions before the church community. Therefore, it cannot be said that plunging into the hole-Jordan and being baptized is one and the same.
3. Having bathed on Epiphany night in the hole, you can get rid of all diseases, sins and the evil eye. If you get sick during the year, you need to drink baptismal water for healing.
It is necessary to place accents: separately - diseases and sin, separately - the evil eye. The evil eye, corruption and the like are superstitions. And you need to get rid of only one thing - from belief in superstition. Christians believe in God, and not in evil eye, corruption, love spells, etc. Turning to God in prayers, we ask God to protect us from evil. For example, in the prayer “Our Father” there are the words: “Deliver us from the evil one,” that is, from the devil. The devil is a fallen angel who opposes God and wants to turn a person away from God, which is why we ask God to deliver us from the devil and all the evil that he is trying to sow in people. If a person sincerely believes in God, that the Lord God protects believers from all evil, then at the same time it is impossible to believe in corruption, the evil eye, and the like.
Taking baptismal water (like any other shrine, for example, prosphora or consecrated oil - oil), a person can pray to the Lord that this shrine would serve him as a means of healing from illnesses. In the order of the Great Blessing of Water there are the following words: “For the existence of this water of sanctification for free, deliverance of sins, for the healing of the soul and body, and for every good benefit to the Lord, let us pray” (Russian translation: “So that this water of sanctification becomes a gift, deliverance from sins, for healing of soul and body, and fit for every useful work, let us pray to the Lord. We ask that through the use of agiasma a person receive the grace of God, which cleanses sins, heals spiritual and bodily infirmities. But all this is not some kind of mechanical or automatic action: he drank water - and everything immediately became good. It requires faith and hope in God.
4. Water for Baptism becomes holy everywhere, and there is no need to go to the temple for it, you can get it at home from the tap.If we understand some words (for example, “today - that is, today, now - nature is sanctified by water ...”) from the order of the Great Blessing of Water in a broad sense, then we can say that the sanctification of all waters really takes place. But again, it is important to understand that this does not happen by itself, but through the prayers of the Church. The Church asks that the Lord God sanctify the waters, give His grace-filled power, purifying and sanctifying the nature of water. Unfortunately, it often happens that many come to the temple just for water, without participating in the divine service of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It turns out that baptismal water becomes an end in itself. And this is wrong. First of all, we must glorify God for His good deeds to the human race, which He revealed through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the sins of the whole world, because it is in memory of the Baptism of Christ in Jordan that the blessing of water is performed.
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 kind words, reads prayers, then its structure becomes more harmonious and cleaner.
Ukrainian scientist Mikhail Kurik also studied water not only from church sources, but also from lakes, ordinary bottled, 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 the specialists of the laboratory of drinking water supply of the Moscow Institute. Sysina began to observe the water from January 15th. The water collected from the tap was defended, and then the amount of radical ions in it was measured. In the course of the study, the number of radical ions in water has been creeping up since January 17th. At the same time, the water became softer, its pH increased, which made the liquid less acidic. The water reached its peak of activity on January 18, in the evening. Due to the large number of radical ions, its electrical conductivity was really like that of water saturated with electrons. At the same time, the pH of the water jumped over the neutral one by 1.5 points. The researchers also studied the degree of structure of Epiphany water. They froze several samples - from the tap, from the church spring, from the river. So, even the water from the tap, which is usually far from ideal, when frozen, was a harmonious spectacle under the microscope. The curve of the electromagnetic activity of water began to decline already in the morning of January 19 and by 20 took its usual form.
Water "charges" space
To understand why it is on Epiphany that water becomes bioactive, scientist Mikhail Kurik decided to go further. He began to collect 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 affected energy fields Earth, Moon, Sun, fields of the planets of the solar system, various cosmic radiations.
“Everything is explained by the laws of nature,” says Mikhail Vasilyevich. – Every year on January 19, the Earth, together with solar system in Space it passes through the rays of special radiation, as a result of which all life on Earth comes to life, including the increase in the bioenergetics 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? Everything is simple! After all, spring is approaching, and all living things need energy to be born again.
But according to the results of research by the Russian physicist Anton Belsky, in space before January 19 whole line years, intense bursts of neutron flux were recorded, exceeding the background levels by 100-200 times. The highs were on both the 18th and 17th, but sometimes exactly on the 19th.
The energy channel structures the water
Astrologers also adhere to the "cosmic" theory of the origin of baptismal water.
- On this day, the water becomes clean, carries a charge of holiness and rejuvenation. And it's not just like that, - says Pavel Mikhlin, candidate of technical sciences, astrologer.
It is believed that the Sun, the Earth, the center of the galaxy are located in such a way that on January 18-19 a communication line between our planet and the center of the galaxy opens, everything begins to interact. The Earth falls under an energy channel that structures everything, including water on Earth. In addition, there are usually frosts at Epiphany, and the frozen water absorbs and “preserves” positive energy during worship and prayers. And during the consecration, people themselves charge the water with their positive energy, because they really believe that the water should become healing, sanctified.
By the way
Many people ask: they say, if a person is 70% water, can our bodies be cleansed of everything bad on Epiphany night and immediately be cured of all diseases? But no, it's impossible, the churchmen say.
“There is nothing automatic in religion. A person consists not only of water and protein - the body, it also has a soul, - says Abbot Eustratius. “And it’s not easy to cleanse the soul. You can even lie in holy water all day long, you won’t become a saint. To cleanse the soul, you need to live righteously and pray. And holy water is just a blessing for that.
How to use holy water
Often we ourselves do not know how to use holy water, although we collect it in the church literally in liters. But it is not necessary to do so. Abbot Yevstratiy, 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.
Store it in glass vessel near the icons, so that the light does not fall.
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 domestic purposes - to wash dishes, make tea, cook something, and even take a bath from it. After all, it can not be that she went to stock.
It is not necessary to take the consecrated "temple" water, you can bring your own for consecration - even tap water.
It is advisable to take clean and high-quality water for consecration, because physical dirt will not go anywhere.
Consecrated water can be diluted with ordinary water, such water acquires the qualities of a saint. Don't bring fizzy drinks mineral water, it is better to take the usual.
Epiphany water you can sprinkle the house.
Usually, baptismal water is stored for a year until the next Epiphany. But few people know that such water can stand for longer - and three, and even ten years.
“My Epiphany water stood for three years - and did not deteriorate, did not bloom,” says Father Varsonofy, treasurer of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. “I got it from our holy well of Anthony. After I drank it, I felt a surge of strength and a blessing all day long. 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 baptismal 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.
But hegumen Yevstratiy, press secretary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, told BLIK that he knows a case when Epiphany water stood for 10 years and did not deteriorate!
Epiphany magic will preserve beauty and fulfill wishes
The main thing is to remember the dream
Everyone knows about baptismal divination. But ordinary dreams on the night of Epiphany are also “letters from the future.” Before falling asleep, you need to ask a question about your fate, which interests you the most. unmarried girls in the old days they put a comb or a king of diamonds under the pillow and asked to dream of the betrothed. The evening before, spend as calmly as possible, go to bed early, and wake up on the morning of the 19th not at the wake of the alarm clock. In this case, it is more likely to see a prophetic dream and not forget it right there. They say that a dream will be brighter and better remembered if you eat something salty at night, but do not drink water. Put a pen and a notepad next to the bed, and when you wake up, immediately write down the dream or tell someone right away - this way you are more likely to remember.
most cherished
It is believed that the night from the 18th to the 19th - perfect time for guessing the most innermost desires. It is believed that the sky at this time hears best what people ask for, and requests are fulfilled. Only one main condition: you need to make wishes with a pure soul. And only good ones! Before asking for something for yourself or your loved ones, it is better to first, at least mentally, ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt for a year, to whom, albeit reluctantly, you have harmed. And also - thank God for all the good things in life. And only after that, with an open heart, make wishes. How? Yes, even just going out on the balcony and looking at the sky! You can write 12 wish notes, put under the pillow. And when you wake up in the morning, pull out three of them. They will definitely come true.
Wrinkle free all year round
And here is a tip for ladies who want to keep their youth for a long time. Early in the morning on December 19, pour Epiphany water into a bowl and look at your reflection. You need to examine yourself very carefully, noticing wrinkles and flaws, after which you wash your face three times with your hands. Water the flowers with the rest of the water. The effect will increase if the water is from the river, where the woman herself goes for it early in the morning. But, if you believe that in Baptism all water gains strength, ordinary water left overnight under the sky may also do. They say that after magic procedure all year your face will be fresh and attractive.
Why is holy water used to consecrate temples, houses and vital objects? What is the difference Epiphany water from the water consecrated at the blessing of water, and from the water in holy springs, springs and wells? How are prosphora consecrated and what is the difference between antidoron and arthos?
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 answers to all these questions in this book.
See also books section pantry of nature- there are interesting publications about water and its properties.
One of the main traditions of Baptism is a set of holy water, which acquires special properties on this day. It must be collected at a strictly defined time.
Alternative name for Baptism Epiphany, since it was on this day that God revealed himself to the world in three forms. Jesus Christ accepted the sacrament of baptism in the Jordan River, but this ceremony had a completely different meaning - the Savior thus blessed all the waters on the globe so that we can dip in holy water on the same day. This day in Orthodoxy is January 19. It is unchanged from year to year.
Properties of baptismal water
Epiphany water has many properties. They are explained by the special symbolism that the rite of baptism has. It is not just water, but a source of holiness. You can just drink it, but many people save it for the whole year to use in various situations.
Epiphany water heals diseases. It's no secret that taking holy water helps people recover from any ailments. The stronger your faith, the more likely you are to be healed. For people who are far from religion, this may seem strange, but for believers, the power of baptismal water is not in doubt. Medicine still cannot explain why holy water has such an effect on people.
Epiphany water cheers up, relieves depression. The mechanism of action in this case is the same, but only the water acts not on the body, but on the soul. Mental wounds are sometimes deeper and more serious than bodily ones. They also need to be treated in time to make life brighter. When you feel that your faith is weakening, when the soul turns into a clot of dark threads, then taking baptismal water will help to unravel the tangle of doubt and despondency.
Consecrated water expels evil, cleanses the room of negative energy. Those who believe in God also believe in the Devil, who greedily takes away for himself what God cannot take. If you feel that some strange entities have wound up in your house that haunt you, then simply sprinkle the room with holy water. If inexplicable things happen to you or dream bad dreams, then sprinkle water on the bed and on its headboard. Wash your face with water before going to bed and read the Our Father to drive away evil spirits.
It is worth noting that Epiphany water does not deteriorate - it can be stored indefinitely. It is better to use it according to church rules on an empty stomach.
When to Collect Holy Water
The holiday itself is celebrated on January 19, but you can draw water after the evening liturgy on the evening of January 18. Water becomes sacred after a special prayer service.
If you did not attend the service on the 18th, then do so on January 19th. Attendance at the liturgy is considered mandatory if you have the opportunity. You can come and just draw holy water, but this is absolutely correct. There is no difference between water collected on Christmas Eve on the 18th or on the holiday itself.
It is very important to remember that it is not necessary to pour a hundred liters of water in order to have enough for you and all your relatives. According to the rules of the church, any drinking water, into which you pour holy water in a small amount, will also become consecrated. If you do not want to collect a large amount of water, then you can take a liter and pour it into larger containers already at home.
Do not forget that the sacrament of confession and communion received on the feast of Epiphany has a very high spiritual value. Treat this day as a great holiday that requires good deeds and prayers from us!
Everyone who believes in God often visits church to pray for health, for peace, and just to be alone with God. But, on January 18 and 19 annually, on the day when religious world The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated, the church is literally overcrowded, which is due to the desire of people to take baptismal water. The thing is, one hundred properties of baptismal water are still a mystery to scientists. This water, even in its structure, is really different from other waters, and it can be used to treat diseases, cleanse the body and much more.
In addition to questions about the properties of Epiphany water, believers are also interested in information about how many days Epiphany water remains holy, when should water be drawn? Church workers say that Epiphany water counts on the night of January 18-29. But, this is not the only time when water sanctifies in the temple. This is how it has historically been. That two liturgies are held in honor of Baptism: in the morning and in the evening, and therefore the water is consecrated twice. It is for the poet that Epiphany water can be collected within two days, and not only on the night of January 18-19.
About the properties of Epiphany water
about healing and amazing properties Epiphany water, many know firsthand. After all, it is this water that is considered the most powerful and healing, which is not denied even by doctors who are accustomed to relying on scientific facts.
If we talk about human health, then Epiphany water and its properties have a positive effect on:
Immunity;
nervous system;
endocrine system.
At the same time, Epiphany water does not need to be prepared in any special way, to insist, it is enough just to collect it in the temple on Epiphany and drink it daily. There are other health problems that baptismal water can help heal, as its properties affect both the brain and the respiratory system. For alcoholics, Epiphany water helps to get rid of delirium tremens, restores the ability to coordinate the body.
Interesting! According to the reviews of the people and centuries-old practice, there were cases when just a few drops of water helped people get out of a coma, avoid anaphylactic shock. There are many such cases that are difficult to explain in a logical way.
Even if there are no health problems, it is useful to drink baptismal water as a preventive measure. To do this, you need to start your day with taking Epiphany water on an empty stomach, as well as wash it in the morning, which has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Despite all its strength, baptismal water is not suitable for constant use. For her to give all of her unique properties for the benefit of a person, it is enough to drink it in the morning, but not to make tea or coffee with it, or to collect it in bottles in order to quench thirst during sports. It is also appropriate to drink some medicines with Epiphany water, but nothing more.
Other recommendations for the use of baptismal water by priests include the need to sprinkle food on the table with it, and women must wash their faces with such water in order to preserve their youth and beauty. If a person is sick, then he can use baptismal water as a medicine, because the properties of baptismal water, as has already been found out, have a beneficial effect on health.
A few facts about Epiphany water
The ministers of the church claim that baptismal water has such strong properties because it contains divine power. But, it is human nature not to trust such statements, and to look for a catch in everything or remain skeptics.
However, even in scientific circles, numerous studies of the properties of baptismal water were carried out, and here is an interesting observation made by scientists who, by the way, are also skeptical: the water that was taken from the reservoir on the day of the Epiphany of the Lord stood in the laboratory for 4 years. During this time, neither the structure of the water, nor its properties have changed, not to mention the fact that the water from the reservoir for so many years has never even bloomed. It is important to note here that, for example, tap water is not suitable for consumption after 2 months. From this follows another curious and mysterious property of baptismal water: it never spoils.
Scientists have found the answer to why baptismal water does not deteriorate. The fact is that it is this water that is different high level energy. Moreover, it is on Epiphany that the water becomes softer, the pH level in it rises by one and a half points. At the same time, no logical explanation for this phenomenon has been found so far, and therefore so many secrets and mysticism go around this little water.
It is best to collect Epiphany water in churches on the eve of Epiphany on January 18 after the Divine Liturgy, or throughout the day on January 19.
But, at the same time, it can be noted that Epiphany water changes its properties on a holiday, regardless of where it is located. Very big role the question of faith plays here, if you really believe in the properties of Epiphany water, then it will certainly become an elixir.
There are three rules to follow here:
If you do not believe in the power of Epiphany water, then it simply will not help;
The water collected for Baptism should be stored closer to the icons, in glass or plastic containers;
Epiphany water should be treated with respect, as a shrine, drink it only with good positive thoughts, and also rub it and sprinkle the house.
Of course, it is difficult to believe in such a miracle, and many questions remain. But there are facts that are confirmed by scientists: Epiphany water is different from other water and really has inexplicable properties. But to believe in it or not is a personal matter for everyone.
Date of: 17.01.2017 / 09:45
WHAT THE STUDIES HAVE SHOWED
There is only one solution to the mystery of baptismal water - its divine origin, my grandmother inspired me. We mortals are not supposed to know more...
But, apparently, this is how we mortals are arranged - we always want to taste the forbidden fruit. Sensational discovery made by physicists from the Research Institute of Human Ecology and Hygiene environment them. Sysina RAMN. During Epiphany holidays employees of the institute examined the water taken from the tap day after day. So, the phenomenon is scientifically confirmed - the water in Baptism differs from the usual high level of energy. Moreover, the occurrence of this unusual property Baptism is influenced by... interplanetary magnetic fields.
That heals, extinguishes the flame of passions and drives away evil spirits, the church has informed from time immemorial. But what exactly makes it so magical? This question has been asked by many scientists. Specialists of the laboratory of drinking water supply of the Institute. Sysin did not begin to guess, but simply took and conducted a serious scientific study.
First of all, it was necessary to fix the phase of the transition of water to an unusual state, - says one of the participants in the experiment, candidate of technical sciences Anatoly STEKHIN. - We began to “follow” her already from January 15th.
- How?
- Yes, they simply drew water from the tap, defended and measured the amount of radical ions in it . In Baptism, water changes properties in all sources, including plumbing. So, the number of radical ions in water has been creeping up since January 17th. Along with this, the water became softer, its hydrogen index (pH level) increased, which made the liquid less acidic. The water reached its peak of activity, as expected, on January 18 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 of water jumped over neutral (7 pH) by 1.5 points.
- We also studied the degree of structure of Epiphany water, - explains Stekhin. To do this, we had to freeze several samples - from the tap, from a church spring, from the Moskva River. So, even tap water, which is usually far from ideal, when frozen, was a harmonious spectacle under the microscope. Curve of electromagnetic activity of water began to decline already in the morning of January 19 and by the 20th took its usual form.
- So what caused such a sharp increase in the electromagnetic activity of water in Epiphany?
- A large accumulation of radical ions in the Earth's lithosphere, - Stekhin answers. - After all, it is a real reservoir of electrons and transfers most of them to the water. On ordinary 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). Exactly this good time in order to wash and make supplies for household needs. When the sun rises, a large number of radical ions “fly away” from the water to the upper atmosphere. Such channels through which energy “runs away” from us are all vortex processes in the atmosphere.
It is not without reason that during the activity of cyclones, many people feel worse.. We simply do not have enough water electromagnetic energy. But the most extreme phenomenon, which literally devastates the Earth energetically, is earthquake.
As for the three Epiphany days, according to Stekhin, this is an “anomalous” period when an anticyclone always dominates the Earth. And 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 magnetic field that exists between the Sun and the Earth. It is the cosmic forces that hold the energy on Earth during Baptism.
- By the way, in past years, when we did one-time measurements of indicators of Epiphany water, its activity was higher than in the current, the scientist notes. The decrease in parameters, of course, was influenced by many cyclones that raged on Earth before Epiphany, and warm weather. Probably in this way nature “hints” to us that over time it can generally deprive sinful humanity of its favor.
EXPERT OPINION
First, don't worry. Often an Orthodox Christian takes prosaic and everyday things as bad or good signs. For example, the priest accidentally dropped an engagement ring at a wedding - the young will not live. Or: when he prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos for something to be fulfilled, he saw how a ray of sunshine fell on his face and the image seemed to smile, then the desired will come true; Epiphany water has deteriorated - the grace of God has departed from home, expect trouble. This, of course, is superstition, that is, a vain belief. The Holy Fathers unequivocally say: do not look for signs, do not indulge in superstitions and do not inflame either positive or negative thought-emotional attitudes on this matter. Everything should be accepted with indifference, as if it never happened.
All the will of God. And trust her, based primarily on the commandments of the Lord and the advice of the holy fathers. It is necessary, as they say, not to panic and not to panic, but to clearly and soberly realize that our salvation depends on the will of God and on how zealously we work on ourselves to eradicate sin and purify and sanctify our own inner man.
It is very easy to dispose of holy water that has gone bad. Pour it somewhere under a bush or tree, on grass or the ground in a clean place where there is no garbage. If this is an apartment, then pour it into a flowerpot, but not into the sewer, so that the shrine does not interfere with sewage. If the holy water was stored in a plastic bottle, then it is better to burn it in a clean place, and if in a glass container, it can be rinsed well several times and also poured into a clean place.
It is better to store holy water not on the window and not in a place where it gets direct Sun rays. This can also ruin it. On the other hand, you need to understand that initially in the consecrated water there may be seeds of aquatic plants, from which the water can “bloom”. There are many natural options when holy water can go bad.
When holy water becomes unfit for drinking, you can sprinkle your home, children, relatives with it from the palm of your hand. And in this way, use the shrine for its spiritual purpose, so that the baptismal water, by the power of the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, sanctifies, cleanses our home, and our souls and bodies receive the saving and life-giving power of God's grace.
You can replenish the stocks of baptismal or other holy water (from prayer services) in the temple. You can store it all year round pouring into the shrine plain water according to the principle "a drop of holy water sanctifies the sea." In a similar way, baptismal water is stored in the temple.
It is pleasant to watch when you enter a different house and see holy water and a cup standing next to it, and a bag of prosphora. And you already know that this person regularly eats holy water and prosphora. And sometimes you can see that a person brings baptismal water into the house on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, put it closed in a closet and gets out of there only the next year on January 19th. It is poured out or replenished with fresh Epiphany water. This, of course, is sad. Because baptismal water should serve us for good. It can and should support our spiritual and bodily strength if used properly every day. It is a means of sanctifying our spiritual and bodily nature. And therefore it is desirable that the day of an Orthodox Christian begins with her. After all, water, among others, consecrated by the Church helps us fight sin and draw closer to God. The great shrine-aghiasma is a symbol of the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. God has appeared to His people and remains among them forever... Therefore, after the morning rule on an empty stomach, consumption of prosphora and holy water with a certain prayer is a kind of echo-symbol of the Liturgy, a kind of very important point our personal home worship, in which God sanctifies both us and the coming day, teaching us His blessing in it.
No wonder Epiphany is called the feast of holy water. On this day, queues line up for large temples, and for small churches. Orthodox people go for holy Epiphany water, which they keep with special reverence at home for a whole year, until the next holiday.
The Day Jesus Christ Came to the Jordan River, is considered a sacred day. There he was met by John the Baptist, who, in the presence of a large crowd, baptized the Son of God. It was a special moment. As soon as John finished reading the prayer, thunder boomed in the sky and a dove appeared out of nowhere. It was a sign: this is how the Heavenly Father blessed the Son for his future life, full of trials.
Why is the Feast of Epiphany called Epiphany by some? Because immediately after the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Trinity appeared to the world - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. After the ritual, Jesus retired to the desert, where he spent forty days in fasting and prayer. So he prepared to fulfill the duty with which he came to earth.
When and where to collect Epiphany water? From time immemorial, on January 19, a great consecration of water was held. Previously, a small hole in the shape of a cross was drilled into the ice. This hole was called Jordan. The priest read prayers near the reservoir, and the Christians who came repeated them after him. In conclusion, he lowered the cross into the water three times. After that, the water was considered consecrated: everyone came up, scooped it out of the hole and took it home with them. Now they prefer to go directly to the church for holy water. Standing in line behind her, you can’t swear, swear, try to squeeze forward. It must be remembered that holy water and everything that touches it is sacred and requires special treatment.
How to use Epiphany water? After the queue is over and a bottle of water in hand, people go home and sprinkle their dwellings, walking in all corners. This protects the apartment from troubles, misfortunes, evil eye.
Why doesn't Epiphany water spoil? Scientists say that the water is preserved for a long time thanks to the silver ions that penetrate into it after the silver cross is lowered. However, is the cross always silver? Not at all. Lowered and wooden crosses, and copper, and still the water is consecrated. There is no secret here: God himself sanctifies the water. On this day God's grace descends on it, and it becomes clean, healing, not spoiled.
How to store holy water collected for Baptism? You can store holy water in any clean, closed container. It should be placed in a holy corner, near the icons. It is strictly forbidden to put the bottle on the floor.
Does Epiphany water really heal? Holy water is priceless for a sincere believer, for those who treat it properly - as a healing drink. Even the Monk Seraphim Vyritsky said: "There are no medicines stronger than holy water and consecrated oil." He offered all those who suffer every hour to drink a tablespoon of holy water. Believers really were cured, as they are being cured with its help even now.
The sun makes it special
A discovery that may pull on Nobel Prize, made by the metropolitan scientist, Doctor of Technical Sciences Vladimir Tsetlin. Interested in the properties of water in Epiphany, he was the first in the world to decide to analyze this phenomenon from a purely scientific point of view. As a result, the scientist proposed a solution to the global mystery of the “relationship” of man with the Sun and the Earth.
It all started two years ago. Studying the properties of water used at the International space station cosmonauts, Vladimir Tsetlin noticed that day water differs from night water in its current conductivity. So, at 10.00 and at 18.00 it had the maximum ability to conduct, that is, its molecules were more active than ever. But at 13.00 and at 4 am the water seemed to fall asleep, calmed down.
Many scientists suspected that this was somehow influenced by astrophysical factors. But no one has proposed a serious study of the mechanism, says Tsetlin. - I continued measurements, because my main job required it. In my laboratory there were several vessels with water, each with electrodes for measuring current conductivity. And then one day the time of measurement fell just on the eve of Epiphany. I was amazed when I discovered that the molecules on the evening of January 18 calmed down much earlier than usual. Water has reduced its conductivity to a minimum since 18.00. And she stayed that way until midnight.
- Was it the notorious baptismal water? Have you figured out what her mystery is?
Yes. I began by understanding the variability of water depending on the daily cycle. It probably has to do with the earth wobbles. Our earthly shells can oscillate both vertically and horizontally - this process depends on the gravitational influence of the Sun and the Moon. But I focused on the Sun, because its influence is stronger. So, when the shells move under the influence of the luminary, they begin to have tidal friction. And when rubbed, it emits electromagnetic radiation. Stronger or weaker, it is captured by water in the ocean, river, and also aquatic environment our body. That is why sometimes we are visited by extraordinary cheerfulness or, conversely, lethargy leans in. We proved this on the Mexican prickly pear that stands in my office. Having brought the electrodes to the roots of the tree and to its stem, we began to follow. My hypothesis was confirmed! As soon as the hours of calm water in nature came, the biopotential of the plant also decreased.
- And what is this biopotential manifested in?
In the state of the membrane - cell membranes. With increased electromagnetic influence, it seems to be stretched, its tone increases. Why all living things also begin to become more active, some become too active, even aggressive. Conversely, when the membrane potential is weak, due to the effect of reduced terrestrial radiation, all living things on earth feel more relaxed.
- But what effect does the Sun have during these periods?
At 13:00 local time, it is at its zenith, and from this the strength of the tidal wave emanating from it increases. The earth's shells seem to stretch, their friction decreases, reducing the electromagnetic radiation of the Earth. We get the same effect, but less pronounced, at night, when the Sun “pulls” our planet from the opposite side.
This is about the daily cycle. But the Sun also has a 27-day cycle - during this time it makes a complete revolution around its axis. What if you follow him? I thought. Ancient people always noted New Year during the winter solstice, around December 22-23. At this time, the distance between the Sun and the Earth was reduced to the maximum, reaching 149 million km. I, along with my assistants, took measurements during this period. Everywhere water on December 22 "anomalously" changed its properties. That is, it did not calm down for an hour, as it happens daily, but froze immediately for 6 hours.
What do you think happened to the water after the next 27 days? On the calendar was the evening of January 18, the eve of Epiphany ... We checked the indicators of the electrical conductivity of water and could not believe our eyes - everything happened again. Then, every 27 days, the water turned into "Epiphany". And what is surprising is that these days were always close to some Orthodox holidays: Candlemas, Mother's Day, Annunciation ...
- Can this be explained somehow?
Apparently, ancient people knew about the features of water better than us.
- So, the water becomes calm these days due to a certain position of the Sun?
Exactly!
- But what then is its healing power?
And who told you that we proved her special healing power? We just realized that this water can be useful to humanity in that it may reduce excessive aggression by reducing the membrane potential of cells. People these days, regardless of whether they swam in the hole or not, are becoming calmer, more balanced about their actions.
- And how to explain that the water collected at Baptism does not deteriorate for a long time?
By reducing the electrical conductivity in it, the growth of microorganisms is suppressed. During the hours of the greatest calmness of water on the planet, it can be drawn even from a river, even from a tap - it will retain its good quality in a vessel for a long time. It is good to wash your face with such water, and since water on the planet still exists in a gaseous state, it becomes easier for all of us to breathe on these “special” days of the solar 27-day cycle.
- What will you do next?
I am interested in testing the effect of water on humans in a clinical setting. Now we have agreed with a medical center to conduct an experiment similar to the one we did with our prickly pear plant. Imagine how much this can change our medicine in the future! After all, no one takes into account the current activity of water and air (in which it is also present). For example, activity is at its highest point, and the patient at this moment is given an aphrodisiac. Here you have a stroke, and a hypertensive crisis. My dream is a remote control equipped with a system for measuring the electrical conductivity of water. The physician presses the button of the device, and it shows him the level of current activity in real time. And only after that he decides what medicine to give to the patient.
When the Savior entered the Jordan and was baptized by John, the God-man came into contact with matter. And until now, on the day of Epiphany, it is according to the church style, when water is consecrated in churches, it becomes incorruptible, that is, it does not deteriorate for many years, even if it is kept in a closed vessel. This happens every year and only on the feast of Epiphany according to the Orthodox, Julian calendar. On this day, according to one of the church stichera, “the nature of all waters is sanctified,” therefore, not only the water in the church, but all the waters acquire the original property of incorruption. And the next day, after Epiphany, all the waters again acquire their usual properties.
On the day of Theophany, every Orthodox Christian brings home a vessel with holy water, carefully keeps it as the greatest shrine, praying to partake of holy water in sickness and all kinds of infirmity.
How to use holy Epiphany water?
The use of holy water in Everyday life Orthodox Christian is quite diverse. Eg, taken on an empty stomach in small amounts, usually together with a piece of prosphora (this especially applies to the great agiasma - Epiphany water), sprinkle their dwelling.
She eats on an empty stomach, a spoonful, a little bit, daily and 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 my passions and infirmities through Your boundless mercy through the prayers of the Most Pure Your Mother and all Your saints. Amen«.
A man got up, crossed himself, asked for a blessing from the Lord for the day that had begun, washed himself, prayed and took a great hagiasma. If the medication is prescribed on an empty stomach, then first take holy water and then the medicine. And then breakfast and stuff.
But due to a special need for God's help - in case of ailments or attacks by evil forces - you can and should drink it without hesitation, at any time or every hour.
Ascetics of Christian piety call blessed water the best medicine from all spiritual and bodily ailments.
She can wash the patient and sprinkle. Is it true, women in critical days accepting baptismal water is not blessed. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. A if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not play a role. Epiphany water will help her!
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, next to the home iconostasis.. Because the Great Agiasma is one of the main shrines of the Orthodox Church. The very word "Agiasma" means "shrine". And you don't have to put it in the fridge. It is also unacceptable for holy water to fall into the drain..
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 from a clean container.
We must not forget that consecrated water- this is a church shrine, with which the grace of God came into contact, and which requires a reverent attitude towards itself.
- Holy water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach or at night before bed (but not from the total capacity).
- With a very serious illness or if a person is in a state of intense spiritual struggle, despondency, it can be drunk in unlimited quantities, regardless of food intake.
- After drinking, you need to pray for healing.
- For pain or just a sore spot, you can apply a compress moistened with holy water.
- Holy water has great healing power. There are cases when a few drops of such water, poured into the mouth of an unconscious patient, brought him to his senses and changed the course of the disease. But that doesn't mean you don't need to see a doctor. special property holy water is that, added even in a small amount to ordinary water, it imparts beneficial properties to it.
- It is necessary to store holy water at the icon or behind the icon. Just please label the bottle or stick a proper label on it. Be careful that your loved ones inadvertently do not pour out holy water, or do not use it reverently. Do not store this water in the refrigerator. Do not keep it near food.
- This water is not given to animals.
- You can only sprinkle it with your home (while reading a prayer), a car, or some other thing, also clothes, and even pets.
- If the water has deteriorated, it must be poured into a river or other natural source. Holy water must not be poured down the sink or drain. Holy water is not thrown on the ground. It is poured into an "impregnable" place, that is, to the place where people do not go ( do not trample on feet) and dogs don't run. You can pour water into the river, you can flower pot, you can in a clean place under the tree.
HOLY WATER IS NECESSARY NOT ONLY TO KEEP CAREFULLY, BUT ALSO USE REGULARLY.
- Eternal storage of water "in reserve" is unacceptable if it was brought to their church once for Baptism according to the principle "to be in the house, because everyone has it." This is a kind of confinement of the shrine. The grace of holy water does not decrease, no matter how much it is stored, but people who do not turn to the shrine rob themselves.
- Once blessed water always remains so.. In the case when we have little holy water left, but we need some significant amount, we can add holy water to ordinary water. All water will be sanctified.
Finally, the most important:
Holy water will not bring us any benefit if we spend our lives away from God. If we want to feel God in our lives, to feel His help, His participation in our affairs, we must become Christians not only in name, but also in essence.
Being a Christian means:
- Fulfill the commandments of God, love God and neighbors;
- Participate in Church Sacraments and pray at home;
- Work on fixing your soul.
May the Lord help us, no matter how far we are from our Heavenly Father's home, to return to Him.
