Every person has been familiar with the phrase “living water” from fairy tales and legends since childhood. According to stories, such water is capable of performing real miracles, treating many diseases and saving human souls. And many Orthodox people are confident in the authentic existence of just such water, only it needs to be collected at a certain time, and, as a rule, in the open air.
Of course, all Orthodox people know the wonderful properties of Epiphany water. The holiday associated with the Epiphany of the Lord, celebrated on January 19 according to the Orthodox calendar, has long become a symbol of purification and enlightenment for hundreds of thousands of people around the world. According to legends, it is the water that is in the open air on the night of January 18-19 that has incredible healing and cleansing properties. It is believed that water, in order to obtain all its wonderful properties, simply needs to come into contact with nature itself - with clean air, sky and stars - this is the kind of water that can bring health, well-being, and peace of mind.
It is interesting that even scientists recognized the miraculous properties of Epiphany water, but no reasons were found to scientifically explain such miracles. This once again confirms that a correctly performed ritual of collecting such water will have a positive effect on a person’s life.
Properties of Epiphany water
It is believed that water receives its wonderful healing properties with the help of energy generated by the position of the planets at a certain date and time. Surprisingly, such water absolutely never spoils - and even after a long period of time it retains its healing properties. Epiphany water seems to “remember” all the information received and retains it for many years.
Among the many types of “healthy water” that the most qualified doctors recommend for consumption, Epiphany water is the most optimal - its qualities have a positive effect on the functioning of all internal human organs, renew and cleanse the skin. Moreover, precisely because such water does not spoil, it is worth giving preference to it.
In addition to collecting water for consumption, there is another important tradition. In cold areas, where bodies of water freeze in the winter and are covered with a layer of ice, from time immemorial there has been a ritual of bathing in icy Epiphany water. On the night of January 18-19, daredevils who are ready to plunge into really cold water gather around the ice holes and plunge into the water. Surprisingly, such bathing not only does not cause colds and other diseases, but, on the contrary, improves health.
When and where should you collect Epiphany water?
Most believers visit the temple on the feast of the Epiphany and collect healing water there, but on this holiday this is not at all necessary. On the night of January 18-19, it is enough to place a container of water in an open space under the night sky, and overnight the water will acquire all the healing properties that are so necessary. At the same time, you can “charge” absolutely any amount of water in this way - there are no restrictions on this. Already in the morning, the water will acquire its wonderful qualities and will never spoil - just like the water collected in the temple.
Surely, many are wondering when to collect water for Epiphany on January 18 or 19, 2016. As in the past 2015, water must be collected on the night of January 18 to 19.
Water collected in compliance with all customs and rituals will become a real gift, which will share its beneficial properties for a long time, help improve health and purify spiritually.
Orthodox Christians believe that the water of Epiphany has unique healing properties. The great consecration of water in churches and open reservoirs occurs only 2 times a year - on January 18 and 19. Most often, believers use water collected on Epiphany Eve and Holy Epiphany to treat illnesses, consecrate living quarters, and improve well-being. Such holy water can be stored for years without changing its properties at all. From a scientific point of view, this is a real phenomenon, which many scientists have tried to understand. Some of them were able to scientifically prove that this is not a myth and holy water in reality does not spoil for decades. Read more about what unique properties holy water has, where and when it should be collected and how to use it in the next article.
Holy water for Epiphany: where and when is the best time to collect water
There is an opinion among the people that it is best to collect holy water in the morning of the Epiphany itself, that is, directly on January 19th. In fact, as mentioned above, the great consecration of water begins on Epiphany Eve - January 18. In other words, already in the evening on the eve of Epiphany, a ceremony of consecration of water takes place in Orthodox churches and temples, which believers can take home. But on January 19, early in the morning, the clergy also go to bless water in open reservoirs. One of the main traditions of this Orthodox holiday is associated with this procedure - diving into a river/ice hole/lake after the consecration ceremony. It is believed that such a bath helps to overcome the ailments of the physical body and cleanse oneself from sins.
When and where is the best time to collect holy water on January 19 for Epiphany?
If we talk about where and when to collect holy water for Epiphany, then it is best to do this directly in the church after the service on January 18 or 19. However, many believers cannot be personally present at the temple and therefore collect holy water from any available body of water. As a rule, these are springs that don’t freeze in winter, ice holes in the shape of a cross, ordinary rivers and lakes. Also, for drinking purposes, holy water can be collected directly from the tap at home.
Holy water for the Epiphany of the Lord: when to collect (at what time) water from the tap at home
Most often, holy water for Epiphany is collected from the tap at home early in the morning of January 19th. But in fact, this can be done much earlier. Since the great consecration of water begins on the eve of the feast of the Epiphany, you can collect supplies of holy liquid on the evening of January 18. In addition, consecrated water does not lose its healing properties throughout the Epiphany. Therefore, you can dial it until midnight from January 19 to 20.
From what time can you draw holy water for Epiphany at home from the tap?
Some believers want to know not just when, but from what hour they can draw holy water for Epiphany from the tap at home. Most clergy agree that this can be done after 12 o'clock on the night of January 18-19. However, after 8 o’clock in the evening on the eve of Epiphany, you can try to collect water in a special container. By the way, you need to treat holy water with great respect. Under no circumstances should you put it in dirty dishes, or in containers containing alcoholic beverages. It is best to store the liquid next to the icons, away from direct sunlight.
Why water collected for Epiphany does not spoil - a scientific explanation of the phenomenon of holy water
For a long time, the phenomenon of water collected for Epiphany, which does not spoil for years, had no scientific explanation. And although the Orthodox do not need any scientific arguments to believe in a miracle, scientists did not give up trying to find out the nature of this phenomenon. At the moment, there are several theories that, to one degree or another, explain why the water at Epiphany does not spoil.
Scientific theories explaining why holy water collected at Epiphany does not spoil
One of the most popular hypotheses about holy water is related to the consecration procedure itself, for which silver items (crosses, dishes) are traditionally used. It is no secret that silver ions have disinfecting properties. Based on this, the “longevity” of holy water, from a scientific point of view, is explained by the fact that the use of silver elements in the church during the great consecration helps to destroy microorganisms that may cause the water to spoil. Scientists are also confident that long-term storage of water is facilitated by sub-zero temperatures, or rather severe frosts, which can often be observed at Epiphany.
Thousands of people come to churches for Epiphany water on January 18 and 19. It is believed to have unique healing properties. Is it true that on Epiphany all the water on the planet becomes special? How is Epiphany water different from that which is blessed daily in church? How to properly store holy water and what to use it for?
Epiphany is one of the most ancient and revered holidays among Christians. According to legend, Jesus Christ came to the Jordan to John the Baptist and ordered him to be baptized. During the sacrament, the Epiphany occurred - that is, the sign of the Holy Trinity: the voice of the Father sounded, the Son of God was there, and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove.
How water becomes holy
Water in churches is blessed twice - on Epiphany Eve on January 18 after the Divine Liturgy and on the feast of the Epiphany itself. Epiphany and Epiphany are two names for the same water; it is the same, since the prayers, chants and actions of the clergy are identical.
The two blessings of water go back to different church traditions. The first is associated with the early Christian custom of baptizing converts on the eve of Baptism itself, but since there were more and more people willing, they began to baptize on other days. The custom of blessing water a second time was originally only in the Church of Jerusalem, where on Epiphany itself they went to the Jordan to bless the water.
The water over which the rite is performed is called the Great Agiasma (from Greek - shrine). There is also a Small Agiasma - this is water that is blessed in churches every day. We stepped into the ice font. PHOTO
It is believed that consecrated water receives healing properties and can be used to treat wounds and illnesses. A special property of holy water is also called the fact that even a drop of it imparts beneficial properties to ordinary water. Therefore, it is not necessary to collect huge containers in the church.
“Remember that this water is called holy because the grace of God is in it. Draw it with reverence, without fuss, do not make noise near the shrine, do not try to be the first to draw water. Stand at this shrine as long as possible. Pray for yourself, for your family and friends, for our Fatherland,” Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' said in his sermon.
There is a belief that on Epiphany, at exactly midnight, all the water on the planet, even ordinary tap water, becomes special. But the priests clarify that only water over which a rite is performed in church, or water from a source over which a prayer is read, is sacred.
How to use holy water
“Having reverently scooped up the holy water, take it to your homes, sprinkle them, let your family and friends taste this water, save it for the difficult moments of your life, especially for the days of illness, - for through this water God’s very power will touch to you according to your faith,” said Patriarch Kirill.
According to church advice, holy water should be taken one spoonful in the morning on an empty stomach, usually along with a piece of prosphora. You definitely need to read the prayer. Only on Epiphany Eve and the holiday itself can believers drink water throughout the day. If you are sick, you can use it in unlimited quantities.
“There will be no 100% harm (from holy water), well, if you don’t drink 10 liters a day, like any water. Everything depends on the attitude of the person himself, on faith. There is such a term - psychosomatics. Roughly speaking, the body, under certain conditions, can independently get rid of many diseases. Depending on a person’s attitude to faith and religion, there can be very tangible benefits,” said doctor Yakov Novoselov.
You can sprinkle your house with Epiphany water so that there is order and peace in it, as well as any household items, cars, clothes and even pets.
But you can’t wash the floors, because after cleaning they will be walked on, and this is regarded as trampling and desecration of a sacred thing. Also, do not wash dishes with such water or wash them in it. There used to be a popular belief that those who rinse clothes in a previously illuminated ice hole would certainly have sore hands for a long time.
Psychics and magicians use holy water in various fortune telling and conspiracies. The church categorically prohibits such treatment.
How to store and pour out holy water
There is a belief that Epiphany water does not spoil and can be stored for many years. It is best to place the table capacity next to the icons. If this is not possible, then in a dark place behind closed doors. The bottle should not be placed on the floor.
In fact, Holy water can still spoil, especially if it was collected in a dirty container. There are conflicting reports that the chemical composition of the water changes after consecration. At the same time, there are also cases recorded by Rospotrebnadzor when people fell ill after drinking consecrated water from open reservoirs.
If holy water needs to be poured out, it cannot simply be thrown into a sink where it will go down the drain, or onto the ground where people can walk. Water should be poured into a river or under a tree; you can also water home flowers with it.
Epiphany is a major Orthodox holiday. Some people prefer to plunge into the ice hole on this day, while others prefer to bless the water. Such traditions appeared many years ago and have not lost their popularity to this day. The power of Epiphany water puzzles scientists, but ordinary believers are confident that it can heal and give strength.
The history of Epiphany water begins with the advent of the feast of Epiphany and the very fact of baptism in the Jordan River. This happened 2 thousand years ago. History says that at that time Jews came to John the Baptist to be baptized. Thus, they wanted to wash away all their sins. But John did not agree to baptize everyone. According to him, first he had to confess and admit all his sins.
One day Jesus Christ came to be baptized. But John the Baptist did not accept it at first and only after a while gave his consent to the ritual.
Why was Jesus, who had no sins, baptized? Unlike people, he did this to take upon himself their sins. By his example, he showed that a believer cannot help but perform this ritual. Only in this way will he receive a blessing from the Lord; he will have a chance to atone for his sins, overcome fear, pain and torment for the sake of supreme grace.
Epiphany water: the essence
Epiphany water is the water that was consecrated on Epiphany Eve or on the holiday of Epiphany itself (January 18 - 19). These days, thousands of believers and even non-believers of Orthodox Christians gather to illuminate the water. But not everyone knows the essence of this procedure, but it has a very deep meaning.
Everyone must understand that the goal is not to get water and drink it, but to come with pure thoughts to the temple to meet God and receive a blessing from him in the form of consecrated water.
Tradition says that on the day of this great holiday, all the water on the planet becomes holy. This is a manifestation of God's grace and forbearance towards humanity. Cases were established when people collected water not in a certain place, which was previously consecrated by church representatives, but in others, but even such water did not deteriorate over the years.
From what moment is water considered Epiphany? As soon as the first illumination of the water occurred on January 18, we can assume that it acquired unique properties.
There is a misconception that if you drink holy water, all sins will disappear. But that's not true. As religion says, you can atone for your sins only through confession and communion. One should also lead a righteous life.
The power of Epiphany water
Belief in the power of Epiphany water did not appear just like that. Many facts pointing to its peculiarity baffle scientific minds.
It has been proven in practice that Epiphany water:
- does not deteriorate for a long time even when opened and under the influence of direct sunlight;
- does not change its taste;
- no sediment appears in it;
- has a positive effect on the entire body, well-being and mood.
Skeptics often attribute this to the fact that the water is pre-illuminated using a silver cross placed in the liquid. As a result of the positive effect of silver molecules on the body, an amazing effect occurs. Another fact is that they recommend drinking this water on an empty stomach. Any water drunk in this way will be beneficial. At the same time, metabolism will improve, a person will lose extra pounds, and digestion will improve.
But why doesn’t Epiphany water spoil over the years? Even scientists cannot give a reasonable explanation.
Believers are sure that this is the result of God's favor, and they believe in the power of such water, its ability to heal and be beneficial.
It should be noted that you should not be greedy when lighting the water for Epiphany. There is no need to fill it in liters. It is enough to consecrate just one container, and when the water begins to run out, dilute it with plain water. So the latter will also become baptismal.
The positive effect of such liquid on plants was also noticed: flowers watered with such water began to bloom, and plants that had almost withered came back to life.
Epiphany water: scientific explanation
Many teachings are trying to give a scientific explanation for the phenomenon of Epiphany water. This riddle attracts world-famous professors and ordinary people.
Biophysicists deal with this issue in detail: they take water for analysis at different periods of time, analyze it under a microscope, and conduct chemical experiments.
As a result, a theory arose that explains the beneficial properties of water at Epiphany.
According to scientific conclusions, water acquires unique characteristics due to the fact that the Earth enters such a special position when there is a strong flow of particles that change the properties of water. Scientists can even name specific hours when this happens: January 18 from 17:30 to 23:30 and January 19 from 12:30 to 16:00.
It was possible to determine the time so accurately thanks to the annual observation of this process by scientists. After the specified period, the water quickly returns to its normal state.
Scientists have also found that water is highly susceptible to current conductivity. At certain times its molecules are very active, and at others they are quiet. All this affects the structure of water and its properties subsequently.
The physical explanation of the phenomenon of Epiphany water looks like this:
- The earth's shells fluctuate horizontally and vertically.
- Under the influence of the Sun, the shells begin to move, and tidal friction begins.
- Electromagnetic radiation is emitted into water resources throughout the planet.
A person also feels these changes: at some hours he may be cheerful and cheerful, and at others he may be lethargic and depressed.
The period of Epiphany holidays marks a new phase of the solar cycle. This means that the vibrations will be active, which will immediately affect the structure of the water. The molecules will also be active and affect the human body in a similar way.
Scientists also give the following explanation for the fact that Epiphany water does not spoil for a long time: due to low electrical conductivity, the growth of microorganisms in the liquid slows down, which means that the water will remain in its original form for a long time.
Epiphany water: prayer
Epiphany water will become stronger if you use it together with reading a prayer. Both believers and scientists agree with this. The former will confirm that any ritual in Christianity is impossible without prayer, and the latter have established that when reading a prayer, the frequency of vibrations is equal to the purity of the Earth’s vibrations. This makes the water structure correct and it acquires beneficial properties.
Prayers for Epiphany water can be divided into two types:
- for lighting an apartment and other premises;
- for taking water inside.
If you need to protect your home, pour Epiphany water into a small container and pick up a candle. You can also attach a cross to the container if possible. Next you should say a prayer:
Leave the water untouched all night, and in the morning walk through the rooms and sprinkle it in the corners. You can also wash your household with it.
If the water is intended for ingestion, then the following prayer should be read:
There are several rules on how to drink holy water correctly:
- Pour the liquid into a separate container.
- Drink on an empty stomach in the morning or before bed.
- You can use it any number of times a day, in any volume.
- After a person has drunk the water, a prayer for healing must be read.
- A compress soaked in holy water will help relieve pain.
- It is important not to pour out the baptismal water and not to spill a single drop.
If a person has forgotten the prayers listed above, then you can simply read “Our Father.”
Where to get Epiphany water?
Those who want to carry out Baptism for the first time according to traditions are concerned about the question of where to get Epiphany water.
The simplest and most affordable option is to collect water in a container at home and bring it to the temple grounds, where the lighting process will take place.
You can also collect it on the territory of the temple, if there is a spring, well or borehole there. Often the church itself puts out bottles of water for parishioners.
According to legend, at this time you can draw water from any body of water, and it will have unique properties. But if I plan to drink such water, then it’s better to worry about its purity.
Epiphany water: how to use it correctly
In order for everything planned to come true, you need to understand how to properly use Epiphany water.
The rules are very simple and accessible:
- You can drink holy water, but only from a separate container;
- You can also sprinkle your home with it, but first you should read a certain prayer;
- if you feel unwell or if you suspect the evil eye, you need to wash your face with this water;
- If desired, a small amount of Epiphany water can even be added to the bath.
It is prohibited to waste water irrationally. If it turns out that the water has acquired an unpleasant smell or taste, then you can pour it only in a place where people and animals do not walk. The ideal option is to water the plants with it.
Epiphany water should be used with sincere faith and hope. Skeptical sentiments will only aggravate the situation and the desired effect is unlikely to occur.
If a person feels that his energy is running out and he doesn’t have enough strength, then just wash himself with holy water, and everything will fall into place. But you also need to do it correctly:
- pour a small amount of liquid into a glass or palm;
- wash;
- wipe your face with the inside of your shirt.
You can also not wash the water off your face at all; it can dry naturally.
The algorithm for using Epiphany water has its own sequence:
- first you need to consecrate your home with it;
- then pour a little into another container and drink;
- If there is still water left in the glass, you can dilute it with plain water and water the flowers.
Is it possible to drink Epiphany water?
Before beginning the process of consecration, inexperienced parishioners are interested in whether it is possible to drink baptismal water and give it to children. The answer is clear - it is possible and even necessary. This water has unique healing properties, will help improve health, protect against bad looks, and improve energy metabolism.
Children should be given Epiphany water to drink regularly. This can be done from birth. Over time, this ritual will become a habit and the child will be protected and respectful of the faith.
How to drink Epiphany water correctly
To understand how to drink Epiphany water correctly, you can consult the church.
As with any holy water, the following requirements are put forward for the liquid consecrated for Epiphany:
- You need to drink it in small sips on an empty stomach;
- It’s better to pour a small amount of water into a glass so you can drink it all in three sips;
- You can also drink it at night, be sure to read the evening prayer before going to bed.
It is important not to pour out such liquid. If you haven’t finished drinking it, it’s better to wash your face with it or pour it into a flower pot. But it’s better to calculate your strength in advance and drink everything in three sips.
How to bless a house with baptismal water yourself
Sometimes the atmosphere in the house becomes tense, household members begin to quarrel frequently, and things go wrong. Then you should think about consecrating your house with Epiphany water yourself. This is not difficult to do if you stock up on holy water in advance.
This needs to be done regularly so that negative energy does not accumulate in the house. You need to sprinkle those rooms where the owners are often located. This means that the barn or cellar does not need to be subjected to this procedure.
For the procedure you will need a container of holy water and a candle that needs to be lit.
You need to visit every room in the dwelling, coming from the east. You should stop in each corner, sprinkle it with water and stand with a candle in your hands.
Also, each corner must be crossed and said at the same time: “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
After the procedure, the remaining water should be stored behind the iconostasis in the holy corner.
Does Epiphany water spoil?
Considering the unique properties of Epiphany water, it is rational to find out whether such a liquid spoils. It happens that such a liquid, to the surprise of Christian believers, “blooms” and acquires an unpleasant smell and taste. In this case, the main thing is not to panic and not take it as a sign from above. It’s just that plant seeds can get into the water, then this result is a simple pattern.
Also, water can stand in the sun for a long time and also become undrinkable. In such a situation, there is no need to pour it down the drain.
If sediment is found in the water, this is another sign of spoiled liquid. So it’s time to water the flowers with this water and not worry about using it for other purposes.
Where to store Epiphany water?
It will be useful for everyone to know where to store Epiphany water. It is best to do this in a cool, dark place.
The ideal container for such liquid is a glass jug with the same lid. If you don't have one, you can use a jar. Taboo - plastic bottles.
Periodically, the water needs to be checked to see if there is an unpleasant odor, sediment, or a change in taste. If this happens, you should not pour Epiphany water down the drain so that it does not mix with sewage. It is better to water the flowers in the house with it.
Conspiracy for Epiphany water
Our ancestors also believed that the power of conspiracies increases at Epiphany. With their help you can improve your health, find love or improve your financial situation. It is believed that during this period the heavens “open” and you can ask for whatever you want. The main thing is to do it sincerely, without malicious intent.
A plot to gain financial stability is very popular at Epiphany. The flow of well-being received on this day will accompany a person for a whole year.
How to implement the conspiracy for Epiphany water? You need to do the following:
- Collect water from an open source after 12 o'clock at night (or simply pour water into a bucket, put it outside first, and then take it into the house).
- Pour some water into a glass and walk with it around the house (clockwise).
- After dipping your fingers in the water, you need to christen all the corners and doorways.
- Words of the conspiracy: “Epiphany water entered the houses. It will bring joy, prosperity, and prosperity. Prosperity will remain in the house, we will not know evil and grief.”
- In the morning you should drink a lot of holy water and wash your face with it.
During the year, if a person feels that luck is leaving him, the ritual can be repeated.
For those whose money does not linger in the house, you should definitely read the conspiracy to save income. To do this, you also need to collect water from the street and bring it into the house. Throw 12 coins of different denominations into the bucket. Light the same number of candles and say: “I brought holy water to the house.” With her wealth will come to the house. I pray to the Lord, I obey in sins. I call wealth into the house so that it remains in it.”
Leave the coins in water overnight, and then take them out and dry them. Store it and never waste it. They will serve as an amulet against poverty and thoughtless spending.
Epiphany is a big holiday with an interesting history and traditions. If you understand them, you can discover a lot of new and useful things. Water consecrated at this time will protect, strengthen physical health and spirituality.
On January 19, 2020, the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated annually in Orthodox churches - one of the main Christian holidays. Over the years, traditions have developed that are observed to this day.
This holiday, which is also called Epiphany, is established in memory of the baptism of Jesus Christ, which was performed by John the Baptist. During his baptism on the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaimed: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
“Baptism” literally means “immersion in water”; it is no coincidence that one of the traditions of this holiday is the blessing of water. This ritual is performed twice - on Epiphany Eve and on Epiphany. They also sanctify water in natural reservoirs by cutting out ice holes in the shape of a cross or a circle in rivers and lakes. Such an ice hole is called Jordan.
Many believers are interested in: how to properly collect baptismal water, how to use it correctly? We will answer these and other questions.
How to properly collect Epiphany water?
After the church service, it can be collected in churches. To prevent water from losing its properties, the containers for collecting it must be clean. Cans or bottles containing residues of other drinks should not be used for this purpose.
There is no difference between water collected on Epiphany Eve on January 18, 2020 or on the holiday itself. You can go for water later, because according to established tradition, Epiphany is celebrated during the week. That is, during all seven days, believers can come to churches for holy water.
There is no need to collect such water in large quantities. As the priests say, any drinking water to which you add a little holy water will also become blessed. That is, you can take, for example, a liter of such water and pour it into larger containers at home.
How to use Epiphany water correctly?
The water consecrated in churches has a special symbolic meaning: it is used to wash people in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with its help they cleanse people from sins and relieve them of various ailments.
According to tradition, on the morning of Epiphany, people drink blessed water. In the old days, after this, the girls hurried to the river to wash themselves in “Jordanian water”, “so that their faces would be beautiful and pink.”
Blessed water is kept at home next to icons. Since it does not spoil, it can be stored for a long time. It is considered the best cure for various mental and physical ailments. Epiphany water strengthens the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems and has a general strengthening effect on the body.
According to church rules, it is better to use it on an empty stomach, with prosphora - in this case, it is enough to take a couple of sips. If you need to drink medicine, then take a couple of sips of water, and then the treatment procedures are carried out.
People suffering from serious illnesses can drink holy water in any quantity throughout the day. After drinking holy water, you must definitely pray for healing and remission of sins. The stronger your faith, the more likely you are to be healed.
Where can I get holy water if I didn’t go to church for Epiphany?
There are times when people do not have the opportunity to visit the temple these days. However, the supply of water can be replenished in the temple, where it is always stored, and at other times. That is, on any day of the year, not necessarily on Epiphany, you can take it from the church.
You can also pour water from other sources at Epiphany and use it. It is believed that at this time all water becomes holy. As the priests say, the point is not in the water, but “in the human heart - how capable it is of accepting the shrine that God freely gives to everyone.”
If you want to get Epiphany water from the tap, it is better to do this from midnight to 1:30 on the night of January 18-19, 2020.
What should you do with Epiphany water?
Holy water is sprinkled on homes to drive out evil spirits from the house. To do this, sprinkle all the rooms, the yard and outbuildings. It is necessary to sprinkle a cross of water on every corner, as well as the entrance doors and windows, to protect the house from evil spirits.
At the same time, the following prayer is read:
“Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities, according to Your boundless mercy through Your prayers Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen".
When telling how to correctly collect holy water for Epiphany, one cannot fail to mention snow, which is also credited with special properties on this day. In the old days, it was collected from the haystacks of girls, as it was believed that it whitens the skin and helps preserve beauty.
Snow collected on Epiphany evening was used to bleach canvases. It, like water, was considered healing, and various ailments were treated with it.
On this day, our ancestors observed many other traditions. On Epiphany Eve they put a bowl of water on the table and said: “At night the water itself will sway,” which was a sign of Epiphany. If at midnight the water in the bowl swayed, people went outside to look at the sky, to pray and make a cherished wish, which, as it was believed, would certainly come true.
As a rule, these days there are severe – “Epiphany” – frosts. Despite this, many believers swim in ice holes. It is believed that this ritual promotes healing from illnesses. Many people also believe that in this way they can wash away their sins, but the Church teaches that they can only be washed away by repentance through the sacrament of confession.
Therefore, our story about how to properly use water blessed for Epiphany will be incomplete without mentioning other traditions of Baptism.
Try to pay more attention to your loved ones during this time, help the poor and do other good deeds. At Epiphany, under no circumstances should you quarrel with relatives and other people, swear or use foul language. You cannot allow yourself even evil thoughts, and not just bad deeds.
