In Christian culture, holy baptismal water is very important. Various properties are attributed to her. The blessing of water at Baptism has long acquired a sacred meaning. Many are perplexed how it is possible to give water completely different properties, but almost no one thinks that it is very variable, absorbs any vibrations from the outside (both positive and negative).
When water is blessed at Baptism, a change in the structure of water occurs. It acquires higher vibrations, which leads to the fact that it can heal both spiritual and physical weaknesses, as well as help in other difficult life situations.
The peculiarity of the occurrence of this action and holiday
Baptism has come to us since the time of Jesus Christ. This event is described in the scriptures, in the four Gospels. So, let us consider in more detail how this happened, where the Baptism of the Lord took place , the water of which river washed the body of the Savior during the ritual.
The first water baptism occurred in the Jordan River when Jesus Christ asked the prophet John to perform this action. It was a symbol of cleansing from sins, sincere repentance and faith in salvation. Christ went through baptism for the sake of mankind and its coming salvation. He realized the importance of this event for people, about which he told John the Baptist.
After Christ came out of the water and prayed, there was the voice of the Lord, which said that He was his beloved son. There was also a descent of the saint's spirit in the form of a dove. After his baptism, Christ held a public ministry.
The formation of the holiday of Epiphany
It is not known exactly when the blessing of water at Baptism became a traditional ritual, as well as when the approval of this holiday took place. However, already in the third century in the “Stromats” of Clement of Alexandria the first mention of him is found. Until the fourth century, the day of celebration was the sixth of January (Julian calendar). It was built on the memory of both Christmas and the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ.
After the fourth century, these two holidays were divided into two different days - Baptism remained on the sixth of January, and Christmas began to be celebrated on the twenty-fifth of December.
Initially, the baptism of Christians took place once a year, namely on a holiday. But by the time Russia adopted Christianity, such a custom almost did not exist.
So, today, when the water is blessed at Baptism, it is a tribute to the ancient event that happened during the time of Jesus Christ. At that time, when he, through his intercession and sacrifice, took upon himself the sins of mankind and showed the way to salvation for all.
How is this rank?
The rite consecration of water for baptism in its final version was established in Russia in 1681. For people it was a great holiday, which everyone celebrated with great glee and obligatory bathing in the hole.
Today it is no less solemn holiday, which is also called the Great Blessing of Water. Now let us examine in more detail how this rite occurs, and when the water is sanctified. On the Epiphany Eve, just before the day of the Epiphany, the first consecration of this blessed liquid takes place. This action is dedicated to the recollection of how the Lord himself was baptized in the Jordan River, as well as how the baptism of the announced was carried out.
On the day of the Epiphany itself, a memory of the event occurs. But since Jesus accepted his baptism outside the temple, the custom appeared on that day to go out to rivers and lakes and perform sanctification. This event is also called “Walking in the Jordan”.
The very rite of blessing water at Baptism has the following actions. At the end of the liturgy, an outrageous prayer or a petition litany is performed. Then the abbot in full vestment must go through the royal gate to the font or to the source. Ahead the processions are the priests and carry candles, and behind them are people who chant the troparia "The Voice of the Lord." Then deacons and priests follow, and the rector closes the procession, who carries the Cross in front of him.
At the place where it is supposed to begin sanctification, there should be a table with a bowl of water and three candles. Then the abbot censers water, and if the ritual takes place in the temple, then the altar and those present during the ceremony.
When water is blessed at Baptism, many passages from the Gospel are read, as well as passages from the book of the prophet Isaiah, from the Apostolic reading. Many prayers are said in which he asks that grace be sent down to the water, so that as a result it can heal both spiritual and bodily infirmities. At the end of the rite, the abbot should bless the water with the fingers and the Cross, and after three times immerse the latter in liquid. At the same time, he sings the person of the troparion, "In the Jordan, you are baptized, Lord." The ceremony ends with a cross-shaped sprinkling in all directions, as well as the singing of stichera.
When does this action happen
Nowadays, after the long decline of the Orthodox faith, a lot of prejudices have appeared regarding the “quality” of water. The liquid that was consecrated in the evening, and the one that was consecrated in the morning, are identical in their properties. So, if you answer the question: “When is the water blessed for baptism on the 18th or 19th day?”, It’s correct to note that there is no difference, because the order is the same. The blessed power that descends on this fluid is the same both in the Mantra and after the morning Liturgy.
Baptismal ice-hole bathing
Another rite for Baptism is immersion in water in an ice hole. To make it in the place where there will be bathing, cut an ice hole in the form of a cross in advance. Above the water, the priest reads the rite (prayers), and then sanctifies the water. Traditionally, they plunge into the hole in the evening of the eighteenth, however, you can do this on the nineteenth. By the way, only in the area where there is a river or other body of water nearby, is the consecration of running water in the Overlap. Most often this happens in the morning, on the day of the Epiphany, after the Liturgy.
Although water on the day of baptism has special properties, it is nevertheless necessary to observe safety rules during bathing, especially if you are diving into water for the first time. You should not swim if you have any chronic or acute illnesses (especially inflammatory ones). If you attach a child to this ritual, you should do this very carefully, after he gets out of the hole, his body should be well rubbed with a towel, dressed in dry clothes and given hot tea.
It should also be noted that dipping into the hole in Baptism, although it has healing power, but only this can not get rid of all sins. This ritual does not eliminate the need for penitential prayer, Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of Confession.
What is the peculiarity of water as a liquid?
Now let's talk about what makes this liquid so special, which on earth is almost eighty percent of the entire earth's surface. As mentioned above, holy water in baptism has special properties. That is why from ancient times it was assigned a special role. In cinema, this topic was well covered in the video “The Great Secret of Water”. The statements of various academicians and professors about the properties of this life-giving fluid, about how its structure can change under the influence of various words, musical compositions and even people's thoughts, were taken in it.
It also tells how holy water is transformed into baptism. Against the background of the knowledge gained, this does not seem so implausible, moreover, many experiments can be repeated at home.
What happens to water Epiphany evening
So, let us consider how water changes after Baptism. Some scientists analyzed this water and came to the conclusion that after the rite, the outlet produces purified water, as if from silver. Moreover, this becomes not only the liquid over which the ritual was performed in the temple (you must agree, nevertheless, it receives more silver from the cross), but also that is located in large reservoirs where the ceremony is performed. The clergy are convinced that this is the effect of prayer, as well as the descent of the grace of God.
Baptismal water properties are special. For example, from purely physical ones, this is absolute safety during the year (color and smell do not change). Agree, in the current state of water - this is an indicator. In addition, water has healing properties, which allows you to use it in unusual situations.
How to use holy water. Her properties
After you went to church and brought home the holy water, it is advisable to store it near the icons, like a shrine. It is believed that it should be in the home of every Christian. Since water has special properties for baptism, it is also used in cases where you cannot help with ordinary actions.
By the way, in consecration prayer even speaks of some of them. This is the deliverance from sins, and the healing of ailments, and the cleansing of various demons. Many elders and saints spoke out about this, and there was no greater healing power for them than drinking holy water.
It can be taken regularly on an empty stomach, in small portions. Before that, you should pray. If there is a special need, then you can drink some water at another time (also without forgetting about prayer). If a person has sore spots on his body, then you can anoint them with it. If necessary, it is allowed to sprinkle the dwelling. With all actions you need to read special prayers.
Holy water in baptism, with its regular consumption with due reverence and prayer, can sanctify the soul and body. In this case, a person becomes more prone to all virtue, fasting and prayer. An unclean spirit cannot approach him, nor can he influence him. Using it, the raging passions constantly subside, a person becomes calm and balanced. There is a cleansing of evil and filth.
With the help of holy water, you can sanctify any thing in everyday life, as well as directly the dwelling itself. Some elders advised to sprinkle the food with baptismal water.
Our ancestors had a special attitude to it. Grandmothers always advised washing small children with water after visiting bad or strangers. She also helped with the evil eye or if the baby often weeps for no reason (you should wash it with water and read the maternal prayer). In every case, she was useful.
By the way, holy water can (sometimes, but it happens) become unusable. It should be noted that this is an indicator of the impious life of those living in the house or some other misfortune. If this still happened, pour this water into a place where no one walks (for example, under a tree, or even better - in running water, a river). The container in which it was contained can no longer be used.
Rules to be observed during consecration of water and bathing by parishioners
There are also rules for parishioners on this day. On Epiphany Eve, one should refrain from eating until they make candles after the Liturgy, and also until holy water is consumed. At Epiphany (and equally, like on another similar holiday), one should be friendly towards other parishioners, not crowd and not create a crush, because a lot of people come to the temple.
Sometimes it’s sad to watch some parishioners rush to get first under the sprinkling of holy water, pushing everyone in their path and cursing at the same time. Be attentive to each other.
Before the priest goes to the blessing of water, you must open all the containers that you brought with you (they should be with a wide neck).
While swimming in the hole, especially if this is a place with a large crowd of people, you should also be polite and friendly. Do not bring and drink alcohol, as this may end badly. Be careful while dipping, do not push other people, do not rush. Remember to say your prayers before entering the water.
Conclusion
Thus, we see that when water is blessed at Baptism, a great action takes place. We get a wonderful liquid with special properties that can be used in various situations. By the way, this water is also called “agiasma”, which means “shrine”. Some compare this miracle with the one that happened at the will of the Lord in Cana of Galilee when he turned water into wine.
Remember, when water is blessed on Christmas Eve, and also on the next day of the Epiphany, it has the same properties. In these two days the same order is performed over her and the same grace descends. Use this water with prayer, keep it reverently, like a shrine, and then all of you will be helped by it. Do not forget to be sure to visit the temple during the Epiphany, as well as stay in the service.