All Orthodox humanity celebrates the Epiphany or Holy Epiphany on January 19 (January 6, Old Style) of each year - a holiday that is considered one of the most revered and the most important event in the Christian world.

Other holiday names
Holy Epiphany, Water Crossing, Jordan, Epiphany, Theophany, Baptism of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
This holiday ends the Christmas holidays, and it was established in memory of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. If we turn to the Gospel, it says that on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, John the Baptist called the people to repentance and, in order to wash away people’s sins, subjected them to washing in the waters of the Jordan.
This is the great twelfth holiday in Orthodoxy. Epiphany ends the Christmas holiday period. The exact location of the baptism site of Jesus Christ is unknown. Most early Greek New Testament manuscripts name the site of Jesus' baptism as Bethany Transjordan. It is believed that the name Bethavara was first proposed by Origen, but he located it on the west bank of the Jordan.
history of the holiday
On January 19, the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated. The history of the holiday begins with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. During the sacrament of baptism, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven. In honor of the appearance of the Lord in the fullness of the Holy Trinity, the holiday is usually called the Holy Epiphany. God the Father proclaimed words from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Son was baptized on earth, the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove. On this day, Jesus Christ began to serve people and preach.
Since then, water has been considered a symbol of purification. On the holiday, a procession of the cross is held, and in Christian churches, on rivers and lakes, the rite of blessing of water is performed. It is believed that whoever plunges into Jordanian water three times in an ice hole will not get sick all year.


Traditions and rituals
The main traditions on January 19 are the blessing of water; swimming in an ice hole; chants, sermons; religious processions with icons and banners; fortune telling.
- Our ancestors believed that at midnight on the eve of Epiphany, water in reservoirs acquires special power: it turns into wine; the rivers stop for a moment and the water becomes miraculous, “holy” and pure; you can see how she worries and sways. It is believed that Epiphany water marks the spiritualization and transformation of the elements. The central event of the holiday was the church blessing of water, which could take place either in a church or on a river or at a well. Blessed water was carefully brought into the house. Everyone washed their faces with it, cooked with it, and used it as a remedy for physical and mental illnesses.
- The owners sprinkled the house, people, yard, livestock, beehives, vegetable gardens with the Epiphany water brought into the house, poured it into the well, added it to livestock feed, and to barrels of wine. They said that “on the night of Epiphany, before the morning, the sky opens, whatever you pray to the open sky will come true. But, supposedly, not everyone is given the ability to see this, but only the most pious people. But if a sinner prays to holy heaven at this time, then his wishes will come true.” There is a belief that if you place a bowl of water under the images and look at it “with faith,” then the water itself will stir at Epiphany noon, which means: “the baptized Son of God overshadows and sanctifies it.”
- The main event of this day is the blessing of water, for which an ice hole is made in one of the reservoirs - the Jordan. After the solemn religious procession, a prayer service is performed. After the prayer service they bathe in the ice hole: the sick - to be cured of illness, and the healthy - to be cleansed of sin. Russian winter bathing is based on the ancient pagan custom of ritual cleansing with water. They believed that the ice hole itself and the place around it had miraculous powers. In the Russian North, carolers swam in an ice hole to return to “that world” the soul of an ancestor, to whom they “lent” their body during Christmas time.
- Among the peasants there was a widespread belief that on Vodokreshcha, like on Easter, Ivan Kupala and Christmas, the sun shines. It was believed that on this night “the gates of heaven open; the bright paradise in which the sun dwells reveals its treasures; waters in rivers and springs begin to move; Flowers appear on the trees and golden apples ripen.” The night before Epiphany is considered the most favorable time of prayer to God about the most secret things.
- After the end of the hungry Kutya, the hay that had been lying around for two winter weeks was removed from the table and given to the cattle in order to improve and speed up the milk of the cows, and at the same time protect against witch leprosy. IN Voronezh region At Epiphany, they gave the cattle an “unmilked” sheaf so that the cattle would “break their fast.” In Polesie, at Epiphany they painted crosses and horses on the doors. When they were drawing horses, they said: “We rode on horses, on horses and got away,” so that “the devil would hit the hut.” Cross - “then Kolyada is leaving.” In some places they wrote chalk on the walls, doors and stove different figures trees, birds, animals, horsemen.
- To protect their home from fire, the villagers read during Epiphany Week: “The saints followed me, carrying a bowl of water. If there is a fire, the saints will put out the fire. Don't burn once, don't burn twice, don't burn three. Neither today, nor tomorrow, never burn. The saints are standing, guarding my house. Amen". In the Kursk province, at Christmas and Epiphany, they burned manure in the middle of the yard so that their parents would be warm in the next world.
- The concept of “Epiphany frosts” is associated with the holiday - they have always been particularly strong, but after this day the weather began to change. People said about the frosts: “The cracks are not cracks, but the water cracks have passed.” At the same time, severe frost foreshadowed a good grain harvest. “The frost is severe on Vodokreshcha - don’t complain about bread,” the peasants noted. However, both fog and flakes of snow foreshadowed a good harvest.
Sayings and signs for Epiphany
– The weather of this day indicates the weather of December.
– If the weather is sunny and frosty on January 19, then the summer will be hot and fruitful.
– If the Epiphany frosts prevail over the Christmas and Sretensky frosts, then the coming year will be fruitful.
– A snowstorm on Epiphany means a good swarming of bees.
– If there is a blizzard on this day, then there will be a blizzard on Maslenitsa.
– On Epiphany night the heavens open to the requests of people. If you pray for something, your request will definitely come true.
- Anyone who is baptized on the day of Holy Epiphany will live a long and happy life.
– A couple who gets married on Epiphany will live a long and happy life together.
– If a young girl goes out on Epiphany morning and meets a young guy, then she will get married this year.
- If the first person you meet is Old man, then she will be lonely all year.
– Those born on this day are protected by everything. They should wear jade.
January 19 is one of the main holidays of the Orthodox Church. On the night of Epiphany, people go to churches for all-night vigils, which end with the morning divine liturgy and the blessing of water. Epiphany water has miraculous powers. She is able to heal and protect from evil spirits.
What not to do at Epiphany
On January 19, it is prohibited to store holy water in large quantities. On the holy day, you cannot quarrel, swear, lie, complain, gossip, or entertain bad thoughts. It is undesirable to engage in heavy physical labor, clean the house, wash, or cut with scissors. It is not recommended to get a haircut, manicure or pedicure, so as not to bring bad events into your destiny. You should not sew or knit, so as not to confuse your fate. It is forbidden to borrow money, otherwise the whole year will pass in debt. On this day, it is advisable not to overeat so that your thoughts remain clear. On January 19, after the end of Epiphany Eve, it is forbidden to guess.
The magical properties of Epiphany water
On January 18 and 19, Christians go to church to pray and draw Jordan water. It is necessary that there is always sacred water in the house; it is advisable to begin every prayer with it. Signs for the Epiphany of the Lord say that if you wash children with Jordanian water, they will grow up healthy and happy. They sprinkle it on the home and give it to domestic animals so that the offspring will be good. It improves mood, relieves anxiety, heals physical and mental wounds. Girls wash their faces to be beautiful.
The priest goes around the houses of parishioners to cleanse and bless them from all evil spirits with the help of prayer and water. It's not good to lock the door on him. How to celebrate the Baptism of the Lord without receiving a blessing from it for your family and home? It was believed that such a family would be in trouble for a whole year.
Read more about the properties of Epiphany water.
Swimming in an ice hole for Epiphany
On the morning of January 19, there is a tradition of swimming in an ice hole, which was carved in the shape of a cross on the eve of the holiday. The cross itself was installed nearby. Sometimes it was decorated with spruce or pine branches. They also poured beet juice over it, turning it red, which symbolized fire. At Epiphany, signs and beliefs say that on these days double cleansing occurs - with fire and water.
Doctors are supporters of only healthy people swimming in the ice hole. This needs to be done correctly. You should take with you a large towel, a change of clothes and shoes, and a hat.
It is not recommended to take part in Epiphany bathing for people prone to the following diseases: obesity, arrhythmia, hypertension, diseases of the respiratory tract, and reproductive system. Swimming is prohibited during Women's Day.
Epiphany menu
The celebration begins on January 18th. The eve of the evening is called Epiphany Christmas Eve. People call it Hungry or Poor Kutya.

After waiting for the first star, the whole family gathers at the table for dinner, adhering to strict fasting all day. The table is served with 12 dishes, the main one being kutia (sochivo). Hence the name of the evening - Epiphany Christmas Eve. This is a porridge made from whole wheat, which symbolizes wealth, the bounty of the future harvest, unity and prosperity in the family. It is with kutya that the signs for Epiphany are associated - January 19th. If it turns out tasty, life will be easy and sweet. Burnt porridge indicates trouble this year.
They cooked it with special love and prayer. Symbolic ingredients were added to kutya: honey for the sweet life, poppy seeds, which from ancient times warded off evil spirits, nuts so that life’s difficulties could be easily overcome, raisins for abundance in the house. Under no circumstances should you throw away the kutia; it is better to give it to birds or pets.
Dumplings with potatoes and cabbage, cabbage rolls with millet, fish, mushroom soup, pancakes, and uzvar, a dried compote, were also served on the table.
And on January 19, a rich table is set with various dishes, meat casseroles, sausages, jellied meat, pastries. It is recommended to start the festive meal with prayer and sacred water.
Epiphany fortune telling
Do the signs for Epiphany - January 19th - tell the truth? Everyone can check for themselves. But since ancient times, the night from January 18 to 19 (Epiphany Evening) was considered the most suitable for fortune telling.
To check how rich the year will be, you need to take three plates and a coin. In this fortune telling, you need an assistant who will place a coin under one of the plates. Guessing where the money is hidden the first time predicts a rich, carefree life. If the second time, there won’t be any big financial problems either. And if you don’t guess right three times, you’ll have to work hard to earn a living.
6 glasses can tell your fortune. In each of them you need to put a thing that symbolizes something: sugar is sweet life, salt - sadness, coin - wealth, piece of bread - prosperity, pea - birth of a child, ring - marriage. The choice determines the events of the year.
The most mystical and reverent fortune telling with a mirror and candles. Place a bowl of water on the table and light candles on three sides. Behind the decanter is a mirror, peering into which you can see the future.
At Epiphany, signs say that girls can see their future husband. To do this, you need to pour ¾ of water into a glass, lower the ring to the bottom, placing it exactly in the center, and look closely.
To see your betrothed in a dream, you need to eat something salty in the evening. When going to bed, turn to the future groom: “Betrothed, bring me some water to drink.” Whoever dreams is destined to live with.
Read more about how to tell fortunes at Epiphany.
Name day January 19
Ivan, Rem.

On January 19, the Christian community around the world celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord. On this day, the main action is the triple blessing of water, which symbolizes renewal and cleansing from sins. Water is endowed with healing properties, becomes “sacred”, “sanctified”, holy. They begin to bless water in churches on the evening of January 18, and after that each owner rushes home to use the spikelets to bless every corner of his house, cleanse it, and protect it from evil spirits. Of course, such a holiday is accompanied by certain traditions and rituals.

Christmas Eve January 18

On the eve of January 18, strict fasting should be observed. In the evening, Epiphany Eve begins. The name itself - Christmas Eve - already tells us that the main dish on the table that evening should be oozing. So, they called millet porridge prepared in a special way with honey and raisins. Strictly speaking, it can be not only millet porridge. Now housewives cook it with rice and even corn grits.

In different areas, poppy seeds, nuts, prunes, and candied fruits are added to the porridge. The porridge is flavored with vegetable oil, hemp or sunflower, and nut milk. This meal is also called Hungry Kutya or Lenten Kutya, because it should not break strict fasting. In addition, according to popular belief, at this time evil spirits are walking the earth, and if they suddenly wander into the house, they simply will have nothing to profit from and will have to move on. There must be blessed water on the table on Epiphany Eve. It is customary to place a certain number of dishes on the table: 7, 9 or 12, as on Christmas Eve. Of course, on January 18 the meal is more modest than the Christmas one.

You can start eating on Epiphany Eve only after the first festive services have been held in churches. As a rule, this is the second half of the day. The meal begins with everyone at the table drinking three sips of Epiphany water, crossing themselves and reading a prayer. After this, they begin to kutya. In some places, this custom used to exist: the kutya had to be eaten to the end, after which the children loudly banged their spoons on the empty plate and chanted “Get out, Kutya, from Pokutya!” Sometimes they even drove Kutya down the street with such screams and noise. Thus, our ancestors saw off the merry Christmastide and said goodbye to them until next year.

Then comes the turn of the remaining dishes. As a rule, these can be Lenten pies, cheesecakes, fish dishes, dumplings, cabbage rolls or cabbage rolls, Lenten borscht with beans, oat or wheat pancakes. In some regions, special ritual cookies in the form of crosses are necessarily baked. Housewives always take a responsible approach to preparing this sweetness, because often “crosses” are baked personally for each guest. Sweet, rosy, well-baked crosses promise health, success, and well-being for the family. But whose cross is not baked or burns, troubles and illnesses await him. The hostess is supposed to feed these cookies to the poultry, and instead offer the guest another one baked in reserve.

Of course, all this should be done in secret from the person for whom the cookies were intended. “Crosses” are prepared using honey or yeast dough. Lenten cookies are kneaded in vegetable oil, and lenten cookies are baked with the addition of eggs and butter. It is believed that ritual food on Christmas Eve gives health and removes illnesses, so in the past housewives always treated their domestic animals with the remaining kutia.

Epiphany January 19

Epiphany morning on January 19 is also customary to begin with blessed water. According to tradition, the first thing you should do is read a prayer with thanks, wash, put yourself in order, and then, after crossing yourself, drink three spoons of Epiphany water. On this day it has special healing powers. Interestingly, according to many studies, such water actually has a special structure and does not lose its properties for several years.

Probably, many have noticed that even after long-term storage, Epiphany water does not change color and does not taste musty. It is believed that if suddenly someone does not manage to plunge into the “Jordan” ice hole on Epiphany, then they can get their supply of health and vitality by drinking plenty of Epiphany water on this day. Even if a person is prescribed to take medications on an empty stomach, they should still drink water first and then take the medications.

It is interesting that our ancestors, after drinking Epiphany water on an empty stomach, always ate “crosses” or pancakes baked with honey. There was even a sign: the more pancakes you can eat, the more benefits await you this year.

There are also certain requirements for the Epiphany dinner, which are dictated to us by the traditions of our ancestors. Just like the night before, kutya (or sochivo) must be present on the table. Lenten and fast foods should be served equally. They start lunch with kutya, then eat meatless dishes. And only then do they start the fasting. This is porridge with butter and cream, rich soups, lard, homemade sausages, jellied meat, baked pork. Previously, it was customary to bake even a whole pig. It was placed in the center of the table, and the owner himself cut off a piece and treated it to his household and guests. It’s funny that the youngest member of the family also had a role in this ritual: he was supposed to crawl under the table and grunt funny, amusing everyone gathered.

Sweet dishes are also present on the festive table: filled pancakes (they are also called nalistniki), pancakes, hearty pies, pretzels, cheesecakes. Nalistniki can be either sweet, with cottage cheese and raisins, or meat, stuffed with minced meat or liver. Kutya and other dishes are usually washed down with dried fruit uzvar, jelly or sbiten. Uzvar is a decoction of dried fruits, usually apples and pears, sometimes raisins and prunes, with honey. Cooking sbiten is an art.

Sbiten drink

Black tea.

Spices: ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg to taste.

Celery, lemon zest.

The mixture should first be brought to a boil, cooked for several minutes, and left in a thermos for about half an hour. After this, the sbiten needs to be strained and brought to a boil again.

It should be noted that almost every dish on Christmas Eve or Epiphany has its own ritual significance. Therefore, at all times, people prepared for this holiday with both soul and body, because each action had and has its own special meaning. Fasting on the eve of the holiday, the Lenten meal, the subsequent divine service and three times plunging into the ice-hole “Jordan” in some way symbolizes the difficult path to purification, spiritualization, and a second spiritual birth. It is natural that eating also turns into a festive ritual with its own symbols and rules, the observance of which not only maintains traditions and unites the family, but also in some way guarantees further stability and cohesion. In addition, after Epiphany comes the Winter Meat Eater, which begins on January 20 and lasts until Maslenitsa.

On the night of January 18-19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Epiphany (Holy Epiphany). What should you do at Epiphany? How to celebrate the holiday correctly? What rituals need to be performed? What signs should you pay attention to? How to congratulate your family and friends?

Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays. The holiday of Epiphany ends the Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19.

This holiday was established in memory of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, when he was 30 years old. It is known from the Gospel that John the Baptist, calling the people to repentance, baptized people in the waters of the Jordan. The Savior, being sinless from the beginning, had no need for John’s Baptism of repentance, but out of His humility accepted Baptism with water, thereby sanctifying His watery nature.

The Feast of Epiphany is also called the Feast of Epiphany, because at the Baptism of the Lord the Holy Trinity appeared to the world: “God the Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized by the holy Forerunner of the Lord John, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove”.

Epiphany. Holy Epiphany

On the eve of Epiphany, January 18, believers fast- they don’t eat anything until the evening, and in the evening they celebrate the second Holy Evening or “Hungry Kutya”. Lenten dishes are served for dinner - fried fish, dumplings with cabbage, buckwheat pancakes with butter, kutya and uzvar.

The whole family, as before Christmas, gathers at the table, to which Only Lenten dishes are served; kutia (sochivo) is prepared from rice, honey and raisins..

That evening, returning from church from a prayer service, people placed crosses over all windows and doors with chalk or soot from candles.

After dinner, all the spoons are collected in one bowl, and bread is placed on top - “so that bread is born.” The girls used these same spoons to tell fortunes: they went out on the threshold and knocked with them until a dog barked somewhere - the girl would go in that direction to get married.

The main tradition of the Epiphany holiday is the blessing of water.

On the morning of January 19, water is blessed - either in a church, or, where possible, near a lake, river or stream. It is believed that on Epiphany, from midnight to midnight, the water acquires healing properties and keeps them throughout the year. It is given to seriously ill people to drink, and temples, houses and animals are blessed with it. It remains a mystery to science that Epiphany water does not spoil, has no odor and can be stored for a year or longer.

In the old days, on the eve of Jordan, a large cross (“Jordan”) was cut out in the ice and installed vertically next to the hole. The ice cross was decorated with periwinkle and pine branches or doused with beet kvass, which turned it red.

Water is sanctified in springs, and where this is not possible - in the courtyard of the temple. Blessing the water, the priest lowers the cross into a special baptismal hole called the “Jordan”; the blessed water is called the “great agiasma,” that is, the great shrine.

It is believed that Epiphany water has the same miraculous power as the waters of the Jordan into which Jesus Christ entered.

On the day of Epiphany, after a prayer service, the sick bathe in an ice hole to recover from their illness, and those who dress up in masks New Year- to be cleansed from sin.

On the day of the holiday and on the day of Epiphany Eve, the Great Blessing of Water is performed. There are long queues for holy water in the courtyards of temples.

If a person for some serious reason cannot go to work, he can resort to healing power simple water taken from an ordinary reservoir on Epiphany night. It is believed that Epiphany water gains special strength and healing properties. They treat wounds with Epiphany water, sprinkle every corner of their home - there will be order and peace in the house.

Has survived to this day tradition of plunging into an ice hole at Epiphany- the one who dared to do this believed that the healing Epiphany water would give him health for the whole year. And today there are brave souls who, even in severe frost, jump into icy water. Everyone who wants to join them should remember that they need to plunge into the Epiphany ice hole, not trying to “accomplish a feat,” but remembering the religious meaning of this action - it is best to take a blessing from the priest before doing so. You also need to know that washing in Epiphany water does not “automatically” cleanse you of all sins.

After the celebration of Epiphany, a new wedding season begins, which continues until Lent. In the old days it was a time of fun and leisure. Young people gathered for evening parties, families organized pools and visited each other.

Epiphany holy water

On Epiphany you can drink Epiphany water all day long. But then it should be consumed on an empty stomach or for special needs (for example, in case of a sudden illness). In addition, on the day of the holiday, we sprinkle holy water throughout the entire home, including latrines and those rooms where our pets live. You can sprinkle your office, your place of study, and your car.

And if you see that there is not as much water as you would like, you can dilute it with a simple clean water, and all of it will be as full of grace as before, and will not be spoiled.

Therefore, there is no need to strain yourself by taking a canister of a dozen or two liters from the temple on this day. It is enough to take a small bottle and there will be enough water for you and your loved ones until the next Epiphany.

But the miraculous preservation of Epiphany water is not guaranteed to a person who does not treat it reverently.

It is better to pour water from plastic dishes in glass, and store it next to the icons. Also You should drink this water with prayer so that this gift of the Lord will be to us for the health of soul and body.

Epiphany water can stand for years without spoiling.

Fortune telling for Epiphany

On Epiphany evening, the girl must leave the house and walk down the street. If she meets the first young and handsome man on her way, there is a high probability that she will get married this year. If the passerby is old, then marriage is not soon.

At Epiphany, in addition to traditional New Year's and Christmas fortune-telling, from ancient times they practiced special fortune-telling - with kutya.

Its essence was that the fortune tellers, having captured hot kutia in a cup and hidden it under an apron or scarf, ran into the street and threw the kutia in the face of the first man they came across, asking his name.

Another type of special Epiphany fortune-telling is even more original: on Christmas Eve, after sunset, the girls went out naked into the street, “hoeed” the snow, threw it over their shoulders and then listened - in which direction they heard something, in that direction and they would marry them off.

Epiphany signs

♦ If the trees are covered with frost at Epiphany, in the spring you need to sow winter wheat on the same day of the week - the harvest will be rich.

♦ If there is a shovelful of snow on Epiphany, it means a good harvest.

♦ If it’s clear and cold on Epiphany, it means a bad harvest, a dry summer.

♦ If there is a starry night on Epiphany, there will be a good harvest of nuts and berries.

♦ If you see a lot of fish at Epiphany, bees will swarm well.

♦ If after Baptism there is a full month in the sky, a flood is possible in the spring.

♦ If dogs bark a lot - to a large number animals and game in the forest.

♦ To find out how warm the rest of the winter will be, on the night of Christmas Eve before Epiphany, you just need to look at the sky. If the stars shine brightly, then summer will be dry and hot, and spring will begin early. Moreover, autumn will also be warm and long. Also bright stars in heaven at Epiphany they say that the year will be calm, without political or economic turmoil.

♦ If there is a full moon on the night of Epiphany, then in the spring you should be wary of strong river floods.

♦ It’s not very good if it’s warm at Epiphany: signs indicate that there will be health problems in the coming year. On the contrary, if there is a lot of snow on Epiphany, this means good health.

♦ If you hear dogs barking on Epiphany, this promises good financial condition in the coming year. It is believed that dogs call for a hunt, which promises excellent prey.

Congratulations on the Epiphany of the Lord

♦ May it be frosty at baptism
Bring blessings
Warmth, comfort, your home -
Let it be filled with goodness
Thoughts, feelings and hearts.
Let the relatives gather.
Let the fun come to the house
On this holiday at Epiphany.

♦ Let the Epiphany frosts
They will carry away trouble and tears
And they will add fun to life,
Happiness, joy, luck!
Get ready for the holiday -
Very cheerful, healthy,
To swim in an ice hole
And stay healthy!

♦ Let the Epiphany frosts
Your sorrows will go away.
Let there be only tears of happiness,
Let the good news come.
I want you to laugh more often
And they were never sad!
To be admired by love,
And they were always happy!

♦ For the people at Epiphany
Renewal is coming.
Jumped into the hole headlong -
Life becomes different.
And then you step onto the ice,
You will turn towards the sunrise.
Raise your hands in the air boldly,
So that your soul sings.

♦ I would like to wish you a holiday on Epiphany,
There are more poems, less prose in life,
Let life be such that you don’t suffer,
Love is stronger than Epiphany frost.
Hope, beauty and kindness,
And, of course, a sea of ​​positivity,
Strive for the heights of your dreams
For life's eternal motives.

♦ With Holy Epiphany
Congratulations, friends!
Cast away all doubts
Be happy, love!
Don't be afraid of all sorts of wickedness,
And wash yourself with holy water!
Tell your fortune for love...
The holiday is coming to us again!

♦ I hasten to congratulate you on your Baptism
And wish you purity
All thoughts and all aspirations,
Health, happiness and love!
May the Angels protect you
And guard your sound sleep
Let loved ones not know grief
And the Lord will be nearby!

♦ On the bright day of the Epiphany of the Lord
I wish you all earthly bounties.
May souls and bodies be cleansed
On this day it will come down to you from heaven.
The blessings of earthly and God's grace
I want to wish you now.
Let everything be on time and by the way,
May the Lord protect you.
May everything in life be easy for you,
And may the Epiphany water
What is pouring from everywhere today,
Will wash away all the bad forever!

♦ Let holy water
Your sin will wash away any
Let any trouble
Will bypass.
Let it be revealed to you
Pure light and love
And the temple of your soul
Reborn again.

♦ Happy Epiphany Day
Congratulations today!
Let the house not become scarce,
The world will become kinder for you.
Let the help be noticeable,
Your happiness will not fade.
Love from loved ones and support
Let them become stronger over the years!

The word "baptism" is translated from Greek as "immersion." Once upon a time, the Jews, according to the commandment of their God the Father, had to come to the Jordan River and wash away their sins in order to appear before the Messiah renewed and pure. This term was first mentioned in the Bible in close connection with the name of John the Baptist. Further in the article we will understand in detail what needs to be done on and how exactly this holiday is celebrated in Russia.

History of the sacrament

According to the plan of God the Father, the Messiah, before beginning his journey dedicated to the salvation of the world, had to, like all Jews, wash himself in the waters of the Jordan. John the Baptist was sent to earth to perform this sacrament. When Jesus was 30 years old, he came to the Jordan River. At first, John the Baptist refused to perform the ceremony, considering himself unworthy. However, Jesus insisted, and the sacrament of Baptism was performed on him. When Christ emerged from the water, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. In honor of this event, the church holiday of Epiphany is celebrated.

Fasting before Epiphany

First, let's look at what needs to be done before Baptism. eleven holidays Christmas Eve, preceding Epiphany, according to church tradition, is considered fast. That is, at this time you can take any food you want. The last 12th day - the eve of Epiphany itself - is fast. On January 18, you cannot eat and you must also pray fervently.

Blessing of water before Baptism

On the eve of the holiday, according to tradition, the church holds a very important preparatory sacrament. On the evening of January 18, at the end of the liturgy, the rite of blessing of water is performed. This tradition also has ancient roots. According to the views of the church, by entering the Jordan, Christ forever sanctified all the water on earth. However, since humanity continues to commit sins, periodic cleansing by the church is still necessary.

Therefore, you can even collect holy water from the tap late in the evening of January 18th. The second great blessing of water takes place on Epiphany itself - during the procession of the cross.

How is the holiday celebrated?

Now let's figure out what needs to be done at Epiphany. Unlike Christmas, there are no noisy celebrations, songs and dances associated with this holiday. Almost all baptismal rites are based on the tradition of blessing water in lakes, ponds and rivers. Before Epiphany, a hole in the ice is made in the form of a cross, called the Jordan in memory of past biblical events. The church service in honor of the holiday begins at approximately 12 o'clock at night on January 19 and continues until the morning. You can defend it, or you can just come to the ice hole in the morning. On Epiphany, priests and residents of a city or village gather around it. Usually an ice hole is made at the body of water closest to a church or populated area. A procession of the cross takes place around it, and then a prayer service is served. This is followed by the blessing of water. Then the believers collect it directly from the ice hole into the containers they brought with them. Epiphany water is considered healing. It is given to sick family members to drink, pets are treated with it, and premises are sprinkled with it. It is also believed that Epiphany water is capable of driving away evil spirits, removing evil eyes and damage.

What else should you do on Epiphany? Modern believers, as in past centuries, very often plunge straight into the ice hole, even despite the frost. Of course, it is not necessary to do this according to church traditions. Typically, such a procedure is performed only by sick people who want to be cured.

Of the healthy people, traditionally only those who have performed some kind of fortune-telling, rites or rituals, dating back to pagan times, are plunged into the ice hole. Blessed water washes away all sins associated with communication with evil spirits.

Of course, you have to be very strong to decide to plunge into an ice hole in the cold. However, as many have noticed, not one of those who have ever bathed at Epiphany has ever gotten sick.

What to do after Baptism

After the end of the ceremony, the believers go home, taking with them what they collected from the ice hole into the water. What to do when you arrive church service? When you come home, you must first sprinkle all the corners in the room with the water you brought. According to the old belief, such an action will help rid the home of negativity and bring order and peace to it. Those who live in the village should also sprinkle all outbuildings. It would be a very good idea to pour some blessed water into the well.

There is another rather interesting tradition. On the eve of Epiphany, especially believers buy a couple of doves somewhere. Having returned from service, they release the birds to freedom. This rite is performed in honor of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Christ during his Baptism in the Jordan. If you have the heart to carry out such a ceremony, it will certainly also be an excellent answer to the question of what needs to be done at the Epiphany of the Lord.

It is traditionally believed that the water in the ice hole, near which the religious procession was held, remains consecrated for another week after the holiday. If desired, you can plunge into it during this time to relieve illnesses and failures.

How not to behave

So, we found out what needs to be done at Epiphany and after it. A believer should fast on May 18 and go to church by 12 o'clock. Now let's see what you absolutely cannot do on this holiday. Let's start with the fact that on Epiphany you should not draw too much water from the ice hole. A can or a couple will be enough plastic bottles. You should also not quarrel or swear during a service, religious procession or prayer service. The collected water should be brought home and used only for treatment and removal of negativity. It must not be diluted with any other liquids. Including ordinary water. This counts bad omen. It is also worth knowing that, due to very ungodly thoughts, Epiphany water brought from the ice hole may, after some time, lose all its healing properties.

Sacrament of Baptism

You now know what to do on Epiphany. Next, we will consider what rules exist for conducting the ceremony of accepting children into Christianity. Baptism, as already mentioned, dates back to ancient times. Everyone who wants to become a Christian must undergo this ritual. Young children are baptized very often these days. Therefore, next we will give some advice to parents on how to properly prepare for this sacrament, how to behave during it and how after it.

Preparation

Some time before the appointed day of the sacrament, godparents should be chosen for the baby. These can be absolutely any people, at the parents' choice, except:

• about to get married;
• young children;
• Gentiles;
• complete strangers;
• women who are about to enter their period at the time of the ceremony.

Before the sacrament, the chosen godparents must undergo a three-day fast. They also need to confess and receive communion. The godmother traditionally buys a new shirt or vest for the baby, and the godfather buys a cross. Parents will need to purchase a rizqa. This is the name given to the baptismal swaddling cloth with lace in which the child is received after he is immersed in the vat. The rozqa is not washed after the ceremony. It is folded and put in the closet. Traditionally, it should accompany a Christian throughout his life.

Among other things, parents and godparents must learn the “Creed” prayer. In some churches, after baptism, priests give it to read from a piece of paper, but not in all. You can also make a “cheat sheet” yourself in advance.

Carrying out the ritual

Now let's see what needs to be done when this sacrament takes place in the following order:

• The priest asks questions to the child, for whom the godparents must be responsible.
• Next, he anoints the baby with oil.
• The ritual itself is carried out, the godfather must bring the boy to the font, and the boy must be brought to the font by the godmother.
• The second godfather takes the child from the hands of the priest after immersion and dresses him in the purchased shirt.
• The priest performs the anointing with Chrism.
• A lock of hair is cut from the baby's head. She is subsequently left in the church.
• At the final stage of the ritual, the prayer “Creed” is said.

This is how a child is baptized. “What should be done?”, as you can see, the question is not too difficult. Parents just need to choose godparents and tell them what actions will be their responsibilities during the ceremony.

What to do after baptism

After a child officially becomes an Orthodox Christian, he will need to receive communion regularly in church. Until the age of seven, this ritual is performed without confession. The sacrament itself, of course, must end with a solemn feast at home.

This holiday is actually very important for all Christians without exception - Epiphany on January 19th. You now know what to do on this day according to church tradition. We hope that our article will also help to properly prepare for the Baptism of a child. In any case, on such important sacred days, you need to try to throw away all negative thoughts and tune in only to the good.

The history of the holiday goes back to the distant past, when the Baptism of Jesus Christ took place in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Therefore, this holiday is often called Jordan.

The Bible says that at the moment of baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on 30-year-old Jesus in the form of a dove, and at the same time a voice from heaven proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God. That is why Epiphany is also called the Feast of Epiphany.

The ancient name of the holiday is Epiphany - phenomenon or Theophany - Epiphany. It was also called the "Feast of Lights", "Holy Lights" or simply "Lights".Since God comes into the world on this day to show the world the Unapproachable Light .

The word "baptize", "baptize" translated from Greek means "immerse in water". Water is the beginning of life. It is from water fertilized by the life-giving Spirit that all living beings will come into being. Where there is no water, there is a desert. But water can both destroy and destroy - just as God filled sins with the water of the great flood and destroyed human evil.

In memory of the fact that the Savior sanctified water with His Baptism, there is a blessing of water; On the eve of the holiday, water is consecrated in churches, and on the very feast of Epiphany - in rivers or other places where water is taken.The religious procession to the Jordan is a procession to consecrate natural reservoirs.

Customs for Epiphany

At midnight before Epiphany, the water in the rivers, as the peasants believed, became agitated. All the water collected from the river at midnight before Epiphany is healing.; the villagers kept it behind their icons and used it in case of injury or serious illness.

In the morning there is a divine service in the church. After the Divine Service, all the people go in procession to the river to the cross. A wooden church cross and banners are carried in front, the choir sings “The Voice of the Lord...”, the priest follows the choir, putting a golden cross to his forehead, and the people follow the priest.

Everyone goes to the river for Epiphany: old, young and children. Everyone carries a bottle with them to get water.

After a short service, the priest plunges a cross into the hole, and at this time the choir sings loudly: “I am baptized in the Jordan, O Lord...” In turn, the hunters shoot from their guns, and the guys release from their hands doves that fly in a cloud over the “Jordan.” .

When the water is blessed, people go to the ice hole and fill their containers with water.

Since ancient times, the Christian Church has considered consecrated Jordanian water to be of great sanctity.. They cherish it for a whole year, affectionately calling it “Jordan water”. This water has the power to cleanse and heal the soul and body of a person. We also sprinkle the house with Jordan water so that any misfortune can be avoided and the house can be run well.

By the way, all more or less significant church holidays accompanied by the blessing of water. A person is first immersed in holy water during baptism, usually shortly after birth. In this way, a person is “renewed” for a future worthy life. Holy water must be present during the consecration of temples, residential and commercial buildings, as well as all objects used during worship.

What to do on the day of Epiphany

Many people decide to dive into an ice hole with blessed water to cleanse themselves of sin. People with poor health or some kind of illness hope to be cured of their illness in this way, because water on this day has magical properties.

The girls, having collected water from the consecrated ice hole, poured it into a large bowl, placed a bunch of viburnum or a necklace at the bottom and washed themselves - “so that their faces would be red.” Some girls ran to the ice hole to wash themselves with holy water.

Before Epiphany, women tried not to rinse their clothes in water, because “the devils sit there and can cling to it.”

After Epiphany, a new wedding season began, which lasted until Lent. . It was a time of fun and leisure. Young people gathered for evening parties, families organized pools and visited each other in order to bring spring closer.

For any housewife, the main thing on this day is to collect Epiphany water and store it throughout the year. Such water is considered healing and can help not only a person, but also in the household - to rid the house of evil spirits.

After the water was blessed, the head of the family took a bunch of dried cornflowers, dipped them in holy water and sprinkled them on the hut, thus cleansing it of evil spirits.

Before lunch it is customary to drink holy water.

Before Epiphany, it is customary to observe strict fasting, and already on January 19, our ancestors prepared festive kutya from rice or wheat with the addition of raisins, poppy seeds, honey, dried apricots and prunes. All family members sat down to have a large festive table, which was attended by kutia, uzvar, dumplings, pancakes, baked goods, fish dishes, porridge and celebrated an important holiday.