About the use of holy water. Is it possible for unbaptized people to use holy water, oil and prosphora consecrated on the relics of saints? Is it possible that holy water “does not help”

The peoples of the world have praised the unique abilities of holy water for many centuries. They drink it, wash themselves, sprinkle children and the sick. Either self-hypnosis, or divine grace - but holy water really helps healing. What is the secret of its influence?

Physicists have pondered the secret behind the rare qualities of holy water for years. Long-term experiments and observations made it possible to draw the following conclusion. The physical composition of water changes precisely on the January days of any year, from January 17 to 20. There is a sharp increase in radical ions in the water structure of the Earth, which gives the water softness and less acidity. The electromagnetic background of the Earth deviates from the norm, as a result of which all the liquid on the planet is magnetized.

The maximum peak of modifications occurs on Epiphany Christmas Eve, from six to twelve in the evening. On Epiphany itself, January 19, the power of water manifests itself from 12 noon to four in the evening.

It is important to remember that water changes everywhere: in water pipes, lakes, ponds, rivers, and other bodies of water. The servants of the temple believe that God lowers his Grace into the water. Scientists confirm the fact of improving the properties of water resources, agreeing with them.

When is water considered holy?

Water is considered holy after the completion of the established prayer service over it - water consecration.

Water blessing is of two types:

Small - takes place every day in the church. The priest reads a special prayer over a container of water.
Great - happens on the day of the Epiphany (Baptism) and the day before, on Epiphany Eve. In this case, the water in the spring will become a saint, over which the Father held a special prayer service, lowering the cross into the hole.

However, the ceremony of immersing the crucifixion that has not been carried out gives the right to consider the water holy. She becomes holy because one day the Son of God sanctified her and is doing this to this day. Reading prayers over water calls for God's mercy to come down to us.

When and where can you get holy water?

You can collect noble water for personal needs in sanctuaries, on the holy feast of Baptism. Priests bless the water in churches every day by praying for God's mercy.

On Epiphany Christmas Eve and Epiphany itself, water is consecrated twice. For the first time on the eve of the holiday, on January 18, the Divine Liturgy is read over the chosen source. The second time the Great Blessing of Water takes place on January 19 over the same water source. The priest lowers the cross into the hole and reads the sacred prayer. After the ceremony, water acquires a sacred title and you can safely stock up.

Holy water at night and holy water during the day, when is the best time to collect holy water?

Noble water in the temple can be collected at any time of the day. The Small Consecration of Water takes place frequently and gives the parishioners the opportunity to collect healing water during the day, in the evening and at night of any day.

On Epiphany festivities, it is optimal to collect water after the special rite of the Great Blessing of Water is performed by the Father. The water begins to have healing qualities from the evening of January 18 to midnight on January 19 of any year. At this time interval, you can collect holy water in the hole "Jordan".

In what vessel is holy water poured?

For immaculate water, divine shops offer special vessels that can be purchased. In no way should you collect a shrine in an empty container for alcohol and poorly washed bottles. Such actions desecrate the sanctuaries and the Lord himself.

A glass container might be a better option. However, plastic is more commonly used. It is important to remember that the dishes must be clean.

Where is holy water stored?

A container with holy water should be kept as a great Shrine. Do not put containers in inappropriate places, for example, in toilets, bathrooms, garages, basements. Holy water is holy, so the best option for its location is next to the iconostasis. You can also store it in a dark, cool place: in a cabinet, on a table or bedside table.

Often a container with holy water is placed in the refrigerator. This is not at all necessary. It is stored for a long time, sometimes for years, provided that it was collected in clean dishes.

Can you put holy water on the floor?

At present, young people are so distant from the church that they do not even know why holy water should not be placed on the floor. Holy water is a shrine that is sent to us from heaven. That is why it is necessary to express respect for her, as for the Lord himself. By placing a container of water on the floor, we show disrespect and offend holy feelings. Therefore, she should stand in the places separated for her.

Prayer for the acceptance of holy water text.

The words of the prayer for the acceptance of holy water can easily be learned by heart. Moreover, any believer needs to know it. The text of the prayer is small and memorable:

“Lord, I accept Your gift, holy water, which will help me get rid of sins and not repeat them in a righteous life. I strengthen my spirit, my flesh, my faith. Amen".

Treatment with holy water, how to drink holy water correctly?

The greatest effect from taking holy water can only be obtained if it is used correctly. You should not pounce on her, drink glass after glass in one gulp, drink directly from the bottle. Have respect for sacred ordinances, which include holy water.

They drink water on an empty stomach in the morning, in small sips at a time, while saying a prayer. But if it so happened that before taking the holy water they managed to eat something, it’s not scary. The Church does not call it sin. Although you still need to adhere to the intake of holy water on an empty stomach.

In order to feel the properties of holy water for yourself, it is important to believe in the power of God. Without belief in the shrine, nothing will happen. Holy water can heal and alleviate many illnesses and ailments, while you need to pray and ask God for help, to believe that healing will come.

How to clean an apartment with a candle and holy water?

Holy water can not only be treated and taken for spiritual cleansing of the body. It also cleanses apartments of negative energy and accumulated negativity. Only it is desirable to do this with the help of a priest. There is no concept of “cleansing a house or apartment” in the church charter. For them, this procedure is nothing more than the “Blessing of the Home” rite, at the end of which the Guardian Angel is presented to the owners and all residents are blessed.

The consecration of an apartment is a rite that requires special preparation. Therefore, the invited priest brings certain attributes with him, including holy water from the temple and church candles. Carrying out the ritual with a candle and water, he drives out all the evil spirits in the house, gives the Lord protection from quarrels, conflicts, envious guests, and other troubles and troubles.

On your own, you can try to clean the apartment with the help of a church candle. You need to start the ceremony from the front door, going around the entire area around the perimeter, each room, while driving in each corner with a lit candle crosswise and reading prayers. In those places where the candle begins to smoke and crackle, stop longer and repeat “Our Father” three times.

How to sanctify an apartment with holy water?

It is possible to consecrate an apartment with holy water on your own. However, the result of such an action will not have the same effect as from the hands of a clergyman. But you can try.

First, do a general cleaning in the apartment. Wash floors, windows, wipe dust everywhere, get rid of old things.

Secondly, for the cleansing of housing, an important point is the absence of strangers. This ceremony is best done alone or in pairs.

Thirdly, there should be complete silence in the apartment. Turn off phones, TV, radio, music. There should not be any extraneous sounds.

The fourth action will be the sprinkling of holy water throughout the entire space in the apartment, every corner. It will not be superfluous to sprinkle in cabinets, pantries, mirrors.

After the ceremony, you need to take a shower, washing off all the negativity that has fallen from you. And remember, you are cleaning your home, which means that you yourself should be at this moment with pure thoughts and a good mood.

Can you wash with holy water?

You can wash your face with holy water. This must be done carefully, without splashing sacred drops on the sides and on the floor. Also, do not wash with water completely. It is enough to take a small amount in the palm of your hand and apply it on your face. This will be enough for you to receive grace upon yourself. Be sure to believe in God's mercy and grace.

How to wash a child with holy water from the evil eye?

From the evil eye, as we used to think, holy water does not heal. Gently take a small amount of water into your hand and wipe your face. Washing the child in this way, we give him the opportunity to become closer to God. At this moment, you need to believe that God will not leave the baby and will help him overcome negative energies. It will not be superfluous to read a prayer at the time of washing. Very young children are allowed to wet the head completely.

Not holy water, but a deep faith that the Lord in our hearts will help protect loved ones from bad people, damage, the evil eye and other negativity.

Prayer before eating prosphora and holy water

Before drinking holy water and prosphora, remember that this is not a traditional breakfast or lunch. First of all, it is a shrine. What is holy water? Let's get acquainted with prosphora.

According to church concepts, prosphora is called bread baked from premium flour in the form of small pieces.

It is bread and water that are the sources of satisfaction of hunger and thirst. Therefore, eating on an empty stomach a piece of prosphora and a sip of holy water, while pronouncing special prayer words, we fill ourselves with spiritual food.

The words to be spoken before eating are:

“Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities through Your infinite mercy through prayers Your pure mother and all your saints. Amen."

The spoken prayer before tasting the prosphora and holy water gives a person faith in cleansing from negative emotions, fills him with spiritual meaning and virtue.

Is it possible to water flowers and seedlings with holy water?

Priests do not have any specific rules for the use of holy water for plants. However, as mentioned above, there must be respect and reverence for the shrine.

The Church does not forbid watering plants, but it is better to do it with spoiled, green holy water, or its remains, so as not to pour them into the sewer.

Is it possible to do a love spell on holy water?

Holy water is holy to God. The Church denies all kinds of love spells, lapels, and other magical rites. Moreover, he considers magic and witchcraft a sin. Based on this, holy water cannot be used as a magical attribute.

However, practicing magicians and sorcerers consider water, especially holy water, to be a powerful tool in their craft. With its help, they make love spells, and all kinds of conspiracies.

Whether or not to use the shrine for magical purposes is up to you. The Church categorically forbids this.

Is it possible to guess on holy water?

Divination is a magical ritual performed by sorcerers and magicians. The Church does not recognize all these demonic acts. Accordingly, holy water, as a divine source of energy and virtue, cannot be used for magical purposes. This denial comes from the clergy.

In the practice of magicians, holy water and church candles are the first part of miraculous attributes. There are many divinations using holy water. Guess or not - decide for yourself. God has given us all the right to choose.

Can you boil holy water?

Holy water cannot be boiled. She became a saint after a prayer was said over her. Together with prayer, she received God's grace. If the water has gone bad, just pour it into a flower pot. Also, do not drink tea in holy water or cook food. God has laid down a certain mission in it, which gives a person the opportunity to get closer to the Lord, and not to satisfy his needs.

Rituals on holy water.

There are many rituals on holy water, both church and magical.

Churches include:

Day of the Epiphany, in other words Baptism;
Consecration of Easter products during Holy Pascha;
Consecration of housing, garages, cars, other items;
Exorcism.

There are many more magical rites on holy water. With the help of magic, they bewitch, turn away, heal, speak for money, for good luck, for health.

Holy water and matches, why do they burn and throw matches into a vessel with holy water?

With the help of matches and holy water, various rituals are carried out. The most common is to remove spoilage. It must be done during the waning moon at night. Prepare a box of matches, holy water, a container. Specially prepared words of prayer are pronounced, matches are lit and immediately thrown into the water. According to the position in a glass of water, the degree of danger of "spoilage" is determined.

Naturally, the church does not approve of such actions. But people believe in mysticism so much that they are unable to overcome curiosity and the desire to improve their lives in magical ways.

What to do with old holy water?

If you didn’t have time to use holy water for the next Baptism, and it has not lost its freshness, then you can’t pour it out in any way. Continue taking in the morning as usual.

If the water has turned green and has acquired an unpleasant musty smell, do not rush to pour it into the sink or toilet. The Church categorically forbids showing such disrespect for holy values. It is better to water the flower, pour it under a clean tree, near which dogs and cats do not roam. In extreme cases, pour the rest of the spoiled water into the river.

How does holy water protect against the devil?

Water has a protective power, holy water is doubly strong. In church rituals and sacraments, it is used as a deterrent against unclean forces, including for exorcism.

It is easy for a priest to determine the presence of evil spirits, as well as the devil in a parishioner. A person behaves inappropriately in church, speaks in different voices, sometimes terrible, hysterical, swears, as he is afraid of incense and holy water like fire.

For the expulsion of unclean forces, special rites are performed by a clergyman. At the same time, powerful prayers are read and the forehead of the tempted is sprinkled.

At home, holy water can also alleviate a demonic state. With the constant reception of the shrine and the reading of prayers, evil spirits will eventually leave someone else's body.

Holy water from Jerusalem.

For hundreds of years, people have believed in the healing properties of holy water from Jerusalem. Just a drop is capable of miracles. They drink water on an empty stomach, several sips, sprinkle the premises, give it to the sick, wash the weak.

Holy water from the Jordan River is able to relieve stress and nervous breakdown, heal wounds and restore lost strength.

The Israelites have idolized the miraculous power of their water for centuries. In Russia, they are also familiar with the unique healing properties of miracle water.

Lapel from alcohol to holy water.

Holy water can be taken as a lapel remedy for alcohol. This must be done with great faith in the result. Take in small portions, preferably on an empty stomach. They read the following prayer in holy water 33 times:

“Holy water, healing water, strong water, help the servant of God (name of the target) to cope with the addiction. Let his body not accept alcohol, let alcohol reject it. Let the desire to drink pass once and do not return forever and ever. As seven days pass, the craving for vodka will go away. Amen".

After the conspiracy, add a few drops to the patient in the drink, or the alcohol that he takes. The lapel agent is added for seven days. After that, the result will not keep you waiting.

The main thing to remember is that all lapels are made on the waning moon, in a completely sober mind and sound memory.

Is it possible to drink holy water during menstruation?

The church charter does not establish a ban on the consumption of holy water by women on "critical days". Although, being in such a state, a woman is considered “unclean”, which in fact could have a ban on accepting a shrine. But God does not forbid anyone to turn to him for help.

If sinners come to the church for help, then a woman during menstruation has the right to receive holy water and other shrines. This process is completely natural and does not depend on anyone.

Every Christian today has the opportunity to use the church shrine - blessed water, which has healing properties. Every year on the Great Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, God's grace comes into contact with it, so you need to handle the water with care and respect.

Until now, many believers are wondering how to use holy water at home correctly. There is nothing wise here, but important points should be remembered so that God is not angry with your attitude, and the water really helped.

Every year on January 18 and 19, a great consecration of water takes place in honor of the feast of Epiphany. About 2000 years ago, Jesus was baptized in the waters of the Jordan to take on all the sins of mankind. After he entered the water, she was sanctified ...

Today, in all churches, a festive prayer service takes place for 2 days, on Epiphany Christmas Eve and the next day, near the prepared hole, called “Jordan“.

The priest reads prayers for the consecration of water in order to give it fertile properties, asks for help and enlightenment for all who come for it. That is why water becomes holy: once it was already consecrated by Christ, and continues to do so in response to the prayers of the priest.

This has nothing to do with the immersion in water of the “silver cross”, which was widely written about in Soviet times. Then the miraculous properties of Epiphany water were explained by the content of silver ions in it. In those days, no one wanted to hear about the condescension of God's grace.

The priest reads prayers for the blessing of water in order to give it fertile properties

Contrary to another common misconception, water consecrated on the feast of Epiphany itself and the day before has exactly the same properties. Although many believe that it is on January 19 that she has some kind of special power. It is interesting that on these days the Great Blessing of Water takes place, while throughout the rest of the year, rites of small consecration are held.

How to deal with the sacred?

Believers are standing, pushing, trying to advance in line for holy water, cunning and dodging, in some places scolding is heard. Many come for the miraculous liquid with whole canisters to collect for future use.

Such a picture can often be observed at the temples for Baptism. Human greed, anger knows no bounds. Priests admit that many of those who fight in line for holy water don't even know how to properly use it at home.

Today, the majority follows fashion, acts with an eye on others: everyone goes for water, and I will go! Only there is neither love for God nor respect for holy water, agiasma (from the Greek “shrine”). The Lord sees everything.

No, no, and this or that person’s jar will break on the way from the temple, or he will be surprised to find that the holy water has deteriorated very quickly, rotten, and it is fair to be indignant: “How is it, because they said in the church that the miracle liquid can keep for years!”

The Lord sees everything

Indeed, it can. But only those who lead a righteous life, struggle with their vices, live with faith in their souls.

It matters how, where and in what water is stored. Do not desecrate the sacred. No need to go for water with bottles of alcoholic beverages. Carefully prepare the container, rinse it to exclude the remnants of other liquids.

On sale now you can find special bottles and flasks for storing holy water.

Remove stickers, a barcode from the bottle, prepare the inscription “Holy water” so that all household members are aware of what is in the container. However, it is undesirable to store water in plastic. As well as putting it in the freezer: the shrine will lose all properties.

Glass containers are more suitable for this. Moreover, on sale now you can find special bottles and flasks for storing holy water.

More suitable for this glass container

It is unreasonable to go to the temple with canisters, to draw water with buckets. There is no need to make strategic reserves: water is used, albeit daily, but a little bit, literally a teaspoon, throughout the year.

You can always go to the temple for newly consecrated water. Or, if there really is not enough water, but it is needed here and now, you can add a few drops to a vessel with ordinary liquid (pour it crosswise), with the words: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

You can always go to the temple for the newly consecrated water

Holy water will transfer its beneficial properties to ordinary water. Of course, this method should not be abused, it is better, if possible, to go to church for a new portion of water, or ask around for water from fellow believers, maybe they will share?

Sharing consecrated water is not forbidden, especially if a person did not calculate its amount and scored too much.

They store water next to the home iconostasis

They store water next to the home iconostasis. Do not place it on the floor or chairs. Always think over the place for the shrine in advance.

Often Christians, in addition to the question of how to use holy water at home, are also interested in where to dispose of the excess? The priests advise to distribute water or drink it yourself and continue to collect little by little. But what if the water starts to deteriorate?

You can water plants with this water, or pour it outside under a tree, or better, into a river or lake.

The toilet bowl, sink for recycling are categorically not suitable. This is a desecration of a sacred place! You can water plants with this water, or pour it outside under a tree, or better, into a river or lake. Some temples have special “dry wells” for this purpose.

Can you sanctify water yourself?

On the Internet today you can find various videos about holy water, how to use it at home and even how to consecrate it yourself. Indeed, it is possible. But only in exceptional cases, when a person cannot visit the church for Baptism due to circumstances.

Perhaps this is only for true believers who never depart from their faith. The rite is performed with pure thoughts and soul, with a silver cross on the chest.

After reading the prayer, you should cross yourself three times, lower the silver cross into the water

Water is drawn into a clean vessel and any of the three prayers is read over it: “Our Father”, prayers “To the King of Heaven” or “Holy Trinity”. After reading the prayer, you should cross yourself three times, lower the silver cross into the water and read another prayer:

“God the great-named, work miracles, they are innumerable! Come to your praying servants, Master: eat your Holy Spirit and sanctify this water, and give it the grace of deliverance and the blessing of the Jordan: create a source of incorruption, sanctification of the gift, resolution of sin, healing of ailments, death by a demon, impregnable to opposing forces, full of angelic fortresses : as if everyone who draws it and receives from it has it for the purification of soul and body, for healing by harm, for changing with passion, for the remission of sins, for driving away all evil, for sprinkling and consecrating houses, and for every benefit like. And if it is in the houses, or in the place of the faithful living, this water will sprinkle, let all impurity be washed away, and save from all harm, below there let the destructive spirit settle, below the harmful air, let every dream and slander of the hiding enemy flee, and if anything eat, a hedgehog, or envy the health of the living, or peace, sprinkling this water, let it be reflected. Yes, bless and glorify Your honorable and magnificent name, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen".

How to use holy water?

The network has enough reviews on how to use holy water at home. Believers are convinced that Epiphany water is endowed with healing properties. And this is a scientific fact. Scientists have found that it has the same radiation as the organs of a healthy person. Consequently, it is able to transmit “healthy” radiation to diseased organs.

It happens that a sip of holy water literally brings a person back from the other world. But, of course, it is impossible to perceive it as a panacea for all diseases. It helps only those who live with faith in God, pray, go to church.

How to use holy water at home for healing? After all, so many books have been written about miraculous healings of people! Every morning on an empty stomach, take a few sips of water with a prayer:

"Oh my God,
may Thy holy gift and Thy holy water be for the remission of my sins,
enlightenment of my mind, in strengthening my spiritual and bodily strength, in
the health of my soul and body, into the subjugation of my passions and infirmities by
Thy boundless mercy through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy Saints. Amen".

Drinking it in glasses between meals is blasphemy. The only thing is, if a person has a difficult situation, he is very sick, the church allows you to drink water at any time. There are cases when, on the instructions of the priest, those suffering from alcoholism drank holy water instead of alcohol - and were cured of addiction.

There are cases when, on the instructions of the priest, those suffering from alcoholism drank holy water instead of alcohol - and were cured of addiction

Believers believe that it is permissible to take baths from holy water for healing. It is really permissible to add a few drops to the bath, but only if the person does not drain the water into the sewer, but takes it out into the street with buckets and disposes of it according to all the rules.

Parents are interested in how holy water can be used at home by a child. Many modern children are restless from birth, someone has a strong fear, someone has an evil eye. The baby can be given a spoonful of holy water, making sure that it is clean and not spoiled.

You can sprinkle it with water or wash your face in the morning and before going to bed in the evening.

You can sprinkle it with water or wash your face in the morning and before going to bed in the evening. When the baby falls asleep, read the prayer at the crib:

“God, holy and rest in the saints, with a three-holy voice in heaven from an angel sung, on earth from a man in His saints praised: giving by Your Holy Spirit grace to anyone according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and then setting up the Church of Your holy ova Apostles, ova prophets, ova evangelists, shepherds and teachers, their own word of preaching. To You Himself acting all in all, many have been made holy in every kind and kind, pleasing Thee with various virtues, and to Thee we have left the image of our good deeds, in the joy of the past, prepare, in it the temptations of the past themselves, and help us who are attacked. Remembering all these saints and praising their charitable life, I praise You Samago, who acted in them, I praise, and one of Your blessings of believing, I diligently pray to Thee, Holy of Holies, give me a sinner to follow their teaching, more than Thy omnipotent grace, heavenly with them be worthy of glory, praising your most holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen".

How to use holy water at home? With its help, people consecrate and cleanse their homes (“cleanse” means from filth, evil spirits, washing floors, wiping furniture with it, of course, is impossible).

After cleaning, housewives usually sprinkle all corners and nooks and crannies with holy water.

Housewives after cleaning usually sprinkle all corners and nooks and crannies with holy water, saying: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen". They sprinkle the car and vegetable gardens with it. It can even purify water in wells. The power of holy water is truly great!

Download the text of the prayer before taking holy water

Holy water is water that outwardly does not differ from ordinary water, but internally it contains the grace of God. Thanks to this presence, holy water has healing properties. Holy water also protects us from the actions of dark forces.

Note that in Orthodoxy, by holy water, we mean exactly that holy water that is consecrated on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It is also called Epiphany water, or Great Agiasma, which in Greek means the Great Shrine. In addition to baptismal water, there is also holy water, which we receive during the celebration of water-blessing festive prayers in the temple on holidays. All holy water baptized and consecrated during festive prayers contains God's grace. But baptismal water, as mentioned above, has the greatest power. During the year, the water does not deteriorate and retains its healing properties due to the presence of grace. True, under the only condition - a person must treat it with reverence.

How to take holy water?

First of all, water should be consumed daily. In this way we strengthen our own bodily and spiritual powers. There are a lot of cases when people using holy water received healing and recovery. It is known from history that St. Ambrose of Optina once gave a bottle of holy water to a seriously ill person. After taking the blessed water, the patient became completely healthy. All the doctors wondered how this hopelessly ill man got cured.

Ascetics of piety have always reminded believers of the need to drink holy water. So, Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyrlitsky recommended that sick people take a tablespoon of holy water every hour. After all, there is no stronger medicine in the world than holy water. The elder said that before putting food on the table, they should be sprinkled with baptismal water.

When we talk about baptismal water, we remember that there is a church custom of sprinkling all dwellings on the feast of Epiphany with the Great Agiasma.

Some people claim that bathing, or full immersion in the river on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, washes away sins. In fact, such bathing is nothing more than an ancient pious custom. For cleansing from sins in the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ established the Sacrament of Confession.

Prayer for the adoption of Prosphora and holy water

Every person, when he wakes up in the morning, tries to put himself in order. He does exercises, brushes his teeth and has breakfast. Thus he prepares himself for work. In the same way, a person should prepare himself for spiritual work in the morning. So to speak, strengthen your “internal muscles”. That is why every Orthodox Christian makes a morning prayer to God in the morning. After prayer, he uses holy water and prosphora. Please note that you need to use shrines on an empty stomach. Drinking holy water after meals is allowed only in case of illness.

First we drink holy water, and then we eat prosphora. Shrines should be stored in a place specially designated for them. Mostly this is a prayer corner on which vessels for shrines are located.

Before drinking holy water and prosphora, we say the following prayer:

“Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the Forgiveness of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities through Your infinite mercy through prayers Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen".

Can you boil holy water?

Sometimes people ask if it is possible to boil baptismal water. There is no such need. Epiphany water during the year not only does not deteriorate, it has an antibacterial effect, that is, it destroys bacteria that are harmful to health. So there is no need to worry about the fact that the water is standing for a long time.

Can holy water be diluted?

There are times when supplies of holy water run out. Then ordinary water is added to baptismal water. Ordinary water, mixing with baptismal water, takes on its properties. In other words, there is more baptismal water.

Watch a video about holy water

Drinking holy water is necessary and possible for any Christian. Keeping God's grace in itself, the water consecrated in the temple is a shrine.

They bless the water in all churches on the church day of Baptism, endowing it with incorruptible good properties.

Since that distant moment, when Jesus Christ, having entered the Jordan, took upon himself all the sins of the people, holy water has been called to bring God's grace to all Orthodox and peaceful people.

Water should be treated with respect and reverence, not consumed beyond measure, and only for good purposes.

Is it possible to drink holy water just like that and other doubts

Instead of the usual

Take a sip with reverent prayer in no case drinking it like ordinary water. According to the canons of the church of Christian teaching, consecrated water is a kind of instrument of communication with God, with which you can strengthen prayer or appeal to the Almighty.

Don't drink on an empty stomach?

It is considered correct to drink holy water on an empty stomach, better - on an empty stomach. An exception would be a serious illness, an acute desire of a believer, or his fear of an invasion of evil forces - only in such cases can water be drunk after a meal.

Should I take it when I'm sick?

A sip of miraculous water has saved people from illness more than once. Christian, shackled by illness, more than once healed the baptismal water from the temple.

There are cases when half a throat returned consciousness to the hopeless and suffering from recovery.

Is it allowed to dilute with plain water?

It is possible and even necessary, because of the holiness of water - even a small part is able to spread its miraculous features to large volumes. No need to take liters of water in the church, you can bring a little, and in prayerful reverence pour it into a vessel with the volume necessary for the family.

And boiled?

Boiling or using holy water for cooking is prohibited. For consecration in churches, they mainly take only potable water, which, when receiving grace, all the more becomes clean, fresh and does not deteriorate for a long time.

Daily?

If the impulse to drink church water implies the performance of a daily esoteric action or ritual, then this is prohibited by Christian teaching. One can drink holy water every day only by purifying the heart in a prayerful desire to get closer to the Creator.

Last year's water?

Knowing that such water almost never deteriorates, and remains fresh for several years without losing its divine properties, we can safely say that You can drink water from last year.

Holy water with pills?

It is better to drink the medicine with plain water. There is no direct prohibition to drink medicine with holy water.

However, taking this gift of God in vain, one should not hope for an increase in the properties of the pill or the indulgence of divine help and healing.

Is it allowed for unbaptized and non-believers?

There are no restrictions on the use of such water. For an unbaptized but believing person who is about to receive the Sacrament of Baptism and reveres the church, holy water will be an exceptional boon. If an unbeliever drank holy water, not knowing that it was sanctified, there will be no bad thing either. though any blasphemous treatment of a shrine, in thoughts full of malicious intent, is unpleasant and unacceptable.

Why You Shouldn't Drink Holy Water

There is an opinion that it is impossible to use holy water. The theoretical component of this theory is that the priests, by lowering a heavy full-weight silver cross into the water during Baptism, turn the water into inanimate. Microparticles of heavy metals are added to the composition of the liquid, thereby charging with silver ions, which, when consumed in large quantities, contributes to the development of numerous serious ailments. Holy water can burn like fire if consumed in excess. and disrespectful attitude towards her.

How to drink holy water for baptism

It is better to keep a vessel with a shrine near the icons. Epiphany water, consecrated only twice a year - on January 18 and 19, is called the Great Agiasma - a gift to God's people.

Considered a cure for all diseases of the soul and body, it is drunk at Epiphany throughout the day, and in the following, according to tradition, on an empty stomach.

It is stored all year round, and even more, next to the icons or behind them.

Be sure to use holy water, and not just keep it in the house next to the holy faces.

Epiphany water is considered a means to achieve and receive God's grace, but drinking it solely because of a serious illness or unresolved mental turmoil and burdens is also not worth it, since it is not a magical panacea.

You can collect holy water in any temple throughout the year, small water sanctification occurs almost every day, so it is always available. There is no more or less grace-filled holy water - any was consecrated by a clergyman, in a circle of believers praying for the mercy of God, Christians, and it cannot be compared.

Conclusion

The attitude to church water should be especially respectful, because it is a kind of conductor to the Almighty.

Life, far from the church and the Lord God, without thinking about Him in deeds, life, without accepting His help, without working on one’s soul, will not change in any way when drinking holy water.

Spoiled water should not be poured into the sewer. Its shelf life can be calculated for years, but it happens that the water can deteriorate and need to be poured out. Then in no case is a sink or sewer communications used.

Washing the face by rubbing it with the palm of your hand is a good action that can be performed both for yourself and for your child, even an unbaptized person, but not to remove corruption or other undivine rites. You can not wash yourself with such water as ordinary from the washbasin. The attitude should be careful, as befits a source of grace.

There is no need to bathe with such water. If human faith is indestructible, then the amount of water does not matter, whether it be one drop or a tub. Holy water is drunk only as a source of grace, connection with the Lord, with a petition for the forgiveness of sins and the healing of diseases.

It is possible and necessary to christen a pectoral cross, dwelling, pet or vehicle with Epiphany water. That's what prayer is for. But such a requirement, according to the prescription, must be performed by a priest.

Do not pour holy water into a bowl of an animal.

Before Communion and during the morning and night Liturgy, holy water is not supposed to be drunk, however, due to poor health or treatment, you can ask permission from the clergyman and drink a little if necessary.

It is not forbidden for a drunk person to drink holy water, but there is no need. However, it happened that a person who was in an intoxicated state was brought into consciousness by relatives, sprinkled with holy water and read prayers for the mercy of the Lord over him.

It is not advisable for a drunk person to go to a temple for water or to take a bath in an ice-hole on Epiphany night, but it would not be right not to take a bottle of water that a drunk person held - this does not make the water itself lose its holiness. You don't need to drink from a bottle. Holy water is sacred and should be drunk in an appropriate manner.

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

Why bless water?

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

In the New Testament time, water serves the spiritual rebirth of a person into a new, grace-filled life, cleansing from sins. In a conversation with Nicodemus, Christ the Savior says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Christ Himself at the beginning of His ministry received Baptism from the prophet John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan River. In the hymns of the service for this holiday it is said that the Lord “grants cleansing with water to the human race”; “You sanctified the jets of Jordan, you crushed the power of sin, Christ our God ...”.

How is baptismal water blessed?

The consecration of water can be small and large: the small is performed several times during the year (during prayers, the sacrament of Baptism), and the great - only on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany). Blessing of water is called great because of the special solemnity of the rite, imbued with the memory of the gospel event, which became not only the prototype of the mysterious washing away of sins, but also the actual sanctification of the very nature of water through the immersion of God in the flesh in it.

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

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

Such traditions should not be treated as magical rites - the feast of the Epiphany is celebrated by the Orthodox in hot Africa, America, and Australia. After all, the palm branches of the feast of the Lord's entry into Jerusalem were replaced by willows in Russia, and the consecration of vines on the Transfiguration of the Lord was a blessing for the harvest of apples. Also on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, all waters will be consecrated, regardless of their temperature.

Archpriest Igor Pchelintsev, press secretary of the Nizhny Novgorod diocese.

How to use holy water?

The use of holy water in the daily life of an Orthodox Christian is quite diverse. For example, it is consumed on an empty stomach in small quantities, usually together with a piece of prosphora (this is especially true for the great agiasma (water consecrated on the eve and on the very day of the feast of the Epiphany), they sprinkle their dwelling.

A special property of holy water is that, added even in a small amount to ordinary water, it imparts beneficial properties to it, therefore, in case of a shortage of holy water, it can be diluted with plain water.

We must not forget that blessed water is a church shrine with which the grace of God has come into contact, and which requires a reverent attitude towards itself.

It is customary to use holy water with a prayer: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of passions and my infirmities through Thy boundless mercy through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen".

Although it is desirable - out of reverence for the shrine - to take Epiphany water on an empty stomach, but due to a special need for God's help - in case of ailments or attacks by evil forces - you can and should drink it without hesitation at any time. With a reverent attitude, holy water remains fresh and pleasant to the taste for a long time. It should be stored in a separate place, preferably next to the home iconostasis.

Is the water consecrated on the day of Epiphany and on Epiphany Eve different in its properties?

- There is absolutely no difference! Let's go back to the time of Patriarch Nikon: he specifically asked the Patriarch of Antioch whether it was necessary to bless the water on the very day of the Baptism of the Lord: after all, the day before, on Christmas Eve, the water had already been blessed. And I received an answer that there would be no sin in that, it can be done again so that everyone can take water. And today they come to us for one water, and the next for another - they say, here the water is stronger. What makes her more powerful? So we see that people do not even listen to the prayers that are read at the consecration. And they do not know that the water is sanctified by one rank, the same prayers are read.

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

Priest Mikhail Mikhailov.

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

This is not true! Bathing in an ice-hole (Jordan) is a good old folk custom, which is not yet a church sacrament. Forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God and His Church is possible only in the sacrament of repentance, during confession in the temple.

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

St. Theophan the Recluse writes: “All the grace that comes from God through the Holy Cross, holy icons, holy water, relics, consecrated bread (artos, antidor, prosphora), etc., including the Most Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, is valid only for those who are worthy of this grace through prayers of repentance, repentance, humility, service to people, deeds of mercy and the manifestation of other Christian virtues. But if they are not there, then this grace will not save, it does not act automatically, like a talisman, and is useless for impious and imaginary Christians (without virtues).”

Miracles of healing are still happening today, and they are countless. But only those who accept it with living faith in the promises of God and the power of the prayer of the Holy Church, those who have a pure and sincere desire to change their lives, repentance, and salvation are rewarded with the miraculous effects of holy water. God does not work miracles where they want to see them only out of curiosity, without a sincere intention to use them for their salvation. “An evil and adulterous generation,” the Savior said of his unbelieving contemporaries, “is looking for a sign; and a sign will not be given to him.” In order for holy water to benefit us, let us take care of the purity of the soul, the high dignity of our thoughts and deeds.

Is it really baptismal water all week long?

Epiphany water is such from the moment of its consecration and for a year, or two or more, until its supplies at home run out. Taken in the temple on any given day, it never loses its holiness.

Archimandrite Ambrose (Ermakov)

My grandmother brought me Epiphany water, which a friend gave her, but it smells musty and I'm afraid to drink it. What to do in this case?

Dear Sophia, due to various circumstances, although very rarely, it happens that water comes into a state that does not allow internal use. In this case, it should be poured into some impregnable place - say, in a flowing river, or in a forest under a tree, and the vessel in which it was stored should no longer be used for domestic use.

Archpriest Maxim Kozlov

Why can holy water go bad?

That happens. Water must be collected in clean containers in which the water should not deteriorate. Therefore, if we used to store something in these bottles, if they are not very clean, there is no need to collect holy water in them. I remember in the summer one woman began to pour holy water into a beer bottle ...

Often, parishioners like to make comments: for example, they began to explain to one of our priests that he consecrated the water incorrectly - he did not reach the bottom of the tank ... Because of this, they say, the water will not be consecrated ... Well, the priest should be a diver? Or that the cross is not silver... No need to reach the bottom and the cross can be wooden. There is no need to make a cult out of holy water, but you also need to be pious! A priest I know, in 1988, had a bottle of water that he had kept since 1953 or 1954...

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

Priest Mikhail Mikhailov.

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

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

If this is a certain approach of a person to the church fence, if he, not yet daring to be baptized, let's say, having been a militant atheist in the past, now, through the prayers of his wife, mother, daughter, or someone else close, he no longer rejects at least these external as signs of churchness, then this is good and pedagogically this will lead him to something more essential in our faith - to the worship of God in spirit and in truth.

And if such actions are perceived as a kind of magic, as a kind of "church medicine", but at the same time a person does not at all strive to become churched, to become an Orthodox Christian, he only reassures himself that I am doing something like this and this will serve -something a talisman, then this kind of consciousness does not need to be provoked. Based on these two possibilities, you decide, in relation to your specific situation, whether or not you need to offer church shrines to any of your loved ones.

Archpriest Maxim Kozlov.

Questions and answers about holy water

If God sanctifies all the watery nature on earth on January 19, why then does the priest sanctify the water on this day? I asked my father, he replied that he did not know. Alla

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

Sincerely

Priest Alexy Kolosov

Hello Nikolay!

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

John the Baptist performed a ceremony called "baptism". But the very concept of the cross, as a symbol of Christianity, from which, it seems to me, the word “baptism” comes, came with the crucifixion of Christ, that is, later than the death of John the Baptist. Then why did John have "baptism" and not, for example, "baptism"? Thanks to. Igor.

Hello Igor! In the Greek text of the Gospels, Baptism is indicated by the verb "baptiso" - to immerse, and in the first meaning - to bury. This is quite consistent with the context and meaning of the actions of John the Baptist. The term "Baptism" arose during the actual Slavic translation of the Gospels, when such a specific action was characteristic, first of all, of Christianity. However, I could not find exact information about the history of this term. It is very likely that the Sacrament of Baptism came to the Slavic world earlier than the term for it. Perhaps that is why such a term was chosen, as it more clearly explains what happened in the Jordan, and is now inextricably linked in the minds of people with the acceptance of Christ. Sincerely, priest Mikhail Samokhin.

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

Hello, Alexander!

No, dipping into an ice hole and dousing is not enough to consider yourself baptized. It is necessary to come to the temple so that the priest performs the Sacrament of Baptism over you.

Sincerely, Priest Alexander Ilyashenko

Good afternoon! Please tell me, is it true that if an unbaptized person comes to church on January 19 and defends the entire service, then after that he can consider himself baptized and can wear a cross and go to church? And in general, can an unbaptized person go to church? Thanks a lot, Elena

Hello, Elena!

An unbaptized person can go to Church, but he cannot participate in Church Sacraments (confession, Communion, weddings, etc.). In order to become baptized, it is necessary that the Sacrament of Baptism be performed on a person, and not the presence at the service on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Approach the priest after the service and tell him that you want to be baptized. This requires your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the desire to live according to His commandments, as well as some knowledge of the Orthodox dogma and the Orthodox Church. The priest will be able to answer your questions and help you prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. Help you Lord!

Sincerely, Priest Alexander Ilyashenko

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

Hello Lena!

When bathing your daughter, you do not need to add holy water to the bath: after all, holy water can only be poured into a special place that is not trampled under foot. It is better to let your daughter drink holy water, and also regularly commune her with the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Sincerely, Priest Alexander Ilyashenko

Hello, please tell me, is it possible to throw away the glass bottle in which the holy water was stored in a trash can? If not, then what to do with it? Marina

Hello Marina!

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

Sincerely, priest Alexander Ilyashenko.

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

Hello, Elena! What is the need to give a shrine to an animal? It all depends on the specific situation. Based on the literal interpretation of the words of the Lord: “Do not give holy things to dogs and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample it under their feet and, turning, tear you to pieces.” (Mt. 7:6) follows. At the same time, in church practice, there are cases when, during the pestilence of animals, they were sprinkled and drunk with holy water. The grounds for such boldness, as you see, must be really extremely serious. Sincerely, priest Mikhail Samokhin.

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

In any church holiday, it is necessary to distinguish between its meaning and the traditions that have developed around it. In the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the main thing is the Epiphany, this is the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist, the voice of God the Father from heaven “This is my beloved Son” and the Holy Spirit descending on Christ. The main thing for a Christian on this day is the presence at the church service, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, communion of baptismal water.

The established traditions of bathing in cold ice holes are not directly related to the Feast of the Epiphany itself, are not mandatory and, most importantly, do not cleanse a person from sins, which, unfortunately, is much talked about in the media.

Is it possible to douse with holy water if a gypsy jinxed me? Maria.

Hello Maria!

Holy water is not bathing water, and belief in the evil eye is superstition. You can drink holy water, you can sprinkle it, sprinkle the house, things. If you live according to the commandments of God, often visit the church for confession and communion, pray and observe the fasts established by the Church, then the Lord Himself will keep you from all evil.

Sincerely, Rev. Dionisy Svechnikov.

Tell me: can the Grace of God leave holy water and consecrated objects because of our sins, or is it impossible? And one more thing: how to get rid of the evil and the negative? Sincerely, Alexander.

Hello, Alexander!

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

Sincerely, Rev. Dionisy Svechnikov.

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