Tonight Orthodox celebrate Epiphany Eve.
Epiphany Eve - a night-preparation before the big holiday of the Orthodox, which is called Epiphany Epiphany. This celebration of the Orthodox Church is one of the Twelve. On this day, remember the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Baptist) in the Jordan River.
The Greek word, passed into Slavic languages Russian and then the word "baptism", more accurately be translated by the word "immersion". John's baptism was, in fact, cleaning washing. The Christian baptism is understood as taking on a cross.
The baptism of John the Baptist had a sense of spiritual cleansing action. Therefore, when Jesus Christ came to be baptized, John was holding him, saying, "I need to be baptized of Thee." Feast of Epiphany also called the feast of the Epiphany, because on that day God has revealed himself clearly the world in three persons of His Divinity, God the Son - Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit nisoshel Him like a dove, God the Father testified of Jesus Christ a voice from heaven .
The Vigil of Epiphany consists of Great Compline, lithium, and the first hour of Matins.
On the day of the holiday and the day of Epiphany Eve are great vodoosvyaschenie. In the temple attracted long queues for holy water. If a person is for any serious reason can not go to the service or live within a thousand miles from the nearest church, he may resort to the simple healing power of water from the reservoir in the usual Epiphany night, although this holy water can not be considered. At Epiphany water in the temples consecrated by a special rite - the great blessing of Jordan and is called Epiphany.
Partakes of the Epiphany water fasting for a spoon, a little bit. Stood a man of the cross, sought the blessings of the Lord to start the day, washed, prayed and took great agiasmu ("agiasma 'and Gr. -" Holy "). If the prescribed medication on an empty stomach, first take the holy water, and for her, and medicine. And then to breakfast, and other things.
Devotees of Christian piety called consecrated water the best cure from all spiritual and bodily ailments. Often the spiritual fathers "prescribed" to his flock pribolevshim Epiphany vodichku - every hour on the spoon, with faith, of course. It and wash the patient can, and sprinkle the bed. It is true that women in the critical days to take Epiphany water is blessed not. But if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, even the fact these things is not important. Epiphany water but will it help you!
It is believed that holy water does not spoil, so put in the refrigerator it is not necessary. The Orthodox hold her in the corner, next to the icons. In addition, a drop of holy sea sanctifies. You can take an ordinary, unsanctified water and add a drop of Epiphany, and it is all holy.
Categorically forbidden, taking holy water, or taking her to quarrel, to quarrel, to allow impious deeds or thoughts. From this holy water loses its sanctity, and often simply poured.
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
Konstantin, to dive
> ready?