Epiphany: history, traditions, meaning of the holiday. Epiphany of the Lord: history, traditions, meaning of the holiday When is baptism in what year?

On January 19, 2016, Orthodox Christians celebrate the twelfth great holiday of Epiphany - Epiphany.

According to the Holy Scriptures, Jesus Christ, in a conversation with the Jewish rabbi Nicodemus, says that “whoever is not born of water and the Spirit cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” These words traditionally mean the Sacrament of Baptism. During the Baptism of Jesus Christ, humanity saw the appearance of the Holy Trinity, a voice called Christ the chosen Son, and the Holy Spirit descended bodily in the form of a dove, the portal rsute.ru learned. Holy Lights - this is what Baptism was called in ancient times.

It is known from the Bible that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of thirty. On the Jordan River not far from Bethany, the prophet John the Baptist (Baptist) was waiting for Him, who was preparing the people to meet the appearance of Christ with repentance. And when this happens, he must point to Him “by the finger of God.” This was required by the Law of God, since one person’s testimony about himself is not true. Therefore, Christ had many testimonies about His messengership. When John, recognizing the Messiah in Christ, exclaimed: “I need to be baptized by You.” Of course, the Savior, sinless by His nature, had no need for spiritual cleansing, but still Jesus Christ insisted on performing the rite of baptism on him: “for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” And during the ceremony, the Holy Spirit descended to Christ in the form of a dove and the voice of God the Father was heard, indicating that before them was the future Savior for all humanity - Christ, the Son of God.

The Savior was baptized in order to take upon Himself the sins of the whole world, in order to accomplish our atonement on the cross, to take upon Himself the sins of the whole world, that is, to bear our guilt, so that we could be saved. And the Sacrament of Baptism was established by the Apostles at the command of the Savior: “go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit... therefore it is said in the Symbol: I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.”

Bathing for Epiphany
On January 18, the first blessing of water is held in the temple, and on the 19th - in the open air. The consecration of water on these days is called the great agiasma, that is, water consecrated according to the rite of the great consecration in honor of the feast of the Epiphany. By the way, there is also a small consecration of water, which is carried out on ordinary days. This water is not agiasma.

Bathing for Epiphany in 2016 is blessed from January 18 from 20.00 to January 20 until 8.00.

Before plunging into the water on Epiphany, consult your doctor. You should enter the water gradually with prayer and faith. According to Orthodox tradition, you need to plunge three times, crossing yourself. Swimming is prohibited: if you have problems with blood pressure, with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, or while drunk (as this is a sin). If you violate the doctor’s recommendations and decide to take a dip in open water for Baptism, this will not be a godly deed.

Where is the place of baptism of Jesus Christ?
The place of the baptism of Jesus Christ is described in the Gospel of John, where it is said that John the Baptist baptized and preached near the village of Bethany. For a long time they could not determine the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ, since there were several villages with that name in Palestine. We must not forget that the Jordan River changed its course several times. In the 6th century, on the Madaba Map mosaic, the site of “Bifavara” is located on the west bank of the Jordan. On the Israeli side, the approach to the baptism site is known as Kathir al Yahud. And only according to the texts of ancient pilgrims, where a Greek column with a cross on top was mentioned, as a result of excavations in 1996, this place was identified. Steps from a Byzantine monastery complex in the village of Wadi al-Harar in Jordan lead directly into the river. The base of the column was discovered near the last step.

How to celebrate the Epiphany holiday
It is known that in the waters of Epiphany they seek the Grace of God - cleansing, strengthening and sanctifying. Therefore, on Christmas Eve, January 18, a strict one-day fast is necessary. You need to go to morning prayer, and then to evening liturgy. During the service, you will probably feel a special grace descending on you. Festive dishes are allowed on January 18 - lean and from January 19 - fast (meat, dairy). A traditional dish is kutia or sochivo made from boiled wheat grains with honey, walnuts, and raisins.

The whole family traditionally gathers at the table and, after reading the prayer, begins the meal. After the ceremony of consecration of water in temples, festive ablutions can begin. Including swimming in open water, in the Jordan. Orthodox Christians believe that Epiphany water has special healing powers for the health of the soul and body. But we must remember that if a person curses, gets angry, lies, is envious... even Epiphany water will not help him until he repents and corrects his behavior.

Epiphany water
You can hear that such water heals. Indeed, in our time, even its wonderful property of not deteriorating for a long time remains a mystery. Scientists who have studied Epiphany water are at a loss about the fact that in its composition and density the water corresponds to the waters of the sacred Jordan River. Referring to the scientific point of view, the properties of water on these holy days are explained by the deviation in the Earth's magnetic field. But there is no direct evidence yet.

Water for Baptism is consecrated “so that it receives the grace of deliverance, the blessing of the Jordan, so that it is a source of incorruption, the resolution of ailments, the cleansing of souls and bodies, the sanctification of houses and “a fair amount of all good.”

Since Old Testament times, water baptism has been a symbol of not only physical, but also moral cleansing. The baptism of Christ in the Jordan River became the first appearance of the Trinity to the world - the Epiphany. In baptism, a person is adopted by the Lord, strips off the old man and puts on the new one, redeemed by Christ, becomes a part of the one Body of Christ, a member of the Mother Church.

Epiphany of the Lord in 2016, when to collect water

Epiphany of the Lord in 2016 is celebrated on January 19. On the morning of this date, everyone goes to church and collects blessed water. Some people say that you should bring water from the church first, although in fact, this is nothing more than a stupid sign. It’s very unpleasant to watch when people try to get water as quickly as possible and push right into the church. There is enough consecrated water in the church for everyone.
You can also collect blessed water on January 18, this day is called Epiphany Eve. On this day there is also a service in the church.
Many people are interested in when to collect water on Epiphany in 2016, is it better on the 18th or 19th? The priests say that there is no difference, this water is sanctified the same way.
This water is used to consecrate their houses, and the remains are stored in the house all year round in a dark place.
If you cannot go to church, then you can get water from the tap. In this case, you need to know when to get water from the tap for Epiphany in 2016. This is done at night from the 18th to the 19thin the period from 00.10 to 01.30. In principle, many believe that it is possible later, but this time is still considered the best.

Epiphany of the Lord in 2016, when to swim

Most often, the liturgy in churches is celebrated on January 19, followed by the ritual of bathing. But in some churches night services are held, the ice holes are consecrated, and on the night of January 18-19 people swim in these ice holes.
The church itself says that bathing is not a canonical position, but has already become a tradition. Therefore, for Epiphany 2016, it is not so important when swimming will take place, from the 18th to the 19th or in the morning of the 19th.
Also, many are interested in the question of where to swim on Epiphany in 2016. Every city has its own places where such rituals are held. Find out in advance where your swimming will take place, you can also find out about it in the church.

Read more interesting traditions for Epiphany in our article about.


Water is the basis of everything


The Savior sanctified water baptism by receiving it in the waters of the Jordan. It is water that reveals the meaning of Baptism in Orthodoxy, being the oldest religious symbol. The basis of life on earth and the destructive force, the basis of death - in Christian theology, water has a dual image. And, of course, water symbolizes cleansing, rebirth and renewal.

Purpose of Baptism

The word “baptism” itself means washing through immersion, pouring. The first Christians performed Baptism in open reservoirs. In later times, Baptism was performed in fonts and baptismal chambers. Orthodox baptism, performed in the font, is a necessary condition for the liberation of a person from demonic forces and submission to fallen sinfulness.

As a result of sanctification, water returns to its original purpose: to be the source of Eternal Life, the medium of God’s presence, the all-destroyer of demons. In Baptism, the redeemed soul receives a revelation of the Triune God and receives unity with Him.

Eve of Epiphany - Epiphany Eve

Christmastide lasts until candles, as they said in the old days, because after the Great Blessing of water on the eve of Epiphany, candles intertwined with colored threads or ribbons were placed next to the vessel with blessed water. This custom alone shows the importance and solemnity of the blessing of water. This whole day, indeed, is spent in very strict fasting (even children try not to eat until the “first star”), and during Vespers, churches do not always accommodate all the worshipers.

The Great Agiasma (Epiphany holy water) has a special grace; it is collected and carried to every home. First, the whole family takes a few sips with reverence, and then - according to custom - you need to take the sacred willow from behind the icon and sprinkle the whole house with holy water in order to protect yourself from troubles and misfortunes. In some villages, in addition, holy water was poured into wells so that evil spirits would not get in there and spoil the water.

Upon completion of all these and other rituals, holy water was usually placed near the images. In order for there to be enough Epiphany water for the whole year, there does not have to be a lot of it: with a single drop it sanctifies any other.

Approximately the same power is attributed not only to water consecrated in the church, but also to simple water from rivers, in which, according to popular belief, Jesus Christ himself bathes on the night of January 19. The water taken from the ice hole on the eve of Epiphany is considered healing and helping the sick.

Epiphany Day

On the day of Epiphany, as soon as the bell struck for matins, some pious parishioners lit sheaves of straw in front of their houses (so that Jesus Christ, after baptism in the river, could warm himself by this fire). Others, having asked for the priest’s blessing, were on the river, setting up a “Jordan” - a cross-shaped wormwood, near which both old and young gathered for worship.

When the holy cross was immersed in water, everyone was united by prayer and the desire to drink the Epiphany water and wash their faces with it. There have always been brave souls who, despite the Epiphany frosts, bathe in icy water. For many centuries there is no record of anyone getting sick or drowning.

The celebration of the Baptism of the Lord and the Epiphany, combining two great events in one holiday, ends the holy days and evenings.

Epiphany is one of the most significant and ancient holidays in the entire Christian world. It has a clearly established date and when someone asks what date it should be celebrated, there is always only one answer - January 19th. They carefully prepare for this significant day and always try to hold it in accordance with all the rules and canons of the Christian church.

How did this church holiday originate?

In biblical texts, water is always given special importance. It is called the beginning of all beginnings, the source of life and development not only of man, but of the world as a whole. It is the day of Baptism that is considered the starting point from which Jesus began his journey of serving people. The ritual of immersing the future Messiah in the quiet waters of the sacred river was marked by the arrival of the Great Lord into our world in three forms at once. First, a snow-white dove (the Holy Spirit) landed on the water, then the voice of the Father came from heaven, and Christ himself became the third incarnation - the flesh of God on earth. Since then, the memorable date has been inscribed in golden letters in the history of Christianity and is celebrated every year with great pomp in all countries.

How and when will Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany 2016?

As every year, in 2016 the church holiday of the Epiphany is celebrated on January 19. The day before, on Epiphany Eve, believers are instructed to fast, visit churches, receive communion and prepare their souls for the sacred solemn night. Blessing of water is considered a mandatory requirement, and immersion of the believer in cold water is considered desirable.

The church charter says that every person who performs the ritual of swimming in an ice hole is completely cleansed of all committed sins and bad thoughts and receives God's blessing to begin a new, righteous life, not burdened by the shadows of the past.

The ice hole is specially cut out in the shape of a cross, and at a distance the “royal doors” are located, next to which a solemn service is held that precedes bathing. The clergy order that when plunging into the water you should only wear a long shirt, so as not to expose your naked body, not to lead those present into temptation and not to awaken sinful thoughts and desires in anyone.

All water blessed at Epiphany in the church is considered life-giving. Believers try to stock up on it as much as possible, since, according to biblical texts, it can heal physical and spiritual illnesses, heal cuts and wounds, cleanse the body of harmful substances, drive out demons and evil spirits from homes, protect adults and children from all kinds of temptations and fill the house with God's grace.

How to celebrate Epiphany

This date ends the Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19. The beginning of the holiday is considered to be evening January 18 when Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve. Just like before Christmas, on this day the whole family gathers at the table, where only Lenten dishes, kutia, and uzvar are served. It is also acceptable to serve fish and salads.

On January 19, the Great Blessing of Water takes place. People go to church for blessed water. If a person is unable to come to church services, he can take water from an ordinary reservoir on Epiphany night. It is generally accepted that at this time all of it has healing powers. This water can treat wounds, sprinkle every corner of the house and bring peace and order to it.

Story

Prophet John the Baptist, after long wanderings, stopped at the Jordan River. In this place he gathered the people, telling them about the Kingdom of Heaven and baptism in the waters of this river. Such a gesture cannot be called a rite of the Sacrament of Baptism, but it was its prototype.

People believed in John's prophecies, many of them wanted to be baptized. But one day Jesus Christ, who by that time was 30 years old, appeared before the prophet. Since he was sinless, he did not need this rite of repentance. But the Savior accepted Baptism, sanctifying the entire water space. This was the first appearance of Christ to the people of Israel. Since then, it has been customary to celebrate this date.

Features of the holiday

According to tradition, in 2016 the Epiphany holiday should begin with a service in the Temple, light a candle and bring home blessed water. On this day, many plunge into an ice hole specially cut for swimming.

In almost every locality, ice holes for mass swimming are equipped on reservoirs. To do this, you need to plunge your head into the water three times, while you need to be baptized and say “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” It is believed that performing such a ritual saves from various diseases. But such a procedure is not mandatory.

Signs

In Rus', before the holiday, it was customary to collect snow from stacks. Old women used it to clean canvases, and young girls used it to whiten their skin. They believed that if you rub your delicate skin on this day, you can become a real beauty. Also, the snow that was collected on Epiphany evening was considered medicinal and was used to heal ailments.

On the evening of Christmas Eve, dishes with water were placed on the table. People looked into it and said: “The water itself sways in the night.” If at midnight the water began to sway, people ran out into the yard and said a prayer. It was believed that whatever you asked God for at that moment would come true.

For illnesses holy water you need to take a teaspoon. At the same time, such water does not spoil and there is no need to store it in special conditions. The Orthodox placed it next to the icons in the red corner.

When taking water from the church, you should not be nervous, think wild thoughts, or swear. This way the liquid will lose its value and begin to bring evil into the house.

After coming from the temple, celebrate the holiday in your family with a modest tea party, avoiding fatty, high-calorie dishes. After it boils, don’t forget to add a little blessed water to the communal kettle.

• The word "baptism" translated from Greek means "immersion in water".
• The ritual is recognized by absolutely all Christian denominations, but they have different approaches to the ritual.
• Baptism is performed by a priest, deacon or bishop, but an ordinary person can perform the ceremony.
• Child baptism began to be practiced only in 252. This ritual grew into tradition in the 8th century. Even today, many do not consider it advisable to baptize children at such an early age, since they accept faith unconsciously and cannot choose the path to Christ.
• There is no information about how many baptized people there are in the world. Only the Lord knows about this.
• After the rite of Baptism, Jesus Christ went into the desert for 40 days, where the Devil tried to tempt him.
• In some temples, baptism was practiced not with water, but with flower petals.

As you can see, this holiday is multifaceted and interesting. Baptism in January 2016 can bring you life changes and improve your health. Spend this day with your family, surround yourself with warm conversations and positive emotions. As a result, this year will bring you only the best!

On the night of Tuesday, January 19, 2016, Christians will celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The big church holiday ends the New Year and Christmas celebrations and symbolizes the cleansing of the soul and body through immersion in ice water. That is why in Rus' on this day it is customary to dive into an ice hole, which believers call “Jordan”.

According to legend, on this night all the water in rivers, lakes and even water pipes becomes holy. It is believed that sacred water heals any ailment, and people who plunge into it are freed from sins.

To ensure that Epiphany bathing does not turn into a sore throat or something worse for unprepared citizens, doctors and rescuers recommend following a few simple rules, which they introduce their readers to.

What you need to know before diving into the ice hole:

Firstly, the Ministry of Emergency Situations warns that you should only swim in urban areas in places specially equipped for this occasion and not engage in amateur activities, trying to cut through the “Jordan” on your own. Specialists will build them in almost every major city, and the addresses of the “official baths” can be easily found on the Internet.

In addition, doctors categorically prohibit children from swimming in the cold, since their thermoregulation system has not yet fully developed. Frostbite can happen very quickly and parents simply do not have time to notice it. And the consequences of such bathing can be very sad: the child runs the risk of pneumonia, meningitis, or another disease of the central nervous system.

Doctors also insist that only completely healthy people can dive under the ice. Those suffering from cardiovascular, skin, pulmonary, gynecological, urological diseases, kidney diseases, thyroid diseases, and epilepsy should refrain from the procedure.

It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, even in small doses - instead of warming you from the inside (as many believe), in extreme conditions for the body it will only worsen the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Another recommendation is to eat a hearty meal shortly before swimming, and before diving, do a warm-up and rub your body with olive oil or baby cream.

It is best to stay in the font for no longer than three seconds, as tradition requires - having descended into the “Jordan”, the believer plunges into it three times, after crossing himself and repeating “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Having finished swimming, you must immediately dry yourself with a dry towel, dress warmly and drink a mug of hot tea with sugar or honey in a warm room.

What do people need to swim in an ice hole:

Towel and terry robe, a set of dry clothes;
- swimming trunks or swimsuit (underwear, shirt);
- slippers, so as not to injure your feet, only those that do not slip; woolen socks, in which you can swim, can be an ideal replacement for such slippers;
- rubber cap.

Doctors remind that the most dangerous thing during Epiphany bathing is getting hypothermia. The first sign of the disease is redness of the skin, which appears immediately after leaving the ice hole. If you experience pain in your temples and back of your head, stop swimming immediately. Another warning is stiffness of movement and fatigue.

In any case, if you do not want to end up in a hospital bed after Epiphany bathing, just follow the rules listed above, and then the ritual immersion in ice water will bring you pleasure and benefit.