January 19 is one of the days on which all Orthodox churches are overflowing, because it is on this day that the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ and, according to ancient tradition, the blessing of water is performed, which is called the Great Blessing of Water. Unfortunately, this particular church holiday is accompanied by a trail of various folk superstitions that have no basis in church tradition. Together with the cleric of the Saratov Church of the First Apostles Peter and Paul, priest Vasily KUTSENKO, we will try to consider the most common superstitions in order to understand how to treat holy water and what to do with it according to church tradition.
1. There is “Epiphany” water (consecrated on January 18, on Epiphany Christmas Eve) and “Epiphany” (consecrated on January 19, on the very day of the Epiphany).The Great Blessing of Water takes place twice, it is true. The first consecration of water is on the eve of the Epiphany, on January 18, on Epiphany Christmas Eve, and the second on the very day of the holiday. But this water has no difference, because on January 18 and 19, the same rite (that is, the sequence of prayers) of water consecration is used. The water consecrated according to this order is called the Great Agiasma, that is, the Great Shrine. There is no separate “Epiphany” and separately “Epiphany” water, but only the Great Agiasma. In the liturgical books of the Orthodox Church, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord is called "Holy Theophany, the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ." The word "Theophany" is a brief expression of the events that took place during the Baptism of Jesus Christ from John the Baptist on the Jordan River. In the Gospel of Matthew, this is described as follows: “Having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up out of the water, and lo, the heavens were opened to Him, and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and descending on Him. And behold, a voice from heaven saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). That is, Baptism was a manifestation of Divine glory and a confirmation of the Sonhood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is difficult to accurately answer the question of what the practice of two blessings of water is connected with. It is known that already in the VI century in Palestine there was a tradition of consecrating water in the Jordan River on the eve and on the very day of the feast of Epiphany. In Ancient Russia, there was a custom, which is still preserved in some places, to perform the Great Blessing of Water on January 18 in the temple, and on January 19 - outside the temple, arranging a procession to a specially prepared ice hole - Jordan.
2. On the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, having plunged into an ice font or doused with water, you can consider yourself baptized and wear a cross.
Indeed, there is a tradition of bathing in the hole on the feast of the Epiphany. But this is precisely bathing, and not the Sacrament of Baptism. Although, if you get acquainted with the history of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, you can see that this particular day was earlier than the day on which adults were baptized. A person who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ was preparing for a certain time to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, which was a new birth for life with God and entry into the Church. Such people were called catechumens. They studied the Holy Scriptures and the foundations of the Christian faith and prepared before accepting Baptism to repent of all their sins, because the adoption of Christianity must begin with repentance, that is, with a change in life. Therefore, Baptism without repentance was simply impossible. And on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the bishop performed the Sacrament of Baptism for adults. Such baptisms were also performed on the eve of the feast of the Nativity of Christ, on Holy Saturday (the Saturday before the feast of Easter), on Easter itself and on the feast of Pentecost, which is also called the day of the Holy Trinity or the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. The great blessing of water on the day of the Baptism of the Lord is a reminder for modern Christians of the ancient baptism of the catechumens. But it must be remembered that the acceptance of the Sacrament of Baptism was preceded by preparation, repentance for sins and confirmation of the sincerity of one's intentions before the church community. Therefore, it cannot be said that plunging into the hole-Jordan and being baptized is one and the same.
3. Having bathed on Epiphany night in the hole, you can get rid of all diseases, sins and the evil eye. If you get sick during the year, you need to drink baptismal water for healing.
It is necessary to place accents: separately - diseases and sin, separately - the evil eye. The evil eye, corruption and the like are superstitions. And you need to get rid of only one thing - from belief in superstition. Christians believe in God, and not in evil eye, corruption, love spells, etc. Turning to God in prayers, we ask God to protect us from evil. For example, in the prayer “Our Father” there are the words: “Deliver us from the evil one,” that is, from the devil. The devil is a fallen angel who opposes God and wants to turn a person away from God, which is why we ask God to deliver us from the devil and all the evil that he is trying to sow in people. If a person sincerely believes in God, that the Lord God protects believers from all evil, then at the same time it is impossible to believe in corruption, the evil eye, and the like.
Taking baptismal water (like any other shrine, for example, prosphora or consecrated oil - oil), a person can pray to the Lord that this shrine would serve him as a means of healing from illnesses. In the order of the Great Blessing of Water, there are the following words: “For the existence of this water of sanctification as a gift, deliverance of sins, for the healing of the soul and body, and for every good benefit to the Lord, let us pray” (Russian translation: “So that this water of sanctification becomes a gift, deliverance from sins, for healing of soul and body, and fit for every useful work, let us pray to the Lord. We ask that through the use of agiasma a person receive the grace of God, which cleanses sins, heals spiritual and bodily infirmities. But all this is not some kind of mechanical or automatic action: he drank water - and everything immediately became good. It requires faith and hope in God.
If we understand some words (for example, “today - that is, today, now - the nature is sanctified by water ...”) from the order of the Great Blessing of Water in a broad sense, then we can say that the sanctification of all waters really takes place. But again, it is important to understand that this does not happen by itself, but through the prayers of the Church. The Church asks that the Lord God sanctify the waters, give His grace-filled power, purifying and sanctifying the nature of water. Unfortunately, it often happens that many come to the temple just for water, without participating in the divine service of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It turns out that baptismal water becomes an end in itself. And this is wrong. First of all, we must glorify God for His good deeds to the human race, which He revealed through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the sins of the whole world, because it is in memory of the Baptism of Christ in Jordan that the blessing of water is performed.
5. Epiphany water never spoils.
There is a testimony of St. John Chrysostom, who lived in the 4th century: “On this holiday, everyone, having drawn water, brings it home and stores it all year ... The essence of this water does not deteriorate from the length of time, but ... for a whole year, and often two or three years, it remains undamaged and fresh, and after such a long time is not inferior to the waters freshly taken from the sources. But it also happens that baptismal water can deteriorate. This happens either due to careless storage, irreverent attitude towards the shrine, or for some other, quite natural reasons. In this case, you need to pour the holy water into an impregnable place (in temples, “dry wells” are specially arranged for this).
6. It is necessary to add baptismal water to the bath in which babies are bathed so that they do not get sick.
I think this is also one of the superstitions. Every person can get sick. And the great saints suffered from physical illnesses. For example, the Monk Seraphim of Sarov could not straighten his back due to an injury. Robbers attacked him and severely beat him. Saint Matrona of Moscow was blind from birth to the end of her days. No one forbids giving holy baptismal water to babies (it is still better to drink holy water), including during illness. But once again, it must be recalled that the use of a shrine is not a mechanism, but an action that requires faith and hope in God.
There is a tradition: to sprinkle houses, plots and everything that is there with water taken in the temple on the day of the Baptism of the Lord. Therefore, it is quite possible to sprinkle with baptismal water both your home and household items. At the same time, you can sing or read the troparion (main chant) of the holiday: “In the Jordan, Lord, I am baptized by You ...”.
It is forbidden. Probably, this superstition is also associated with a misunderstanding of church traditions. The water consecrated on the feast of the Epiphany, even being a Great shrine, as already mentioned, still cannot replace the communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although, for example, there are certain similarities in the practice of Communion and the use of agiasma, one must take communion and drink agiasma on an empty stomach. This emphasizes the special relationship to the water consecrated for Baptism. According to the rules of the Church, the Great Agiasma was recommended to be used as a spiritual consolation to people who, for various reasons, were under excommunication from the Sacrament of Communion, that is, it was not about a complete and equivalent replacement, but only about spiritual consolation.
8. And a simple person can bless the water on their own by reading prayers over it.
Indeed, the prayers of the Great Blessing of Water, like all other church prayers, are performed on behalf of the entire Church. The priest, calling the faithful to prayer, says: “Let us pray to the Lord in peace!” (Russian translation: “In the world, that is, in a peaceful state, let us pray to the Lord!”) - we will pray, that is, all those who are in worship. Believers are not observers of what is happening, but living participants in the service, together with the clergy, offering a single prayer to God. Therefore, it can be said that each believer participates in sanctification with his prayer, which becomes the single prayer of the entire Church. Therefore, in order to participate in the Great Blessing of Water, each of us can come to worship at the temple on January 19.
Newspaper "Saratov panorama" №2 (930)
Holy water and holy spring water
This is a high essence, in which two spirits are mysteriously combined: the spirit of life (inherent in every water) and the Holy Spirit, Who descends into ordinary water thanks to a special sacrament called water blessing. Holy water and the water of holy springs are the strongest medicine, but the medicine is more for the soul than for the body.
Holy water- the strongest medicine. It can help with any ailment, therefore, in illness, it is strongly recommended to take holy water.
Again, this is a scientifically proven fact. Experiments conducted by scientists have shown that different samples of Holy water have the same, and this radiation is very different from the radiation of simple and silver water.
It turned out that the line on the screens of instruments that register electromagnets radiation from Holy water coincides with the line that the device shows when diagnosing a perfectly healthy organ. And Holy Water transmits its healthy electromagnetic radiation to diseased organs, thus correcting “sick” frequencies. This means that Holy water can really cure even very serious illnesses. Moreover, holy water heals everyone: both believers and non-believers, both baptized and unbaptized people. But you need to treat Holy water in a special way, not like medicine from a pharmacy, but like a shrine, otherwise it will lose its unique properties. But with proper use and sincere faith, Holy water will help heal almost any disease.
How to Handle Holy Water and How to Store Holy Water at Home
Holy water should be stored in a specially designated place. If you have icons hanging in the “red” corner at home, it is better to store Holy water in the same place, behind the icons or next to them. You can put a vessel with Holy water in a special cabinet (box) where candles, incense, church oil are stored. If it is not possible to put Holy Water near the icons or in a separate cabinet, free a shelf for it in the cabinet or on the shelf, and put an icon next to it.
There is no point in keeping Holy Water in the refrigerator. Do not store it next to food.
How to drink holy water
Holy water should be drunk on an empty stomach after prayer. It is better to eat holy water with church consecrated prosphora.
Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and Holy water
G 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 boundless mercy through the prayers of the Most Pure Your Mother and all Your saints. Amen.
In an exacerbation of the disease, Holy water must be taken every hour, reading this prayer. In addition, in the morning and evening after taking Holy water, you need to read the prayer of the Mother of God "Healer":
Prayer of the Mother of God "Healer"
P riimi, O All-Blessed and Almighty Lady Mistress Virgin Mary, these prayers, with tears brought to You from us, Your unworthy servants, to Your wholesome image, the singing of those who send with tenderness, as if You yourself are here and listen to our prayer. By any request, do fulfillment, ease sorrows, give health to the weak, heal the weak and sick, drive away demons from heaven, deliver the offended from troubles, cleanse lepers and small children, have mercy: still, to the Lady Mistress Theotokos, from bonds and dungeons you free and all You heal many different passions: the whole essence is possible through Your intercession to Your Son, Christ our God. O All-Singing Mother, Holy Mother of God! Do not stop praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, glorifying Thee and honoring Thee, and worshiping Thy Most Pure Image with tenderness, and having irrevocable hope and undoubted faith in Thee, the Most Glorious and Immaculate Ever-Virgin, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers that are read when sprinkled with holy water
You can not only drink holy water, but also sprinkle the house, and in general any thing. At the same time, it is necessary to read a prayer for the consecration of every thing.
Prayer for the consecration of every thing
FROM Creator and Creator of the human race, Giver of spiritual grace, Giver of eternal salvation, Himself, Lord, eat Your Holy Spirit with the highest blessing on this thing, as if armed with the power of heavenly intercession for those who want to use it, it will be helpful to bodily salvation and intercession and help, O Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Then they sprinkle the corner of the house (thing) with Holy water three times. You can sprinkle yourself with holy water. At the same time, the Troparion to the Cross of the Lord is read.
Troparion to the Cross of the Lord
FROM Shepherd, O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thy inheritance, granting victory to the opposition, and Thy keeping Thy Cross living.
If you sprinkle yourself with Epiphany (Epiphany) water, read the Troparion for the feast of the Epiphany.
Troparion for the Feast of the Epiphany
IN in the Jordan, baptized by Thee, O Lord, Trinity worship has appeared, the voice of Parents testifying to Thee, calling Thy beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove is known to your word affirmation. Appear, Christ God, and enlighten the world, glory to Thee.
Consecration of water in worldly conditions
Very rarely, but there are situations when there is no place to get Holy water, but it is needed extremely. On the road, in remote places, in a disaster. In such circumstances, you can bless the water without a priest, the so-called worldly rank. Only this must be a truly exceptional case: otherwise it will be an insult to the Holy Spirit. For example, water is consecrated without a priest in a war, when a mortally wounded soldier must be baptized (if he is not baptized) or communed - taking Holy water is considered a "small communion". The worldly order sanctifies water only when there is no other way to get Holy water.
To consecrate water, you need clean water (the purest that can be found in these circumstances) and a clean container - a basin or bowl. In extreme cases, a jug with a wide neck will do. If possible, three candles should be lit and placed along the edges of the vessel with consecrated water.
Before consecration, it is necessary to read the preliminary prayer, “To the King of Heaven”, “Most Holy Trinity” and “Our Father” (see above). After each prayer, cross the water three times. Then a prayer is read for the blessing of water:
Prayer for the blessing of water
B Oh, 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 all who draw it and receive from it have it for the purification of soul and body, for healing by harm, for change by passion, for the remission of sins, for the driving away of all evil, for the sprinkling and consecration of houses, and for every benefit I will 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.
Sister Stephanie "The Big Book of the Healing Properties of Water"
What properties does holy water have, how to use it correctly, how it helps and from what - we will discuss all this with you now.
What is holy water and where can I get it?
What helpsHoly water?
Holy water can, first of all, be used for treatment.
Here are some diseases that holy water will help:
- severe colds;
- eye diseases;
- daily headaches;
- problems with the reproductive system;
- heart disease;
- skin diseases;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- fractures and cuts;
- and adults.
It is necessary to be treated with holy water in conjunction with medicines prescribed by the attending physician. In no case should you self-medicate, relying only on the help of holy water alone.
- In addition to diseases, holy water can cleanse the house from evil spirits and protect it from fires and thieves.
- Holy water is also drunk to fill the body with energy when you feel tired and overwhelmed.
- This water can also save a person from the evil eye, damage and other misfortunes induced with the help of black magic.
How to use holy water correctly?
- If you use water for medicinal purposes or to get rid of spoilage, then to enhance the effect, before you are going to drink it, first read a prayer over the water.
- First, read three times, and then you can whisper your prayer in which you ask to save you from a specific disease.
- Here is what prayer you can read in your own words:
“Voditsa, Mother, save me from illness (name the disease). She does not allow me to live in peace and enjoy every day. Let me, dear, live in this world as long as possible. I want to be healthy and cheerful, as before. Amen!"
From now on you know what holy water is and how to use it to be healthy and happy, you now know too.
With painful conditions, headache and depression. It is recommended to wash with healing water and drink three sips. You can attach a handkerchief to your head, soaked in cold water with the addition of a saint. Of course, for these purposes it is necessary to pour some water from the main tank, and only then use it.
For diagnosing and neutralizing the evil eye. If you suspect an evil eye, use the following technique. Pour two thirds of a glass of holy water. Get three regular matches. Hold them in your hands. Pinch their tips in one hand and set fire to the glass with the other hand. While the matches are burning, whisper the Lord's Prayer. Wait for the matches to burn out as much as possible. So that almost the entire match burns out, and the rest of the tree is as small as possible. If anyone manages to intercept the matches by the heads so that they burn out completely - even better. But this is difficult: fingers can be burned. We throw burnt matches into a glass. If they remain floating on the surface, then everything is in order with you; drowned - the evil eye really is. Then you apply holy water in the same way as in painful conditions.
To consecrate a new thing. When purchasing any item or items of clothing, even brand new ones, you cannot be sure that no one has tried them on or has never tried to use them. In such cases, the energy trace of another person remains on things. If he had problems and diseases, then the new owner of the thing can pull them over. Even gifts can carry a negative thought form. And if someone deliberately decided to harm, then even more so. To neutralize someone else's energy, you need to sprinkle things with holy water three times with a lit church candle. At the same time, three times reading a prayer from the church breviary "About the temple, cold from evil spirits."
Cleaning the apartment with holy water. If you feel discomfort in the apartment, negative energy or heaviness and emptiness after someone's visit, then try to clean the apartment using holy water, as well as a church candle and incense or Thursday salt. Light a candle, and slowly, holding it as close to the wall as possible, walk around the apartment, reading prayers, clockwise. Start at the front door and go back to it. Baptize all doors and windows three times with a candle. Pay attention to places where the candle will smoke or crack. This is done three times. Then, also clockwise, go around all the corners and sanctify them three times with holy water. Use a brush or sprig of spruce. Now it’s the turn of holy salt, which needs to be scattered a pinch in the corners. Or, as with a candle, go around the apartment and fumigate with incense. Each manipulation is repeated three times and is accompanied by a prayer from the prayer book. After such a ceremony, you will feel relief.
For protection in the workplace. Often at work we can meet negative people or ill-wishers. To weaken their negative impact, it is good to have a bottle or a small spray bottle with healing water with you. Sprinkling yourself or your workplace never hurts.
For cleaning mascots. If you have talismans, or just rings and jewelry that you often wear, they can accumulate negative influences from which they are designed to protect you. And, in the end, overflowing with bad energy, they themselves can begin to radiate it. Therefore, periodically, for example, once a year, such things must be cleaned. To do this, just put them in a glass of holy water for a day.
Cleaning mirrors with holy water. One of the most occult and dangerous objects is the mirror. Especially if he is old. The energy imprint of everything that has ever been reflected in it remains on the mirror. To remove this information, you need to put it horizontally and fill the entire surface with healing water. Let it stand like this for several hours. The negative is neutralized.
Diagnosis of spoilage by holy water. If you have concerns about the presence of such a complex negative, then use the verification method, which requires holy water and an egg. The main thing is that the testicle is non-dietary (that is, with the participation of a rooster) and immediately from under the chicken, and not from the refrigerator. In the evening, place a glass at your head, three-quarters filled with water without bubbles, and carefully break an egg into it. Leave overnight and go to bed. Take a close look at the glass in the morning. If a large number of bubbles have formed or many threads have gone from the protein, this indicates the presence of a negative. However, the truth of the manipulation is very dependent on the quality of the egg and water.
During astral attacks. In a dream, the soul of a person can travel through the astral space, where it can be attacked by the creatures living there. If you didn’t have a nightmare, and even if your heartbeat quickened, there was a sharp emotional outburst, this means that you were subjected to an astral attack in order to cause damage or feed on energy. To normalize the condition, take a shower. Ordinary water perfectly washes away information. And then douse yourself with some holy water. She will remove the negativity.
Holy water for cooking. Holy water can be added in small amounts when preparing meals for your family. It is great to combine this process with the mental reading of any prayers. This will promote health, peace and well-being.
For watering flowers. And, finally, to use a long standing water, water it with indoor flowers or your favorite tree under the windows. It's good for plants too.
All rituals exist in a large number of interpretations. For each, its own version may be effective, which does not coincide with the above. The strength of the rite largely depends on the energy of the performer. You can use the recommendations from the article, but if you suspect a serious problem, it is better to contact a professional healer. Because not skillfully, you can make any mistakes in which there will be no true result. Let everyone mind their own business.
Of course, the church does not approve of going to healers. However, some of them are canonized after death. Like, for example, the Matrona of Moscow, Amphilochius of Pochaevsky and many others. In extreme cases, the sin of visiting a healer can always be repented of.
Our article will introduce you to interesting information about holy water. You will learn how to properly consecrate, store and receive it.
Our ancestors considered holy water a gift from God and treated it very carefully. After it was consecrated, they collected it in a clean dish and kept it in a red coal.
With its help, they treated various diseases, restored their state of mind and protected their homes and households from the evil eye. Modern man is less superstitious, but still continues to believe in the miraculous properties of holy water.
Why is water called holy?
Consecration of water in the templeWater becomes holy the moment the Spirit of God enters it. Consequently, it turns into a healing one when the priest begins to read a certain prayer over it or on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
It is believed that on this day the water in all rivers, lakes and wells changes its usual structure, becoming life-giving. Most believers believe that it does not lose its properties for quite a long time, so at Epiphany they try to stock up on it for the whole next year.
The great power of holy water, healing and beneficial properties: a scientific explanation
Modern scientists were also interested in the phenomenon of baptismal water, so they decided to study it as carefully as possible. Studies have shown that its properties are very different from the liquid taken before the holiday. From the night of Christmas Eve, the amount of positive energy in it sharply increases, it becomes cleaner and, most importantly, substances useful to the human body appear in it.
According to scientists, this is why holy water has a great positive effect on the body. Using it, people simply enrich their body with natural minerals, which help to remove toxins from the body. This leads to the fact that a person begins to feel stronger and more cheerful.
Why doesn't holy water spoil?
Holy water
We all know that the healing properties of water appear after the ritual of consecration. Priests charge it with positive energy, thereby preventing its particles from collapsing. In addition, church water is disinfected with silver ions and all this together allows it to remain clean and tasty for quite a long period of time.
How to collect holy water in the church?
In principle, you can collect holy water in any temple and on any day. For this, it is not necessary to wait for the Baptism of the Lord. You can quite easily go to church at a convenient time for you and ask the priest to bless it for you. After he reads a prayer over it, you can type it into a clean glass container and take it home.
Believe me, such water will have the same qualities as baptismal water. If you accept it with strong faith in God, then it too can heal your body and soul.
How to make holy water at home?
Recommendations for the blessing of water at home
If you do not have the opportunity to go to church for water, then try to consecrate it at home. To do this, first sincerely pray to God and ask for his blessing. Then take a clean container and go to collect water. If possible, try to find a well or spring. Having brought it home, pray to God again and only then begin the process of consecration itself.
To do this, place a container of water in front of you, lean slightly over it and read a special prayer. After that, cross the jar and cover it with a lid. If you do all this with faith in God's blessing, then the water will absorb positive energy and become holy.
Is it possible to drink holy water and how to drink it at home?
You can and should drink holy water. This healing liquid will help you improve your internal condition, relieve you of diseases and even rejuvenate your body. And although it is believed that you can drink it only in the morning and on an empty stomach, there are times when you have to resort to its help at other times of the day.
Therefore, if you need to get rid of, for example, a sudden headache, then take it in the evening. The only thing you should always remember is that it is advisable to drink the healing liquid on an empty stomach and always take three sips.
Is it possible to drink holy water just like that every day?
You can drink holy water only when there are problems.
Holy water is sacred, and therefore it should be treated accordingly. And this means that it is absolutely impossible to replace ordinary drinking water with it. Priests consider this a very great sin and warn their parishioners against such actions. Therefore, it will be better if you use it only in case of urgent need.
For example, if you need to alleviate the course of an illness or protect yourself from negative energy. In all other cases, use ordinary tap water or from a natural source.
Can pregnant women drink holy water?
Pregnant girls and women can drink holy water quite calmly. Whatever it was, it certainly will not bring harm to them. Of course, like everyone else, it is not necessary to quench her thirst, but it is permissible to drink to restore moral and physical strength. If the pregnancy is very difficult, the expectant mother can help her body cope with the load in this way.
In order for the pregnancy to be preserved, one dose of holy water per day will be enough. It will be necessary to drink it during those periods when there will be a threat to the mother's life or her baby.
Is it possible to give holy water to a newborn and unbaptized baby?
Water for a newborn
A small child needs God's protection even more than an adult. Therefore, if you see that the baby has become restless and does not sleep well, then give him some holy water. She will cleanse his body and soul from the negativity that adults have awarded him and restore peace of mind to the child. As for unbaptized children, they simply need holy water.
An unbaptized child does not have a Guardian Angel, which means that you must do everything so that bad energy does not affect him. Therefore, until you christen the baby, be sure to give him a little bit of holy water every day. She will act as a barrier between the soul of the baby and the negativity of the world around him.
Can Muslims drink holy water?
In principle, church rules do not prohibit Muslims from drinking holy water. It is believed that if a person is ready to accept God's gift into his body, then he will not cause any harm to him.
Therefore, if you feel an irresistible desire to drink a healing liquid, then be sure to do it. Just drink it with an open heart and pure thoughts.
Is it possible to drink holy water on an empty stomach?
Holy water can be drunk after meals
Some people argue that you can drink healing water only on an empty stomach. But if you ask any clergyman about this, you will find out that there are no strict rules or restrictions in taking this liquid.
They believe that you can drink holy water both before and after eating, the main thing is that at the time of drinking a person’s heart is open to God. Therefore, if you need to drink it after you have eaten, then boldly do it and do not be afraid that by such actions you will commit a great sin.
Is it possible to drink holy water with a spell?
If the conspiracy was made by Christian prayer, then you can quite easily combine both liquids in one step. But still in this case there is one nuance. If you have spoken water from drunkenness, alcoholism or drug addiction, then it will be better if you do not combine the charmed and holy water together.
Since the first one will still carry negativity in itself, it will destroy the healing effect of holy water. In view of this, it would be better if you give the addicted person first the spelled and only then, to consolidate the result, the holy liquid.
Can I drink holy water before communion?
sacrament of communion
Communion is a great sacrament, which is carried out according to certain church rules. And if you are doing this not for the first time, then you probably know that drinking and eating before this ceremony is strictly prohibited. An exception is made only for children and sick people. All others must refrain from drinking water until the end of the service.
If you understand that you cannot do without drinking, then be sure to talk about it with your priest and ask him for a blessing. If he understands that at the moment you just need life-giving moisture, then it is likely that he will allow you to take a couple of sips of water even before communion.
Can you baptize with holy water?
Baptism is performed exclusively with holy water. In order for her to become such, the priest first leads a church rite over her, and only after that the baby is dipped into her. It is believed that if ordinary water is filled into the font, then it will not be able to bring the little person closer to God and, most importantly, will not be able to give him proper protection.
Is it possible to bless the cross with holy water?
Consecration of the pectoral cross
Of course, it would be better if the cross was baptized by a priest in the temple. But if for some reason you cannot get into it, and you need God's protection immediately, then you can consecrate it yourself. To perform this ceremony, you only need holy water and an Orthodox prayer.
So, stand in front of the images, pray to God, and then sprinkle the cross with holy water crosswise. After that, pray again in front of the icons, deviate low from them and you can put on protection.
Is it possible to take pills with holy water?
People who believe in the power of this life-giving liquid claim that it enhances the effect of drugs very well. For this reason, a fairly large number of people try to speed up their recovery in this way and begin to drink pills with holy water.
What do the priests think about this? They do not prohibit, but do not advise to do so. Of course, this is not considered a great sin, but nevertheless, each person must decide for himself whether it is possible to combine the sacred and the creation of human hands.
Can holy water be diluted with plain water?
Holy water can only be diluted with well or spring
You can dilute holy water with ordinary water, the main thing is to do it correctly. If you notice that you have very little life-giving fluid left, then draw water from a natural source, read a prayer (it may even be Our Father), and then combine both fluids together. It is believed that when mixed, ordinary water absorbs the properties of a saint and also becomes healing.
Can holy water be added to tea or food?
As mentioned a little above, holy water is a church shrine, so it should only be used to get rid of physical or spiritual problems. In view of this, it is not necessary to make it just another component of some dish. Some priests, in general, consider this not only disrespect for Christian traditions, but a great sin that requires repentance.
Is it possible to boil holy water, cook food on it?
Holy water is not suitable for cooking
There is no need to boil holy water, since during the consecration it loses all negative energy and completely changes its structure. This allows it to retain its useful qualities and not deteriorate for years. Therefore, no matter how long it stays with you, you do not need to boil it. This healing liquid cannot be used for cooking either.
For these purposes, ordinary water is suitable, but not like a shrine. Since it is needed solely for protection and healing, it can only be used for these purposes.
Is it possible to wash with holy water, add to the bath?
It is impossible to use holy water for everyday hygiene procedures. Usually, after washing or taking a bath, we drain the water into the sewer, but this cannot be done with church fluid. Such treatment of a shrine is considered a rather big sin, so it would be better if you still use ordinary water for washing. The only thing you can afford in this case is to lightly moisten your hands with a healing liquid and thus wash your face.
Holy water from the evil eye and damage: application
Prayer from the evil eye and corruption If you have a suspicion that someone has jinxed you, then pour a small amount of holy water into a glass, read a prayer over it and then wash it and drink the rest. You need to repeat this procedure three times.
And in order to prevent damage to you again, clean the house of church candles, and then sprinkle all the walls, windows and doors with life-giving liquid. Be sure to accompany all your actions with church prayers.
How to wash a child with holy water from the evil eye?
Pour a little water into a small bowl, cross yourself and cross the baby, and then begin to cross the face of the baby with a church shrine. Do everything carefully so as not to frighten the baby.
Repeat this manipulation two more times, while not forgetting to pray to God all the time. Try to make the baby fall asleep after the ceremony. Yes, and in any case, do not wipe the water with a towel. Carry the baby in your arms and wait until it dries on its own.
Can you drink holy water for menstruation?
Drinking water during menstruation
As practice shows, priests do not have an unambiguous answer to this question. Some believe that it is strictly forbidden for a woman to drink holy water during menstruation, while others are quite loyal to this. Those who are opponents refer to a chapter in the Bible, which states that during menstruation a woman cannot enter the church, pray and touch icons in the way that during this period she is considered unclean.
Opponents of this opinion point out that this ban appeared due to the fact that in ancient times women did not use sanitary pads, so they very often stained shops and floors in the temple with menstrual blood. For this reason, they believe that a woman can quite easily drink holy water during menstruation and are not afraid that by her actions she will desecrate a church shrine.
Where to put the old holy water from last year, where can it be poured?
If it so happened that you did not use the water that you collected at the previous Baptism of the Lord, then in no case pour it out into the street. If you do, you will be committing a rather serious sin. Since water is sacred, it is unacceptable for people or animals to trample on it.
In view of this, it will be better if you use it to water indoor plants or pour it into a pond with running water. So she will have the opportunity to cleanse herself and start helping people again.
Can you pour holy water down the sink?
You can not pour the shrine into the sink
It is strictly forbidden to pour life-giving liquid into the sink. By such actions, you will desecrate the shrine and earn yourself a terrible sin. Priests say that it can only be poured into clean places, such as rivers or lakes. If you do not have the opportunity to get to them, then pour it where no human foot will go. Water the lilac bush or any garden tree.
Why is there sediment in holy water?
If you notice a colorless precipitate in the water, then it is likely that it was simply stored incorrectly or collected in a non-sterile container. But such water can be drunk and used for healing and protection. If the sediment bothers you a lot, then just try to use the liquid as quickly as possible, sprinkle it on the house or just drink it.
Why did holy water go bad, rotten, turned green
green shrine
But if the liquid collected for Baptism turned green or rotten, then this is a reason to be wary. This usually happens for several reasons. Regular scandals in the house or damage caused by an evil person can have such an effect on the shrine.
All these causes destroy the life-giving properties of water, turning it into an ordinary liquid. Therefore, if this happened in your house, then immediately invite a priest and ask him to bless your home.
Is it possible to put holy water on the floor and why not?
Unfortunately, for God, we are all sinners, so putting water on the floor, defiled by human feet, is strictly prohibited. If, for some reason, you didn’t have enough time to rearrange it to the icons, then it’s better to find a place for it in the kitchen cabinet or, at worst, on the table.
But remember that she cannot stand in such places for a long time, therefore, as soon as you free yourself, immediately transfer her to the so-called corner of faith.
Is it possible to give holy water from home, give it to other people, share holy water with friends?
Holy water can only be given to the closest people. In principle, there is nothing wrong with pouring holy water on your mother, sister or best friend. But whether it is possible to give it to strangers is a completely different question. Of course, if you are sure that they need it for a good cause, then you can give.
If you suspect that it is being used, for example, for a love spell, then by no means give it. For God, you will be an accomplice in a bad deed, which means you will earn yourself sin.
Can animals give holy water to a dog or cat?
If you are familiar with holy scripture, then you probably know all the precepts of the Almighty. And he said that in no case should animals be allowed to touch the shrines. Therefore, if you are a true Christian and sacredly honor all the commandments of God, then under no circumstances let your cat or dog drink holy water.
Is it possible to wash the floors with holy water, water the flowers?
Do not wash the floor with holy water
It is impossible to wash the floors with holy water, as after cleaning you will walk on them and thereby desecrate the church shrine. It can only be sprinkled on the flooring, and then only if the atmosphere in the house is not quite normal.
But you can quite easily water the flowers with this life-giving liquid. Moreover, this is how you can use last year's water that you did not have time to drink.
In the Orthodox Church, there are three rites of consecration of water: consecration in the rank of the sacrament of holy baptism, on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, as well as a small consecration, which takes place throughout the year.
How to use holy water
Permanent storage of water in reserve is unacceptable. Many bring it once a year from the temple, as a rule, to Epiphany and keep it according to the principle "to stand in the house, because everyone has it." This is fundamentally wrong! Thus, a kind of confinement of the shrine takes place. The grace of consecrated water will not decrease, no matter how much it is stored, but those believers who do not turn to the shrine, that is, do not use it, rob themselves. Holy water should be drunk regularly.In addition to ingestion, it can be sprinkled on the home. However, you should not rinse a sick person or child with it while bathing, as holy water can get into the sewer. Water can only be sprinkled. Also, do not give it to pets to drink.
How to store holy water
There is no need to keep consecrated water in the closet among the products. Moreover, you should not put it in the refrigerator - holy water does not deteriorate. A container with it should be stored on a separate shelf in a place closed from the penetration of light, or in close proximity to icons and other consecrated objects.There are cases of spoilage by holy water. If you kept it correctly, but it still deteriorated, in particular, cloudiness appeared in it, an unpleasant smell or it acquired a bad taste, you should definitely tell the priest about this. It is better to do this at confession with repentance for the irreverent attitude towards the shrine. The Church allows pouring spoiled holy water into a river or other natural source. Just don't flush it down the toilet and don't pour it down the sink!
Holy water is a shrine that is present in the house of a believer. She is recruited in churches after a prayer service and consecration and carefully used for needs.
All Orthodox sincerely believe that the holy liquid helps with illnesses, the treacherous invasion of dark forces and the removal of sins. Sprinkling housing, lubricating sore spots and taking it inside - every time the wonderful properties of water are manifested.
Respectful attitude and proper storage is the key to a long service life of fresh life-giving moisture.
Holy water is a gift given by the Lord and the attitude towards it should be special. When collecting consecrated water, the following rules must be observed:
- The container for the liquid must be cleanly washed and without stickers.
- Do not take large amounts of water. Moisture collected for the future is considered "imprisonment of the shrine" and may lose its healing properties. With a shortage, you can always dial in any nearby temple on any day of the year.
- When receiving and giving holy water, it is forbidden to swear or quarrel. Swearing destroys the faith and prayer of the begging Christian.
- Use for divination and magical rituals.
To preserve the miraculous properties, the vessel with the liquid is tightly sealed with a lid, stored next to home icons and do not allow sunlight to enter the container.
Indeed, the use of holy water is limitless when used carefully and deliberately. And yet there are rules on what can and cannot be done with holy water.
How to use
Watering houseplants
Do not use liquid for watering flowers. Consecrated water, with proper use and veneration, is able to retain the bestowed properties for a long time.
However, if during long-term storage the water has changed color or an unpleasant odor has appeared, then the parishioner will face the question, is it possible to water potted plants or flowers with spoiled water?
The clergy favorably give permission for the disposal of water in this way. If there are no plants in the house, then the rest of the water can be watered on a tree or shrub on the territory of the Church.
Is it permissible to put water on the floor?
Agiasma is as sacred as icons or other church paraphernalia and requires due respect. The floor or earth is considered a place where a sinner can pass, and if a vessel is placed on the floor, then the water can be defiled and lose its healing effect. Before collecting moisture, you should consider where to put the container upon arrival home, without resorting to installation on the floor. If the action is forced and short-term, then it is permissible. The only place where you can put a bowl of water on the floor is the temple.
medicine and water
Do not drink medicine with holy water. Sick people sincerely believe that drinking medicines with consecrated water, the effect of the pills is enhanced, and the disease will quickly and inevitably recede.
When asked whether it is possible to drink the medicine with agiasma, the clergy answer that there is no strict ban on the action, just as there is no consent.
Of course, if ordinary water is not at hand at the time of taking the medicine, then drinking holy water is not considered blasphemy. But if there is a choice, then you should not combine medicines and a shrine.
Dilution of holy water
Collecting a large amount of holy liquid in the temple, a person automatically becomes a hostage to the superstition that magical power is contained in the water and does not think that each drop is full of prayer and is a blessing from God.
Diluting holy water is not forbidden and is only welcome, if a person needs to drink agiasma. It is enough to bring a small fraction of water from the temple in a small container and at home, with a prayer, drop by drop into ordinary water, it will immediately acquire miraculous properties. But the right advice is to regularly attend the Church and receive new holy water.
Application to animals: is it possible or not?
It is a sin to water animals with holy water. The holy scripture says that animals should not touch the shrine. That's why drinking holy water to pets is prohibited. However, if the animal is threatened with a fatal disease, and the owner hopes for a better outcome, then a few drops added to the main drink will not be superfluous.
But, by the way, the animal will not be able to appreciate the good liquid, but only the faith of the owner will help to overcome the disease. Sprinkling pets with life-giving moisture is not prohibited. The combination of prayer for diseases and sprinkling with holy water will save your pet from adversity.
Using agiasma for cleaning
Washing floors with holy water is prohibited, walking on foot after cleaning is considered a defilement. Application when washing various surfaces is also not permissible. Sprinkling of the dwelling is allowed, and if moisture gets on the floor in the process, then there is no sin in this. If a container of water has fallen and spilled onto the floor, then the moisture is collected with a clean napkin, squeezed into another bowl and either watered the flowers or poured into running water.
Consecration of the cross at home
The best defense of the Orthodox is considered to be a cross consecrated by a clergyman in the temple. But if immediate divine protection is needed, then the cross can be consecrated independently. To conduct it, you will need holy water and a prayer in front of the icon for the help of the Lord.
cooking with holy water
It is forbidden to add a shrine to food. Adding a shrine to food or tea is unacceptable and is considered a sin.
No need to combine the desire to turn to God, and fill the stomach.
Consecrated water is meant to relieve spiritual, not worldly, problems.
It is permissible to sprinkle food with prayer, faith and gratitude.
Holy water bath
It is forbidden to use agiasma for taking a bath, for the falling of the shrine into the sewage is considered disrespectful. Bathing in holy water, in the hope of remission of sins, will not bring results, only faith and sincere repentance can purify a person. But wetting the body with holy water after taking a bath with ordinary water is allowed. A small amount applied to the palm of your hand can wash your face and chest.
Can you bless a gun with holy water?
From the point of view of logic, the consecration of weapons is unacceptable, because killing is a sin. But from the standpoint of the Russian Orthodox Church, consecration is permitted and is regarded as a means of a forced struggle against evil. The gun stored in the house is consecrated to protect the household from a possible attack by robbers.
Selling: benefit or sin?
To charge for holy water is considered blasphemy. It is a gift from God and is given free of charge. But if money was required for the delivery of the shrine, then you can reimburse what was spent and call it a donation.
Is it possible to give holy water from home, share or give to strangers?
Giving part of the holy water to a stranger is possible, but you need to be firmly convinced that the moisture will be used in useful and not containing evil thoughts deeds.
Boiling and freezing
Freezing is not required. Water becomes consecrated after the priest reads special prayers and immerses the cross. After that, the liquid is filled with God's grace, cleansed of all negativity and retains freshness and miraculous properties for a long time. Therefore, boiling is not required.
No need to store water in the refrigerator it is polluted by nearby products. Also do not freeze. Under the influence of low temperatures, water changes its structure and loses its healing qualities, and after thawing it quickly becomes unusable.
What to do with unused
Where is holy water poured? Sometimes it happens that, and a person is afraid to use it inside. Then the rest of the water is poured into a place far from sewage. Pour onto the path where people or animals walk, into the sewer - you can’t! This is an extreme disrespect for the shrine. An acceptable place for draining unsuitable moisture is a river with the course, open pond, tree at the temple, houseplants.
The blessing of water is a great sacrament. It makes it possible to return to pristine purity and draw closer to the Lord. Using holy water, a person heals the soul and body.
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 all who draw it and receive from it have it for the purification of soul and body, for healing by harm, for change by passion, for the remission of sins, for the driving away of all evil, for the sprinkling and consecration of houses, and for every benefit I will 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 generation, 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
First, don't worry. Often an Orthodox Christian takes prosaic and everyday things as bad or good signs. For example, the priest accidentally dropped an engagement ring at a wedding - the young will not live. Or: when he prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos for something to be fulfilled, he saw how a ray of sunshine fell on his face and the image seemed to smile, then the desired will come true; Epiphany water has deteriorated - the grace of God has departed from home, expect trouble. This, of course, is superstition, that is, a vain belief. The Holy Fathers unequivocally say: do not look for signs, do not indulge in superstitions and do not inflame either positive or negative thought-emotional attitudes in this regard. Everything should be accepted with indifference, as if it never happened.
All the will of God. And trust her, based primarily on the commandments of the Lord and the advice of the holy fathers. It is necessary, as they say, not to get confused and not to panic, but to clearly and soberly realize that our salvation depends on the will of God and on how zealously we work on ourselves to eradicate sin and purify and sanctify our inner man.
It is very easy to dispose of holy water that has gone bad. Pour it somewhere under a bush or tree, on grass or the ground in a clean place where there is no garbage. If this is an apartment, then pour it into a flowerpot, but not into the sewer, so that the shrine does not interfere with sewage. If the holy water was stored in a plastic bottle, then it is better to burn it in a clean place, and if in a glass container, it can be rinsed well several times and also poured into a clean place.
It is better to store holy water not on the window and not in a place where direct sunlight falls on it. This can also ruin it. On the other hand, you need to understand that initially in the consecrated water there may be seeds of aquatic plants, from which the water can “bloom”. There are many natural options when holy water can go bad.
When holy water becomes unfit for drinking, you can sprinkle your home, children, relatives with it from the palm of your hand. And in this way, use the shrine for its spiritual purpose, so that the baptismal water, by the power of the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, sanctifies, cleanses our home, and our souls and bodies receive the saving and life-giving power of God's grace.
You can replenish the stocks of baptismal or other holy water (from prayer services) in the temple. You can store it all year round, adding plain water to the shrine according to the principle "a drop of holy water sanctifies the sea." In a similar way, baptismal water is stored in the temple.
It is pleasant to watch when you enter a different house and see holy water and a cup standing next to it, and a bag of prosphora. And you already know that this person regularly eats holy water and prosphora. And sometimes you can see that a person has baptismal water brought into the house on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, put it closed in a closet and gets out of there only the next year on January 19th. It is poured out or replenished with fresh Epiphany water. This, of course, is sad. Because baptismal water should serve us for good. It can and should support our spiritual and bodily strength if used properly every day. It is a means of sanctifying our spiritual and bodily nature. And therefore it is desirable that the day of an Orthodox Christian begins with her. After all, water, among other means consecrated by the Church, helps us fight sin and draw closer to God. The great shrine-aghiasma is a symbol of the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. God has appeared to His people and remains among them forever... Therefore, the consumption of prosphora and holy water on an empty stomach after the morning rule with a certain prayer is a kind of echo-symbol of the Liturgy, a kind of very important moment of our personal home worship, in which God sanctifies both us and the coming day, teaching us His blessing in it.