Warm changing rooms and comfortable slopes: where to swim on Epiphany. How to bathe correctly at Epiphany. Map of the placement of fonts for Epiphany bathing.
In the coming days, blessed Epiphany water can be taken from Orthodox churches without much difficulty. On January 18 and 19, of course, there will be many people interested. But in most churches, water is blessed in abundance and distributed to those who wish after the holiday.
Christians do not distinguish Epiphany water either by the date of consecration (January 18 or 19), or by location (Cathedral of Christ the Savior or a tiny chapel in a maximum security colony in the Kostroma region), or by the name of the priest ( His Holiness Patriarch Kirill or a young priest who came only from the seminary), nor by source (pipe or spring). The main thing is that this water should be consecrated by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in memory of the Baptism of the Lord. The blessing of water is a church Christian event. It cannot happen outside the church.
The vast majority of our citizens have the opportunity to come to the temple, pray and take water. Therefore, it is obvious that simply water from rivers, lakes, springs or from the shower cannot in any way be considered holy Epiphany water, either on the eve of the feast of the Epiphany, or at midnight, or on the feast itself.
How much water should I take?
It is quite understandable that many people want to stock up on Epiphany water for the year ahead and drink it every day. There is a belief that this water will not bloom and will remain as clean and tasty for many months. For some, this is an additional reason to stock up.
And yet there is no point in large supplies of consecrated water. Christians are sure that God is not and cannot be connected in any way with the amount of water drunk. God does not charge the water, does not saturate it with anything. He acts through her Himself. This means that one sip or a few drops is enough if they are drunk with faith in Christ and hope for help.
Some believers, based on the idea that “a drop of holy water can sanctify the sea,” simply “dilute” the blessed water as it is used. And this seems wiser to me than multi-liter annual reserves. I know from experience that one and a half to two liters of blessed water is a sufficient supply for a year for an entire family.
What is the meaning of the holiday?
It is clear that whether to trust the words of the evangelists or not is everyone’s business. It is important to understand and recognize that for Christians the holiday of Epiphany consists, first of all, in the recollection and joyful experience of three mysteries, which are very deeply connected with the very essence of Christianity as a religion. I have tried to explain these mysteries in the above articles. Here I will limit myself to listing. The events of the Baptism of the Lord reveal the Trinity of the Divinity: God Himself reveals Himself, as they say, in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We also learn about the divine humanity of Christ: the Father testifies that Jesus, the son of Mary, is also the Son of God. And finally, we learn about the mission of Jesus: He came to take away the sin of the world in order to save people. It is important for us that Christians see in the baptism of Jesus evidence of the appearance of the One who is not afraid to share with people not only the joy of life, but also the consequences of sin and even death itself.
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What is holy water for?
For Christians, holy water is far from the most important thing in life. They may have it in the house, they may not have it, they may drink it regularly, they may not drink it at all. And all this because they have the One in whom they believe, the One who is always and everywhere with them.
Having become a tradition over the centuries, swimming in an ice hole made in a reservoir during the ancient Christian holiday of Epiphany raises many questions among people of different confessions and non-believers. This is truly a way to physically and spiritually cleanse a person, or a beautiful tribute to fashion. What happens at the moment of immersion in an ice bath and who will benefit from such a procedure.
Traditions of the holiday of Epiphany
Baptism is on January 19 and the very tradition of plunging into an ice font dates back to 988, from the time of the introduction of Christianity in Kievan Rus. According to biblical history, Jesus, at his personal request, was baptized on this very day. During the ceremony of John the Baptist, Jesus was in the waters of the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove and a voice from above, proclaiming him the son of God. This event became the basis of the holiday. The word baptism itself, translated from ancient Greek, means direct immersion in water. It is believed that through baptism God made the water holy, that is, having special healing properties. Considering that water in the Old Testament is considered the basis of all living things, the importance of this tradition becomes clear.
After the Divine Liturgy, water is blessed in all churches. At this time of the Blessing of Water, all water elements are also endowed with miraculous qualities. To conduct Epiphany bathing, crowded processions are held in the cross-shaped ice hole, which in Christianity are called the Procession of the Cross to the Jordan. It is believed that a body washed with holy water, like a purified soul that has believed in the Savior, will receive health and blessing, and will join the sacrament of the Holy Trinity. In addition to the Christian overtones, the tradition of such bathing has been known since the times of the ancient Scythians and earlier pagan rituals. In this way, newborns were initiated into warriors, healed, and hardened to adapt to the harsh climate. 
Features of swimming in an ice hole
On the day of the Epiphany holiday, to make it accessible to everyone, water bodies are specially equipped in accordance with all safety rules; ice holes must be in the form of a cross. After the consecration of the ice hole, people can get water, wash, and the most determined ones can swim. If the body is relatively adapted to the cold, then the mood before swimming is of great importance. The living structure of water can change under the influence of certain information, so when plunging into an ice hole, you need to tune in only to a positive influence. Directly during a dive, many processes occur at lightning speed in the human body:
- under short-term exposure to cold, the cerebral cortex and central nervous system are mobilized, which is positive for the body;
- a stressful situation leads to a jump in immunity, pain relief, relief of inflammation, spasms, swelling;
- under the influence of cold water, internal forces are released, body temperature can reach 40° for a few seconds, causing the death of pathogenic microbes, viruses, and cells;
- The thermal conductivity of water is 28 times greater than air, which gives a huge hardening effect.
Considering the listed advantages of the cold water immersion procedure, we can confidently speak about its benefits. Despite the fact that in principle no special physical preparation is required for such a bath, in some cases there may be a number of difficult moments. Official medicine recommends dipping without fear for middle-aged men and women without complex pathologies. In any case, the sacrament of bathing at Epiphany is a deeply individual decision for each person. 
How to properly bathe on Epiphany
In addition to the appropriate attitude, such bathing requires adherence to certain rules that help to carry out the ritual correctly and safely. The main point, especially during mass events, is the presence of a specially equipped ice hole. The ice hole should be located at a water depth of no more than 1.8 m, well fenced to avoid accidental falls, and equipped with steps and handrails for descent. Everyone who wants to plunge into the ice hole must have a swimsuit or swimming trunks, a warm robe, a towel, a set of dry clothes, underwear, slippers or woolen socks.
Before starting, it is recommended to warm up slightly, for example by jogging, doing squats or simple exercises. In this case, the body should not be sweaty, but only hot. To prevent a sharp narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain, there is no need to wet your head, but it is better to plunge only up to your neck. You cannot jump into the ice hole; you must begin the dive from your feet. Swimming is not recommended; after plunging three times, it is better to get out immediately and not stay in the water for more than 1 minute. Immediately after bathing, you need to dry yourself with a towel and immediately put on dry underwear and clothes. Often a towel may not even be useful, since the skin dries out instantly. But following the church rules, when swimming in the Epiphany ice hole, you need to plunge headlong three times. In this case, there should be a short sincere prayer addressed to God; according to the Orthodox belief, this charges the water with enormous power. 
Contraindications for swimming
It is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages immediately before or after swimming. Alcohol in the blood has a bad effect on the body's thermoregulation, sometimes with unforeseen consequences. Under its influence, the vessels expand, increasing heat consumption. For some time after consumption, a person may feel a surge of warmth, but then the opposite effect occurs sharply and one can get a serious cold. You should also not smoke, as blood circulation is impaired. Immediately after dipping, it is better to drink a herbal decoction or hot tea. Swimming in a cold ice hole on a full or empty stomach is harmful. 
While the benefits of Epiphany bathing are obvious, the category of contraindications includes the presence of chronic or acute diseases. These include disorders of the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems, as well as all kinds of inflammation of the genitourinary system, nasopharynx, and otitis media. It is not recommended to plunge into an ice hole if you have suffered injuries, encephalitis, epilepsy and other complex pathologies. To avoid harm and receive only benefits, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
The Christian holiday Epiphany is celebrated annually on January 19. Federal News Agency talks about the special features of this day.
Epiphany or Epiphany is one of the most important Christian holidays. It is one of the twelve, since it is dogmatically closely connected with the event of the earthly life of Jesus Christ, namely, with his baptism, which was performed in the Jordan River by the prophet John the Baptist, also known as John the Baptist.
The second name of the holiday - Epiphany - is associated with the miracle that occurred during the baptism of Christ, when the holy spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven called him son.
Features of the church holiday
The Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated on January 19 (January 6 - old style) and has four days of pre-celebration and eight days of post-celebration. That is, four days before Epiphany, prayers dedicated to the upcoming event appear in church services, and they will continue until January 27, when the holiday will be celebrated with a more solemn than usual service.
The clergy these days wear white vestments.
Epiphany Christmas Eve
On January 18, Epiphany Eve, Orthodox Christians observe strict fasting by eating sochivo, a traditional Lenten dish made from cereals (rice or wheat), honey and raisins.
At the same time, eating food is allowed only after taking out the candle after the liturgy in the morning and the first communion of Epiphany water.
Blessing of water
The great consecration of water in churches takes place on Christmas Eve after the liturgy and directly on the day of Epiphany. Consecration is carried out by one rite - the great agiasma, so the water consecrated these days is no different.
There is a tradition of sprinkling your home with Epiphany water while singing the troparion of Epiphany. Also, Epiphany water, which has miraculous properties, is drunk throughout the year in the morning on an empty stomach, reading a prayer for receiving holy water:
“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 mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities according to your infinite mercy the prayers of your most pure mother and all your saints. Amen".
Epiphany water is drunk during illnesses and attacks by evil spirits. For example, St. John Chrysostom wrote that it is special:
“This water in its essence does not deteriorate over time, but, drawn today, it remains intact and fresh for a whole year, and often two and three years.”
Epiphany water has one more feature: a small amount of it can be added to ordinary water, and it will receive miraculous properties. Therefore, you should not carry Epiphany water from the church in canisters; it is enough to take a little and dilute it at home with plain water in the required quantity. It is believed that one drop of holy water can sanctify an entire sea.
Epiphany bathing
Another tradition on Epiphany is swimming in an ice hole, which, as people believe, has a cleansing power for the soul and body, but this tradition cannot be called a church tradition.
For Orthodox Christians, the main thing on this day is attending church services, confession, communion, and receiving baptismal water. But swimming in special ice holes called Jordans is voluntary, and not at all mandatory, and it does not get rid of sins, since sins are absolved by the priest in the sacrament of repentance.
However, Epiphany bathing in Russia today has become something very fashionable. Special safe swimming pools are installed for them in reservoirs. On January 18, 19 and 20, rescuers and doctors are on duty in large cities near massive Jordanians.
By the way, the latter say that swimming in ice water, even with prayers, is not allowed for people with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, problems of the genitourinary system, lung and liver diseases. Also, you should not dive into an ice hole during periods of exacerbation of inflammatory diseases or after suffering from a cold.
Signs and prohibitions
Another folk tradition is Christmas fortune-telling, which ends on January 19, Epiphany. Remember Pushkin: “Once on Epiphany evening the girls wondered…”? Despite the fact that the church categorically prohibits any fortune-telling - be it Christmas, Yuletide, Epiphany and others, this pagan custom has survived to this day.
It is believed that dreams on the eve of Epiphany are prophetic, and predictions received on this day are the most accurate. They also believe that on Epiphany the heavens open, so whatever you pray for on this day will come true.
There are also popular superstitions that say what should not be done on Epiphany and on the eve of it in order to maintain health, well-being, happiness and good luck. For example, you cannot give matches, bread and money from home, you cannot borrow, you cannot cry and swear.
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Epiphany water is sacred, has healing powers, carries a powerful charge of faith, and has its own memory. Swimming on Epiphany in the cold is a tradition that has passed down through the centuries. Not only has it not lost its significance, but it has also gained popularity among both young people and the older generation. Swimming in an ice hole has become not only a matter of faith, but also a fashion trend.
From what date can you swim for Epiphany 2019
Many people ask the question: when do they swim in the ice hole for baptism 2019? You can take a dip in the invigorating water as early as January 18, 2019, but you need to do this only after the evening service in the church, these are the rules, there is no need to break them and check what will happen if you swim earlier. And January 19 is the day when all water becomes holy. You can swim throughout the day until midnight.
Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River on January 19, but you can plunge into the ice hole and accept God’s grace on January 18 after the evening service.
Is it necessary to swim in an ice hole at Epiphany?
In ancient times, the holiday of Epiphany was expected for Orthodox people; swimming in a frosty ice hole was expected with trepidation and anticipation. There were exceptions, but bathing to wash away sins was a necessity. They plunged into ice water to improve their health, no matter how paradoxical it may sound.
Do as your inner voice tells you - it’s better to listen to it. But you need to wash yourself with holy water and go to church to get holy water. Holy water can protect against the evil eye and damage; it is used to wash babies when they begin to cry.
Is bathing beneficial?
From a biological point of view, the body is under severe stress. Sudden cooling leads to rapid constriction of blood vessels and a jump in blood pressure. The hormonal system also releases adrenaline and serotonin. Hence, after bathing, there is an incredible lightness and state of exaltation, this is how the hormone of joy works.
But an unprepared person can get sick after swimming. The female reproductive system does not tolerate hypothermia, and inflammation of the appendages can occur, which can lead to obstruction of the fallopian tubes and infertility in severe cases.
Men may experience prostatitis, the number of sperm decreases, but their motility increases.
After a one-time swim in ice-cold water, there is no addiction, and winter swimming is reminiscent of drug addiction. People become walruses to experience the release of the hormone of happiness, but with constant diving into the ice hole, less and less of it is produced, and depression can occur.
How many days do they swim for Epiphany?
Epiphany happened on the Epiphany of the Lord. God appeared on Earth in three of his guises at once. God the Father is the voice of God, which a believer can hear while washing in a frosty font; God the Son is Jesus himself. Anyone who bathes in an ice hole touches the divine, is spiritually cleansed, filled with light power, joy and energy, which is capable of healing internal illnesses. God - the holy spirit - is a dove that appeared at the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Seeing pigeons near temples is a good sign.
Epiphany water remains holy for a week. You can swim all week, but it is better to do it on Epiphany Eve - January 18 or on the holiday itself - January 19.
Who should not swim?
All rules have their exceptions. Parents decide when small children can bathe, although children do not need to be bathed until the age of three.
If you have heart or vascular diseases, then it is also better to avoid diving. A sharp jump in blood pressure can lead to heart failure and cardiac arrest.
Swimming is dangerous for people suffering from asthma, kidney, liver and gall bladder diseases.
There are no exceptions for epilepsy; diving into an ice hole is contraindicated for people with this disease.
Some people believe that before immersing yourself in ice water you can slightly boost your body with alcohol, but this is not necessary. Orthodox holidays allow drinking Cahors during communion, but before and after swimming in the ice hole it is better to avoid drinking strong drinks.
Allergy sufferers and people prone to convulsions should also refrain from full immersion; it is better to wash their face with holy water.
How to prepare for swimming
The first thing you need to do is listen to yourself. What does the inner voice say? If a person is not mentally ready to swim, then there is no need to force him. Then you should visit the church, and only then go swimming.
If people are in the mood for swimming, then it is better to prepare for the ritual in advance: drink immunostimulating drugs, start hardening at least 2-3 months before the holiday, take a cold or contrast shower in the morning.
Before immersing yourself in ice water, you need to gradually undress, let your body get used to the surrounding temperature, so the water will be warmer. In the ice hole, the water temperature is +4°C, while the air temperature can reach -30°C.
After diving, you need to rub yourself with a towel, drink hot tea, but not boiling water. The drink should not burn.
Behavior rules
When swimming in winter, you need to adhere to a number of rules. Before diving, you should carefully walk along a path or path; it will be slippery from the water flowing from the bodies of those who have already swam. Near the ladder, you need to make sure that it is well installed, stable and safe. You cannot push around near the ice hole and play around, so as not to accidentally fall into the icy window and push those present.
There is no need to swim in an ice hole, even if it seems that the water is not cold, but at a comfortable temperature, this state is deceptive. It's better not to dive in headfirst.
What clothes can you swim in?
Nowadays, people are increasingly swimming in ice holes in summer swimsuits and swimming trunks. This is not entirely correct. Christ plunged into the waters of the Jordan naked. But this is impossible to do in urban or rural areas. For these purposes, it is better to purchase a separate shirt. Clothing should be such that it can be easily and quickly removed after swimming.
In shoes or barefoot
Everyone decides this for themselves. Initially we swam barefoot. City services are preparing a place for the Epiphany ice hole, equipping it with warm tents and hot tea. There is unlikely to be anything sharp in the snow that could hurt your leg. But it is better if the shoes are not rubber. You need to choose shoes so that they are not slippery in the cold, otherwise it will be difficult to leave the Epiphany font and go to the locker room.
How many times do you need to plunge?
Believers believe that you need to plunge into the ice hole 3 times, be in the water for no more than a minute and not swim, but leave immediately.
Before swimming, you need to go to church for confession, first cleanse your soul, and only then wash away your sins. The bathing ritual itself is a secondary matter; it does not need to be performed, but you need to visit the temple to receive a blessing.
Should I plunge headlong or not?
There are many nerve endings on the head; if they get cold, an inflammatory process can begin. Sometimes deaths occurred during immersion in the font with one's head. Therefore, the first time you should refrain from complete immersion. And when diving headlong into the water, you need to mentally say: “In the name of the father” - the first dive; “son” – second dive; “and the Holy Spirit” – third immersion. Then quickly leave the ice hole, rub your body with a towel, change clothes and drink hot tea. You can improve your health or lose it.
Is it possible for representatives of other religions to swim?
God is one, the church does not prohibit representatives of other religions from bathing at Epiphany. If a person feels that he must do this, hears an inner voice, then God himself calls him. And it doesn’t matter what faith a person adheres to, whether he is Catholic or Muslim.
In Russia, on the eve of the holiday, Jordan is cut down in reservoirs - this is an ice hole in the shape of a cross. In Greece, the bishop sanctifies the sea and throws a cross into it, and the believers dive.
All believers can swim: Orthodox, Muslims, Catholics, and representatives of other religions. There would be faith, willpower and desire, lack of fear of frost.
The church calendar allocates 2 days for swimming. Holy water can be collected throughout Epiphany week.
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With the Baptism of Rus' (in 988), it gradually spread among our ancestors. The blessing of water can only be performed by a priest - by reading the appropriate prayers and immersing the cross in water three times. On reservoirs, for this purpose, an ice hole is made in advance - “Jordan” - usually in the shape of a cross. Usually bodies of water - ponds, rivers, lakes - are consecrated on the feast of Epiphany itself, after the liturgy. Epiphany water is a shrine that is used for healing and to strengthen the mental and physical strength of us and our loved ones.
From some churches and on Epiphany Eve after the service, solemn processions are made to the ice holes in the reservoirs, they are blessed. Orthodox Christians scoop up holy water from this ice hole, wash themselves with it, and the bravest “dive” into the ice hole. Russian traditions of swimming in ice holes go back to the times of the ancient Scythians, who dipped their babies into icy water, accustoming them to the harsh nature.
When swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany
On January 19, 2016, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Epiphany. The holiday also has the name Epiphany and is celebrated annually on January 19th. Epiphany is one of the most ancient and revered holidays among Christians.
The baptism of Christ was performed by John the Baptist at his request. During his baptism on the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. At the same time, a Voice from Heaven declared: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” According to Christian teachings, it was on this day that God appeared in three persons: God the Father in voice, the Son of God in flesh, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. That is why the feast of Epiphany is often called Epiphany. The holiday of Epiphany is very important. It is believed that it was baptism that revealed to the world...
Is it necessary to swim in an ice hole at Epiphany?
Is it necessary to swim at Epiphany? And if there is no frost, will bathing be Epiphany?
In any church holiday, it is necessary to distinguish between its meaning and the traditions that have developed around it. The main thing in the feast of the Epiphany is the Epiphany, the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist, the voice of God the Father from heaven “This is my beloved Son” and the Holy Spirit descending on Christ. The main thing for a Christian on this day is presence at church services, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and communion of baptismal water.
The established traditions of swimming in cold ice holes are not directly related to the Feast of the Epiphany itself, are not mandatory and, most importantly, do not cleanse a person of sins, which, unfortunately, is discussed a lot in the media.
Such traditions should not be treated as magical rites - the holiday of the Epiphany is celebrated by Orthodox Christians in hot Africa, America, and Australia. After all…
While swimming in the icy Epiphany font, a person experiences approximately the same stress as during a parachute jump. To prevent such a test from resulting in a subsequent decrease in immunity, it is necessary to prepare for the dive in advance, gain a positive attitude and overcome the fear of icy water. If everything is done correctly and you take care of warm clothes, a soft towel and hot tea in advance, Epiphany will become one of the most joyful and unforgettable days of your life.
What you should know
Only healthy and seasoned people can swim in the ice hole. People with obesity, diseases of the cardiovascular system, arterial hypertension, respiratory diseases, chronic skin diseases and inflammation of the genitourinary system should not dive into Jordan. Swimming in ice water will not benefit people suffering from insomnia, as well as people with mental disorders. Such categories of citizens can perform the ritual at home by simply taking a contrast shower.
Orthodox people celebrate Epiphany, or Epiphany, on January 19, and the day before, on the 18th, they celebrate Epiphany Eve. There is a popular tradition among believers - to swim on this day. How to plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany without harming your health? We will try to sort this out.
Baptism is an important event in the Orthodox religion
On this day, believers celebrate two events in the history of religion at once - the baptism of the Son of God by John the Baptist in the waters of the river called Jordan, and the appearance of the Trinity of God, that is, the Epiphany. They say that from the moment of Baptism, Jesus Christ began to come out to people.
Epiphany completes the cycle of Christmas holidays and requires special preparation. Just as a strict fast is observed before Christmas, so on the eve of Epiphany it is necessary to adhere to the same strict Epiphany Eve.
Swimming in Jordan - healing the soul and body
For the holiday, they make an ice hole in the shape of a cross and call it “Jordan”...
One of the traditions at Epiphany is swimming in an ice hole. It is believed that water on Epiphany Eve, January 18, acquires healing properties. As a rule, on Epiphany Christmas Eve special illumination of the ice hole is carried out. For Epiphany, the pond is made in the shape of a cross and it is called “Jordan”, after the name of the river in which Jesus Christ was baptized.
Epiphany water is a shrine for Orthodox believers. They drink it to heal illnesses and strengthen physical and mental strength. Not everyone can decide to swim in an ice hole on Epiphany - not everyone can withstand the frost and icy water. If you decide to swim in an ice hole on Epiphany on January 18-19, then we suggest that you first familiarize yourself with the recommendations and rules for performing this ritual.
Rules for swimming in an ice hole for Epiphany
Swimming in an ice hole is a three-time immersion in water with your head. In progress…
On January 19, one of the most significant Christian holidays begins, and many cannot imagine it without personal participation - that is, immersion in icy Epiphany water in special ice holes. In Russia, on Epiphany, it is customary to bless water, including in natural reservoirs, for which a cross-shaped hole - a Jordan - is cut in the ice. Previously, those who took part in Christmas fortune-telling and mummery dipped into the ice hole primarily to wash away their sins. It was also believed that evil spirits, who freely walked the earth all Christmastide, were leaving for the Jordan. Water blessed at Epiphany is considered healing. The clergy wear white robes for this holiday.
It is believed that Epiphany water brings spiritual and physical health; About 600,000 people take part in Epiphany bathing in Russia on January 18 and 19 during the day.
The “great consecration of water” takes place in all churches. According to church canons, on Epiphany Eve a believer must come to church, serve in the service, light a candle, dial...
The Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany or Epiphany on January 19 (new style). This is the most ancient holiday among Christians, and its establishment goes back to the times of the disciples and apostles of Christ. It also has ancient names: “Epiphany” - phenomenon, “Theophany” - Epiphany, “Holy Lights”, “Feast of Lights” or simply “Lights”, since it was the Lord Himself who came into the world on this day to show him the Light Unapproachable.
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The word “baptize” or “baptize” from Greek is translated as “immersing in water.” It is almost impossible to understand the importance and the very meaning of what Epiphany bathing is without having an idea of the symbolic meaning of water in the Old Testament.
Water is the beginning of life. It was she who fertilized all living beings that came from her. Where there is no water, there is a lifeless desert. And water can destroy, as during the Great Flood, when God flooded the sinful lives of people and thereby destroyed the evil that...
Epiphany 2017, when to swim from January 18 to 19? Orthodox believers celebrate Epiphany itself every year on the same date - January 19. Swimming in the consecrated ice holes begins after the service in the church, Epiphany Christmas Eve. That is, already on the night of January 18-19 you can plunge into the ice hole.
Read more about when to swim in the ice hole on Epiphany
January 18 is Epiphany Christmas Eve. The time before Epiphany or Epiphany, as this holiday is more popularly called. After the service that night, a great purification of water takes place in all churches. Every believer, according to church laws, on Christmas Eve of this holiday must hold a service, light a candle and draw blessed water.
No church rules force people to plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany.
Especially if a person is not ready for this. But, in most Russian cities, people actively join the tradition when they swim at Epiphany on January 18 or 19. You can swim in…
If you decide to swim in an ice hole on Epiphany, you need to find specially equipped swimming holes not far from the shore. You also need to be sure that you are under the supervision of rescuers.
The ladder for descending into the water must be stable.
Warm up
Before you plunge into the icy water, you should warm up. To do this you need to perform a set of physical exercises. It is advisable to run, swing your arms and legs.
This will reduce the stress on the body that comes from swimming in an ice hole. Read more about this here.
Gradually cool down
The body needs to get used to the temperature change. Therefore, you should undress gradually: take off your hat, after a few minutes - your scarf, jacket, clothes, then your shoes.
Dip correctly
You need to plunge up to your neck without getting your head wet. This way you can avoid reflex vasoconstriction...
The great holiday of Christians - Epiphany, in memory of Jesus Christ's acceptance of the sacrament of baptism on the Jordan River, is celebrated on January 19 and which ends the Christmas holidays. People believe that at Epiphany, when water is blessed in churches and monasteries, it becomes incorruptible and may not deteriorate for many years, even if it is in a closed container. And this happens every year, and only on the day of Epiphany. It has already become a widespread tradition among Kiev residents to plunge into the icy Dnieper waters during the celebration of the Epiphany during a special ceremony by the clergy. On this day, ministers of Kyiv churches illuminate the Dnieper River and reservoirs, and also bless people for swimming in Jordans - specially carved in the ice and blessed ice holes.
Recently, bathing at Epiphany has become more and more popular. If someone decides to participate in the sacrament of Epiphany bathing, they should prepare in advance and take into account...
What date is Epiphany in 2017? This very important day for believers is celebrated in our country on January 19 every year. This is a holiday in memory of the event in which Jesus Christ sanctified water with his baptism, and also showed that He is both man and God. A distinctive feature of this winter day is the blessing of water; in all churches, as well as in some open reservoirs, a great blessing of water is performed. In addition to the fact that everyone on the day of Epiphany strives to bring a vessel with Holy water from the church, another tradition of this holiday is swimming in an ice hole, and there are also special signs for Epiphany.
After a cheerful week and a half since Christmas, with fortune telling and dressing up as mummers, people would like to wash away these sins, and some dare to dive into the ice hole, despite the frosty days. In addition, Epiphany water has healing powers, and swimming in the consecrated ice hole promises good health for the whole year. Water tends to remember information, so after absorbing...
To answer the question of when to swim in the ice hole at Epiphany 2017, you just need to look at the church calendar to see exactly what day this big holiday falls on. The Orthodox calendar indicates that Epiphany in 2017, like other years before, is celebrated on January 19.
Although, the question of swimming in an ice hole among believers arises due to the fact that holiday services are held in churches on the 18th and the blessing of water, including in the ice hole, is carried out precisely at night from January 18 to 19. Well, since the consecration has taken place, and the day of the Epiphany holiday itself has arrived, then you can, among other things, plunge into the ice hole during the night from the 18th to the 19th.
Jordan - an ice hole for Baptism
In addition to the fact that it is important to determine when to swim in the ice hole for Epiphany 2017, it is important to remember other important traditions and features of the holiday. In particular, on the day of Epiphany (the second name of the holiday of Epiphany in honor of the fact that when...
For many unchurched people, Baptism is only the blessing of water and swimming in an ice hole. This is partly true, because every year more and more people come to swim in the ice hole on this day: believers and undecideds, baptized and atheists, hardened and afraid of the cold, healthy and sick. Having plunged into the icy January water, everyone emerges from the ice hole happy, inspired, and warmed up. Because, they say, at Epiphany the water in the ice hole is “warm.”
What date to swim in 2017
This Christian Orthodox holiday belongs to the permanent twelve holidays and is celebrated every year on the same day - January 19. And in 2017, to the question, baptism 2017 on what date to swim, the answer remains the same - January 19.
In fact, swimming begins in the evening of January 18th. Immediately after the evening service, the priest, together with the parish, goes on a religious procession to the reservoir to bless the water. On the night of January 18-19, there was water in all rivers, lakes, seas...
The holiday of Epiphany is celebrated every year on January 6 for Catholics and January 19 for Orthodox believers, according to the official modern calendar. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.
The holiday begins on the evening of January 18, when all Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve.
The Feast of Epiphany closes the twelve holy days. On this day, the Church celebrates the entry of Jesus Christ onto the path of serving people and the beginning of his preaching.
Christmas and Epiphany, connected by Christmastide, constitute a single celebration - the Feast of Epiphany. It is in the unity of these holidays that all three faces of the Holy Trinity appear to us.
On the day of Epiphany, everywhere in churches, on rivers, lakes, a water blessing is performed, a ritual of consecrating water in an ice hole made in the form of an Orthodox cross.
Blessing of water for Epiphany
The Lord created water as an element of life, but human sin made it a source of death. When human sin increased by...
The New Year holidays have come to an end. Tomorrow is Epiphany. And although the weather outside my window is not Epiphany weather at all - there are puddles on the asphalt from the night rain, which means that
the temperature outside is above zero - for me Epiphany remains one of the most mysterious and enigmatic holidays. On this day, the Universe lifts the curtain and we can find out our future, solve seemingly insoluble problems, and get answers to questions that concern us.
If anyone doesn’t know, Epiphany as a holiday was established in honor of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The ritual of baptism itself implies repentance, deliverance from sins. And although Jesus had nothing to repent of, he, showing humility, accepted Baptism from John and thereby sanctified the watery nature. Since then, on the day of Epiphany, all the world’s waters, the waters of the entire Earth - from a small stream to the oceans - become holy on this day. This also applies to tap water. You don't have to go to church to get holy water...
