Holy water: church traditions and near-church superstitions of water blessing. Will unusual weather conditions in Russia affect the course of the Epiphany and the blessing of waters? What used to be treated with holy water

All our life next to us is a great shrine - holy water (in Greek "agiasma" - "shrine").

Consecrated water is an image of the grace of God: it cleanses believers from spiritual filth, sanctifies and strengthens them for the feat of salvation in God.

We first plunge into it in Baptism, when, while receiving this sacrament, we are immersed three times in a font filled with holy water. Holy water in the sacrament of Baptism washes away the sinful impurities of a person, renews and revives him into a new life in Christ.

Holy water is necessarily present at the consecration of churches and all objects used in worship, at the consecration of residential buildings, buildings, and any household item. We are sprinkled with holy water at religious processions, during prayer services.

On the day of Theophany, every Orthodox Christian brings home a vessel with holy water, carefully keeps it as the greatest shrine, praying to partake of holy water in sickness and all kinds of infirmity.

“Consecrated water,” as St. Demetrius of Kherson wrote, “has the power to sanctify the souls and bodies of all who use it.” She, acceptable with faith and prayer, heals our bodily diseases. The Monk Seraphim of Sarov, after the confession of the pilgrims, always gave them to eat from the cup of holy Epiphany water.

The Monk Ambrose of Optina sent a bottle of holy water to a terminally ill patient - and the incurable disease, to the amazement of the doctors, passed away.

Elder Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyritsky always advised to sprinkle food and food itself with Jordanian (baptismal) water, which, in his words, "consecrates everything by itself." When someone was very ill, Elder Seraphim blessed to take a tablespoon of consecrated water every hour. The elder said that there is no stronger medicine than holy water and consecrated oil.

The rite of consecration of water, which takes place on the feast of Theophany, is called great because of the special solemnity of the rite, imbued with the remembrance of the Baptism of the Lord, in which the Church sees not only the mysterious washing away of sins, but also the actual sanctification of the very nature of water through the immersion of God in the flesh into it.

The great consecration of water takes place twice - on the very day of Theophany, and also on the eve, on the eve of Theophany (Epiphany Eve). Some believers mistakenly believe that the water blessed these days is different. But in fact, on Christmas Eve and on the very day of the feast of Epiphany, one rite is used during the consecration of water.

Even St. John Chrysostom said that the holy water of the Epiphany remains incorruptible for many years, it is fresh, pure and pleasant, as if it had been drawn from a living spring just this minute. This is the miracle of God's grace, which everyone sees even now!

According to the Church, agiasma is not simple water of spiritual significance, but a new being, a spiritual and bodily being, the interconnectedness of Heaven and earth, grace and matter, and, moreover, very close.

That is why the great agiasma, according to the canons of the church, is considered as a kind of lower degree of Holy Communion: in those cases when, due to sins committed, a penance is imposed on a member of the Church and a ban on approaching the Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the usual reservation is made to the canons: “Yes, drink to the agiasma” .

Epiphany water is a shrine that should be in every home of an Orthodox Christian. It is carefully kept in the holy corner near the icons.

In addition to baptismal water, Orthodox Christians often use water consecrated at prayer services (small blessing of water) performed throughout the year. Necessarily, a small blessing of water is performed by the Church on the day of the Origin (wearing) of the Honest Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord and on the day of Midlife, when the words of the Savior, full of the deepest mystery, spoken by Him to the Samaritan woman are remembered: “Whoever drinks the water that I will give him, he will not thirst forever ; but the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water springing up into eternal life” (Gospel of John, chapter 4, verse 14).

It is customary to use holy baptismal water on an empty stomach along with prosphora after the morning prayer rule with special reverence as a shrine. “When a person uses prosphora and holy water,” said the recluse Georgy Zadonsky, “then the unclean spirit does not approach him, the soul and body are sanctified, thoughts are illuminated to please God, and the person is inclined to fasting, prayer and to every virtue.”

Holy water is often used in various worship services and temples. Some parishioners also use it in everyday life to consecrate objects and premises, people and pets, preparing it on certain days (for example, on Epiphany) for the future. During the next year, such water, as a rule, is not subject to turbidity and moldiness. How this happens and why holy water does not deteriorate, we will tell in this article.

Unusual Properties

Water acquires such characteristics after the ritual of consecration. Some natural water sources are also sacred. As a rule, believers make a pilgrimage to them. Scientists who conducted research on such a liquid found that it has electromagnetic and bioenergetic indicators that are different from ordinary water.

Some explain the "holiness" of such water by the high content of silver in it. Like, silver disinfects and kills pathogenic microbes. From this, water does not deteriorate for a whole year. However, this version does not stand up to criticism, since in some churches they bless water for Baptism even without the help of silver.

molecular structure

The answer to this question may lie in the fact that the molecular structure of holy water is also different from ordinary water. For example, after freezing, it forms crystals of perfect shapes. And plain water, from the tap - vague and uneven.

conclusions

Thus, one thing is clear: holy water becomes such as a result of the ritual of consecration, which implies, speaking in scientific terms, structuring and disinfecting it.

Holy water treatment

What is the benefit of holy water? This is the most common and universal method to deal with negativity, heal from mental and physical wounds. Believers drink water every day, it helps them to think only about the good, displaces unfavorable thoughts, protects them from fears and other experiences. Of course, it is best to go to church and bless the water there, but what if you want to do this process yourself? The only thing that should always be near at consecration is an unshakable faith in God. This article will be about how to properly sanctify water at home, and what power it has.

How to sanctify water at home?

The first thing you need is a large jar, preferably a three-liter one. You need to fill it with plain water, let the liquid stand in it for a while. Now, you should read special prayers over the filled jar, holding your hands in the water, and cross it three times.

“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 Jordan: create a source of incorruption, sanctification of the gift, resolution of sin, healing of ailments, death by a demon, impregnable opposing forces, full of angelic fortresses : as if everyone who draws it and receives from it have it for the purification of soul and body, for healing by harm, for changing with passion, for the remission of sins, for driving away all evil, for sprinkling and consecrating houses, and for every benefit I will like. And if it is in the houses, or in the place of the faithful living, this water will sprinkle, may all impurity be washed away, may it save from all harm, let a destructive spirit settle down there, lower the harmful air, and let every dream and slander of a 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."

Those who are wondering if it is possible to bless water at home now know the answer and may not be afraid to perform such a ritual. It is not at all necessary to go to church for Father to do this. If you believe in God, often attend church and read prayers, then you will not have problems with how to bless the water yourself.

What is the power of holy water?

There are many proofs that God exists. Icons that stream myrrh, crosses that appeared in the sky, miraculous healings, blessed fire that you can touch. But another fact is holy water. This is not just a liquid in a vessel, it is water that can be stored for years and not get dirty.

Believers correctly say that this is something inexplicable, because it has properties that are beyond the control of minds. She can consecrate houses, expel evil spirits, conduct a rite of baptism. Holy water is a universal remedy that can do everything. Those who do the consecration ritual on their own for the first time should drink holy water and give it to everyone who lives in the apartment to drink. It will be good if the apartment is consecrated with water from the same can. But for this you need to prepare an apartment:

1. Be sure to do a general cleaning in the house.
2. Wash each corner several times.
3. And only then take a rag, moisten it with holy water and wipe the corners with it.

But that's not all the miracles that holy water can do. It is worth drinking consecrated water as often as possible in case you think that damage, evil eye or conspiracy is near you. The power is that the sacred liquid can cure, one has only to drink it. It can be the best "pill" if something hurts a lot.

What is the difference between baptismal water and holy water?

Epiphany water is consecrated on a special day, namely, on Christmas Eve, January 19. Also, this day is called the Feast of the Great Water Blessing. Behind this water, people line up, because it is considered the most powerful and healing. But an interesting fact is that even the doctors themselves do not deny the magical properties of baptismal water - and this is amazing. It turns out that the source, consecrated on January 19 right on Christmas Eve, is literally considered a miracle of the Lord God. Such water must be washed, it should be drunk on an empty stomach. There were cases when, in an inexplicable way, only a couple of drops brought people out of a deep coma.

How to consecrate baptismal water? The best way to do this is to come with the whole family to the Epiphany bathing to the ice hole and, after the words of the Father, who dipped the big cross into the water, fill several bottles with it. After that, the house should be consecrated with a fresh and purest source.

Holy water is a slightly different concept. If you can cross it yourself, while at home and having read a prayer, then it is impossible to consecrate baptismal water at home. This is where the duration comes into play. For holy water, you can choose any day, for Epiphany - only January 19. Another difference is that different prayers are read during the consecration. So, baptismal water is much stronger and more powerful than holy water. Therein lies their difference.

The best place to store water jars is a corner with icons. This area is considered the cleanest. Also, you should always cover filled jars with lids. If the consecrated water runs out, you can simply pour ordinary water into it, which also becomes holy.

Real Examples of Healing

Believers already know that there are many phenomena that can not be called "accident". Many wonder how a seemingly ordinary liquid can treat any disease, remove damage, and much more. After these examples that happened in real life, I want to believe in the Lord God even more.

Example 1

In 1872 a miracle happened. A girl named Maria fell ill with an incomprehensible disease that no one knew about. Her vocal cords failed, she could not speak. And after a while, the girl began to behave like a raging person: she crushed everything that came to her hand, danced and fought in fits. During her illness, Maria lost a lot of weight and literally looked like a living skeleton. Doctors pored over her, who tried to do everything possible to somehow help the poor girl. Everything was unsuccessful.

Realizing that it was necessary to somehow fight the demons in the head of Mary, her family took her to the holy spring of Fr. Seraphim. Before bathing, the girl raged and raged with such force that many strong men could not hold her, but as soon as Mary was dipped into the source, she calmed down.

According to Batyushka, who observed the whole situation from beginning to end, this miraculous property of the holy spring had such an effect on her. Indeed, after some time, the girl began to talk, although before that she had been silent for more than six months.

Example 2

One good surgeon lived in the USSR - Valentin Feliksovich Voyno-Yasenetsky. Believers at that time already knew that he was not only a doctor with golden hands, but also an archbishop. During any operation that took place on his table, Valentin Feliksovich always lit a church candle, put an icon and took iodine in his hands to draw a small cross on the patient's body.

Usually, all cuts on the body were wiped with hydrogen peroxide so that the blood would clot and no longer flow, but the surgeon did this with holy water. So far, no infection or complications have been found in a single patient who was operated on by the archbishop, even though the wounds were not treated medically.

Example 3

This incident occurred in an ordinary modern family quite recently. The couple had only one child, the wife really wanted a second baby. The husband was against it and every time the conversation started about the second child, he stopped him. The wife had no choice but to approach the icons and pray. There was no point in leaving the family, because everything is very good, there is love, feelings, harmony. There is only one thing - the husband does not want another baby. The mother-in-law suggested that the girl drink holy water, which could well help in this situation. It's unbelievable, but after a while the husband changed his mind and said himself that he really wants a child.

Proper handling of holy water

If water has healing and miraculous properties, this does not mean that it can be treated as one pleases. Even in everyday life, there are special rules for handling holy water, which must be strictly observed.

1. It is important to always drink holy water on an empty stomach in the morning and a few minutes before bedtime. Even one small glass is enough to start and end each day with good thoughts.
2. Holy water should be drunk in unlimited quantities if a person feels longing, sadness, despondency and other unpleasant emotions.
3. As soon as the glass is drained, it is important to pray to God. This prayer will take no more than a minute, which can be given to the Almighty.
4. Any wound or place on the body that hurts a lot is treated with holy water. You just need to dampen a cloth with it and apply it.
5. It is important to store water in a place where it will be good. A corner with icons is the most suitable thing that can be. This is the most consecrated place in the apartment, therefore, as soon as holy water is brought into the house, it is important to put it precisely to the images of the Saints.

If a person wants to feel God in his life, his support and strength, it is important to believe in him. Holy water will be useless if you drink it without believing in the Lord. Everyone who touches the consecrated liquid should attend church at least once a week on weekends. Only in this case, the healing power of holy water can be truly felt.

How to sprinkle your house with holy water

Holy water is ordinary in composition and original origin water (well, spring, lake, river, tap water), which miraculously acquires special beneficial, sanctifying and healing properties after a special divine service is performed on it - water sanctification.

By consecrating water, the Church brings the blessing of the Lord and the grace of the Most Holy and Life-Giving Spirit to the water by the power of prayer and the Word of God.

Water consecrated according to a special great order, on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, is called "agiasma", which means "shrine".

St. John Chrysostom speaks of the epiphany water:

« There is a clear sign: 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, and after a long time is not inferior to waters just drawn from sources.

And St. Epiphanius of Cyprus compares the change in the “nature of the waters” with the transformation of water into wine in Cana of Galilee.

We must never forget that blessed water is a great church shrine, with which the grace of God has come into contact, and which requires a reverent attitude towards itself.

This great shrine has been with us all our lives. Consecrated water is an image of the grace of God: it cleanses believers from spiritual filth, sanctifies and strengthens them for the feat of salvation in God.

We first plunge into it in baptism, when, while receiving this sacrament, we are immersed three times in a font filled with holy water. Holy water in the sacrament of baptism washes away the sinful impurities of a person, renews and regenerates him into a new life in Christ.

In the Orthodox Church, holy water has the widest application as a source of God's grace in the mystical sanctification of everyone and everything.

Holy water is necessarily present at the consecration of churches and all objects used in worship, at the consecration of residential buildings, buildings, and any household item. We are sprinkled with holy water at religious processions, during prayer services.

How to use holy water?

Epiphany water is a shrine that should be in every home of an Orthodox Christian. It is carefully kept in the holy corner, near the icons. In addition to baptismal water, Orthodox Christians use water consecrated at prayer services in a house or church.

Holy water is usually taken by believers on an empty stomach in small quantities, after the morning prayer rule with special reverence and prayer.
However, with a special need for God's help, with ailments or attacks by evil forces, it can be drunk with prayer and reverence at other times. You can also anoint sore spots with holy water and sprinkle your home.

In Typikon or Minae for January, under the 6 (19) date, a special note was made about baptismal water:

“Be aware to everyone about holy water. As if they were separating themselves from the holy water for the sake of drinking, they do not do good, for the grace of God was given for the sanctification of the world and all creation. The same in all sorts of places and stingy, and sprinkled everywhere, even under our feet. And where is this mind, do not drink sowing; but let it be weighed, as if there is no impurity in us for the sake of eating, but from our bad deeds, cleanse us of these, we drink this holy water without a doubt.

Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water

Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be 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 Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints yours. Amen.

Prayer for the consecration of every thing

To the Creator and Creator of the human race, the Giver of spiritual grace, the Giver of eternal salvation, Himself, Lord, send Your Holy Spirit with the highest blessing on this thing, as if armed with the power of heavenly intercession to those who want to use it, it will help to bodily salvation and intercession and help, oh Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

(And sprinkle the thing with holy water three times).

Germogen Ivanovich Shimansky writes about the use of consecrated water:

“Water consecrated on the eve of the feast and on the very feast of the Theophany is called the great agiasma, that is, the great shrine, because through the influx of the Spirit of God it received in itself a great, divine and miraculous power. Therefore, this water has an important and extensive use among The houses of believers are sprinkled with it on the eve and the feast of the Epiphany; believers can use it at any time with great reverence, eat before eating, carefully store it for a year, sprinkle it and signify it for the health of soul and body. It is used by the Church at consecration peace, at the consecration of the antimensions and at the consecration of the artos on Easter day.The same epiphany water, together with the antidoron (i.e., with the remainder of the prosphora, from which the part for the Holy Lamb was removed), the Church determined to give instead of communion of the Holy Mysteries of the Body and Blood of Christ to those who are excluded from communion of the Holy Mysteries or have not prepared themselves to receive them.Finally, the Church uses it when consecrating various substances, with something about filthy.

Water consecrated according to the order of small water sanctification is called small agiasma, in contrast to the great agiasma - the water of the holy Theophany, but its use is even more extensive than the latter. It is used by the Church when performing various kinds of rites and sanctifying prayers, such as: when consecrating churches, dwellings, and everything that serves to maintain our bodily life, that is, food and drink. It is used by the Church when performing prayers with which our good intentions are blessed, namely: when consecrating a new house, when setting off on a journey, before starting good deeds. In all these cases, a small consecration of water and sprinkling of St. water for encouragement and grace-filled strengthening of believers for the labors and deeds set before them. Finally, a small blessing of water is performed in difficult times of public and private disasters, because the Church, in the sanctified element, wants to give us grace that delivers us from troubles, illnesses and sorrows. The small consecration of water is performed on the days of temple holidays before the liturgy, as a sign of the renewal of the inexhaustible grace communicated to the temple during its consecration.

What are the benefits of drinking holy water?

In the priestly prayer during the consecration of water, the gifts of the grace of water are listed: the resolution of sins, the healing of ailments, the destruction of demons.

Holy water extinguishes the flame of passions, drives away evil spirits - that is why they sprinkle the dwelling and every thing that is consecrated with holy water.

“When a person uses prosphora and holy water,” said the hermit George Zadonsky- then the unclean spirit does not approach him, the soul and body are sanctified, thoughts are illumined to please God, and the person is inclined to fasting, prayer and to every virtue.

“Consecrated water,” as he wrote Saint Demetrius of Kherson, - has the power to sanctify the souls and bodies of all who use it.

Not only Church Tradition, but also the personal experience of believers convinces of the miraculous effect of holy water. The grace descending on the water through the prayers of the priest of God gives it the power to heal illnesses, quench passions and weaken emerging sinful inclinations, free from all evil, cleanse from filth. Any thing from the everyday life of an Orthodox Christian is consecrated with holy water.

Saint Ambrose Optina sent a bottle of holy water to a terminally ill patient, and the incurable disease, to the astonishment of the doctors, disappeared. Saint Seraphim Vyritsky he always advised to sprinkle food and food itself with Jordanian (Epiphany) water, which, in his words, "consecrates everything by itself." When someone was very ill, Elder Seraphim blessed to take a tablespoon of consecrated water every hour. The elder said that there is no stronger medicine than holy water and consecrated oil.

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

How is water blessed?

Water sanctification is small and great: the small is performed several times during the year (during prayers, the performance of the Sacrament of Baptism), and the great - only on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany). The Great Blessing of Water on this Feast takes place twice - on the day of Theophany, and also the day before, on the eve of Theophany (Epiphany Eve).

On Christmas Eve and on the very day of the feast of the Epiphany, during the consecration of water, the same rite of the great blessing of water is performed.

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

Blessing of water is called great because of the special solemnity of the rite, imbued with the memory of the gospel event, which became not only the prototype of the mysterious washing away of sins, but also the actual sanctification of the very nature of water through the immersion of God in the flesh into it.

The consecration of water, performed on the eve of Theophany on January 18, serves as a monument to the fact that in ancient times, on the eve of Theophany, the blessing of water was performed for the baptism of the catechumens.

After the liturgy on January 19, the consecration of water is performed in remembrance of the Baptism of the Lord, so there is a solemn procession with a cross, the Gospel, lamps and banners, with bells ringing and singing a troparion to water sources.

The Great Blessing of Water mainly consists of: singing the stichera “The Voice of the Lord on the Waters”, reading three proverbs, prokeimenon, the Apostle and the Gospel, a peaceful litany and a consecration prayer with petitions for the blessing of water. And, finally, the very consecration of water with the threefold immersion of the holy cross and the threefold singing of the troparion of Theophany: “In the Jordan I am baptized by You, Lord.”

Small consecration should be done at the beginning of each month. On this basis, it is performed on August 1st and therefore is sometimes called the "August blessing of water." Then a small blessing of water is performed at the end of Pentecost in remembrance of the fact that Jesus Christ taught the people about living water flowing into eternal life (John 4:10). It is also performed before the liturgy on the days of temple holidays, on which the temple is renewed with prayer and the sprinkling of holy water. Finally, it can be performed at the request of each believer at any time (at home or in church) in conjunction with prayer singing.

The small consecration of water, just like the great consecration of water, dates back to ancient times, to the first times of the Church.

In the Apostolic Decrees, the establishment of the blessing of water is attributed to the Evangelist Matthew. According to Baronius (132), the ancient custom of performing a small consecration of water, which has existed since the time of the apostles, was approved as a church rite by Alexander, Bishop of Rome, who suffered under the emperor Hadrian. Balsamon, Patriarch of Antioch (XII century), in his interpretation of canon 65 of the Trullo Council, mentions the small blessing of water as an ancient custom and explains that the fathers of this Council decided to perform a small blessing of water at the beginning of each month in opposition to pagan superstitious customs in the new moon, which lasted for a long time among Christians.

The final formation of the rank of small water consecration is attributed to Patriarch Photius of Constantinople, who lived in the 9th century.

Does it happen that holy water "does not help"?

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

"Miracles of healing occur even today, and they are countless. But only those who accept it with living faith in the promises of God and the power of the prayer of the Holy Church, those who have a pure and sincere desire to change their lives, repentance, are honored with miraculous effects of holy water, God does not work miracles where they want to see them only out of curiosity, without a sincere intention to use them for their salvation. and a sign will not be given to him. "In order for holy water to benefit us, let us take care of the purity of the soul, the dignity of our thoughts and deeds."
(Archimandrite Ambrose (Ermakov)

What to do if the holy water has gone bad?

Rarely, but due to various circumstances, it happens that water comes into a state that does not allow internal use. In this case, it should be poured into some impregnable place - into a stream or river, where there is a current, into non-stagnant (flowing) water, and the vessel in which it was stored should no longer be used for domestic use. For us, this should be an occasion to treat holy water piously and carefully and lead a more attentive, pious life.

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

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

Archpriest Vasily Izyumsky. Why do we need the Church.

Compiled using articles from sites: Pravoslavie.Ru
Tatyana's Day

Properties and uses of holy water/

Water for Epiphany has extraordinary power and is healing. Let's take a closer look at its properties and learn about its use.

Holy water - healing and beneficial properties: a scientific explanation of the power of holy water

Holy water has a great spiritual significance for every person. It is the “holy” water that becomes on the eve of the feast of Epiphany.

From year to year, from January 18 to 19, people go to the temple to bless the water. All Orthodox believers know and believe that water becomes healing, and can protect from troubles and illnesses.

However, there are also disagreements. Someone argues that water should be drawn only in the church, after it has been consecrated by a temple servant. Others are sure that on such a holiday any water, even tap water, acquires healing properties.

The Gospel says that on the night of January 18-19, Jesus Christ entered the Jordan River and was baptized. According to this, during the feast of the Epiphany, the water in all sources becomes holy.

For many years, scientists have been researching water on this day. Nevertheless, experts have proven that Epiphany water acquires healing properties. This applies not only to the water consecrated in the temple, but also to water from all sources.

The conducted studies have shown that the properties of water change in all sources on the planet during the Epiphany holidays. It depends on the external influences under which our planet falls during this period.

Such changes occur approximately from the evening of the 18th until noon on January 19th. In addition to all this, church rites, prayers also affect the water, making it healing.

Consumption and use of holy water

• There is a pious custom to drink holy water on an empty stomach, but this is not at all a prerequisite.
• However, in the statutes and regulations in the churches it is written that it is still not good to eat food before drinking holy water.
• They also anoint sore spots with holy water, while saying a prayer.
• Do not make compresses or take a bath with holy water, this is superfluous. After all, the amount of water that you use is not important at all, the contact itself and the state of mind are important. Receiving the grace with which holy water is saturated, you receive healing.
• The storage of holy water must be proper and careful. The best thing place a container with holy water near the icon. Let this container be signed so that none of the relatives can confuse and accidentally pour or use water for other purposes.
• There is no need to put water in the refrigerator and store it with food.
• Animals are not supposed to drink holy water.
• Holy water can be sprinkled on a house or other room, a thing or pets, while saying a certain prayer.
• When, if the holy water has gone bad, it is not allowed to pour it into the sewer or onto the road where people and animals walk. Such water can be poured into a flower pot, or under a tree or into a pond.
• The important thing is not the presence of holy water in the house, but its regular use. Healing properties will not be lost, but in this way people excommunicate themselves from the shrine.

• There is no need to store water "in reserve", it is important to use it regularly and turn to it as a source of spiritual strength and health.
• If you have little holy water left at home, and for some case you need more of it, you can add holy water to plain, not consecrated water. Thus, all water will become healing and sacred.
• Allowed to drink and wash unbaptized baby with holy water.
• Even a pregnant woman can partake in the use of holy water, read prayers for the health of her baby.
• It is not allowed to wash the floor or water the flowers with holy water, such an address can be considered blasphemy and a disrespectful appeal to the source of God's grace.

Holy water and other religions

As for the use of holy water by Muslims or representatives of other religions, there is no strict prohibition. However, the water will no longer carry any power. Since each religion has its own shrines and beliefs.

Appeal to the shrine and the use of holy water by women during the monthly cleansing

There are many disputes and statements regarding the behavior of a woman on the days of the monthly cleansing regarding the church. In some of them, women who attend church, take the sacrament, touch the Bible during menstruation are condemned.

But if you look at this situation more deeply, then there is no such prohibition in God's prescription. If a woman herself, out of respect for the Creator, refrains from visiting the Temple on "impure" days, then this is worthy of respect. But if, nevertheless, a woman has expressed her will to attend communion or drink holy water, then no one can condemn her.

Drinking holy water before communion

Everyone knows that eating or drinking anything before communion is not allowed, not even holy water. The only exceptions would be severely ill people who need to take life-saving drugs or babies.

Getting rid of the evil eye with holy water

There are various difficulties in our life. One of them is the evil eye. To get rid of this scourge, a few sips of holy water are enough for a suffering person.

Children can be washed with holy water, and the smallest ones are moistened with a head. If the evil eye has a great influence on a person, you can use a bath with holy water and prayer readings.

Consecration of the pectoral cross with holy water

There are stories about how you can bless a cross with holy water at home. However, such an action cannot be considered correct in accordance with church canons.

Taking medications with holy water

There are no prohibitions and contradictions about drinking medicines with holy water. After all, for a believer, holy water is a healing agent in itself.

Cooking with holy water

Many people wonder if it is possible to cook food in holy water or make tea or coffee for yourself. In this matter, you just need to feel the edge.

Why do we need it? To receive more grace? In itself, the use of holy water carries more than just quenching thirst.

This is spiritual saturation, healing. If the food was cooked in holy water, then at the end of the meal, the leftovers of the dishes cannot be thrown away or fed to pets.

Can you put holy water on the floor?

The modern generation does not know the commandments well, many have not read the Bible. The fact that holy water has healing properties is known to everyone, but few people know how to properly treat it and store it. It is not appropriate to put holy water on the floor or the ground, such an attitude is considered irreverent and not respectful.

Video: Holy water - a miracle of nature