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😉 Greetings to my readers! The Baptism of the Lord is one of the winter Orthodox holidays. How much do we know about him? In the article “The Baptism of the Lord: the history of the holiday, what is the Jordan” about the origin of the holiday, how to prepare for Epiphany, what is the Jordan?
Epiphany
Jesus Christ came from Nazareth to Bethavara to the Jordan River. He was thirty years old at the time. Surprised John met him, although he preached a lot about the imminent coming of the Messiah. Jesus asked John to perform a baptism ceremony in order to free his body and soul from sins.
Then John instructed Christ to go into the water of the Jordan to baptize him. At the same moment, the heavens opened and a dove descended from heaven: the Holy Spirit himself appeared by the river.
According to the Gospel legends, after the Jordan, Christ went into the wilderness. He did not eat for 40 days and prayed tirelessly to prepare himself for further missions on earth.
Baptism began to be celebrated since 988 (the year of the baptism of Kievan Rus by Prince Vladimir). Epiphany is one of the names of the holiday, because of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit of God to people.
Thus, Epiphany became one of the 12 holidays dedicated to the life of the Mother of God and Jesus Christ.
When is Epiphany Celebrated?
This Orthodox holiday is celebrated from 18 to 19 January. Christmas Eve is the evening of January 18th: preparations are made on this day. The baptism of water itself takes place on the night of the 19th.
How to prepare?
The purpose of Baptism is to cleanse body and soul, as Jesus did. To do this, on January 18, on the eve of, you need to fast. Give up meat, fish and dairy products, eggs and in no case overeat. This post is one day.
Churches also prepare and perform rituals. Priests wear white robes, because white is the color of purity and good intentions. Services are carried out, and then the lighting of the water. First, in the church, and then they cleanse all nearby reservoirs: lakes, rivers, seas.
How to cleanse yourself?
Since the priests cleanse all the reservoirs, it is not necessary to go to church. Many go to swim in the ice-hole on this day. For less extreme people, regular tap water is also provided. After all, if the main waterways have been cleared, then the incoming water is also holy.
You can wash with such water and consecrate your house, your beloved pet, a car or any things that are valuable to you. Water has a unique clean and fertile energy, so do not miss the opportunity to purify yourself. You can also cook food in such water.
What is Jordan?
Many on this day dive into an ice-hole in the shape of a cross. Such a hole in a lighted river or lake is called Jordan. It is believed to be the best way to cleanse. In the modern world, the cross shape is not always preserved, but this does not really matter.
Also, such bathing is symbolic: it is a way to prove your willingness to follow Jesus even into the water. Of course, it is best to swim at night, but during the day, there will be no less benefit. Immersing yourself in the water, cross yourself three times and say: “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Is it possible to guess before Epiphany?
They no longer guess at Epiphany. But instead, you can make wishes at midnight. Also, a dream from January 18 to January 19 is considered prophetic.
If it is far from illuminated reservoirs, on the evening of January 18, fill up any container with water and put it outside. You can go to the balcony. In the morning, this water is considered to be just as healing.
It is better to devote this Bright day to prayers in order to get rid of sins in the past year. Also, you should not quarrel with your family and not use foul language, you should not work.
The Baptism of the Lord is an important holiday in the life of a believer. If you decide to join the church, then this day is an excellent option for starting your life from scratch. Spend the day with your family and be sure to take advantage of the sanctity of water.
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