When can you bathe in baptism. Baptism is an important event in the Orthodox religion

Bathing at the Epiphany. Photo: sanrussia.ru

Baptism of the Lord - great Orthodox holiday, which has a long history, its rituals, rules and traditions. It is this holiday that ends Christmas time, which lasts from January 7 to 19.

The history of the holiday is rooted in the distant past, when people were baptized in the Jordan River god's son Jesus Christ. It was from here that the integral tradition of bathing in the hole began.

Every year the number of people who want to plunge into the hole is only growing. However, not everyone knows the basic rules that must be observed when immersed in ice water.

When is the best time to swim

Many are wondering when it is better to swim - on the eve of the holiday on January 18, or on the Epiphany itself on January 19.

It is believed that on January 18 it is best to go to the temple for the evening service. There, you must definitely read a prayer and collect holy water home. At the same time, in this case do not take water from plastic or bottles from under alcoholic beverages. Holy water should have its own container, previously well washed.

After the festive evening service, you can swim in the hole. The best time for this action is the time interval from 00:00 to 01:30. It was at this time that Epiphany water has the strongest healing properties that help with any ailments. Of course, not everyone can get up at such a time to bathe, so you can do this at any time already on Epiphany itself on January 19th.

How to dive into the hole

You can dive into the hole only in specially designated areas and under the supervision of lifeguards. Initially, a special Jordan in the form of a cross should be carved in the ice, after the priest lowers the crucifix into the water and reads a prayer, you can swim in it.

You can't just go into the water. The body will be in a state of shock anyway, and if you do not comply certain rules, the consequences can be dire:

• an hour before swimming, you must definitely eat, but do not drink alcoholic beverages;
• before bathing, you need to warm up the body, do a warm-up, go for a run;
• clothing should be simple so that it can be easily removed and put on;
• you can’t go barefoot to the ice hole, it’s best to wear boots or good woolen socks, they need to be dressed so as not to slip;
• check the stability of the ladder or descent into the water;
• you need to enter the water gradually, do not do it abruptly, otherwise you can provoke problems with pressure. Diving into the water is also not recommended, as a state of shock may occur;
• the maximum time spent in the water should not exceed 30 seconds, this is quite enough to plunge three times;
• you can’t dive with your head, it’s best to do it only up to your neck. If you plunge with your head, then the vessels can narrow sharply, this will lead to a sharp decrease in temperature and a shock state of the body;
• try not to swim in cold water, limbs can cramp;
• if you have a child with you, watch him, in a state of shock from cold water, he may forget that he can swim;
• when leaving the water, hold on to the handrails not with wet hands, but with a dry towel;
• after bathing, rub yourself with a towel again;
• to warm up, herbal or berry tea is best, but again, by no means alcoholic drinks.

What to bring with you

In order for swimming in the Epiphany hole to be successful, you need to have a number of seemingly everyday, but in this case very necessary items with you.

These include:

• towel and bathrobe;
• a set of dry clothes;
• swimsuit or change of underwear (it is also allowed to dip in it);
• slippers, so as not to slip on the ice, and woolen socks are best;
• a rubber cap so as not to soak your head and then not to freeze in the cold;
• willpower and desire.

Contraindications

As it turned out in the case of swimming in an ice hole, there are a lot of contraindications that can not only spoil the effect of this action, but also lead to exacerbations of diseases.

• with the cardiovascular system;
• with the central nervous system - epilepsy, the consequences of severe injuries of the skull; sclerosis of cerebral vessels in a pronounced stage, syringomyelia; encephalitis, arachnoiditis;
• with the peripheral nervous system - neuritis, polyneuritis;
• with the endocrine system diabetes, thyrotoxicosis;
• inflammatory processes of the nasopharynx;
• with the organs of vision - glaucoma, conjunctivitis;
• with respiratory organs - pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma;
• with the genitourinary system - nephritis, cystitis, inflammation of the appendages, inflammation of the prostate gland.

Maria Babich

The Baptism of the Lord 2017 comes on the night of January 18-19. Epiphany is the sixth most important church holiday. This date is associated with the day of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

About when to bathe on Epiphany, on January 18 or 19, when to collect holy water, about the traditions of the holiday - in the article "Ten News".

When to swim for Epiphany 2017? According to tradition, on Epiphany they bathe in an ice-hole on the night of January 18-19. By the way, this year ice-holes for swimming will be organized in almost all cities. So, for example, in Moscow more than 100,000 people plan to take part in Epiphany bathing.

In the event that you fail to plunge into the hole on the night of January 18-19, do not worry. Swimming at Epiphany will be possible throughout January 19th.

Is it necessary to bathe at Epiphany?

Bathing at Epiphany in the hole is optional. Moreover, the church does not insist on baptismal bathing, the main thing for a believer on this day is the presence at the church service, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, communion of baptismal water.

In addition, bathing at Baptism does not cleanse a person from sins.

In order to be baptized, you must come to the temple, where the priest will perform the Sacrament of Baptism over you. Epiphany bathing is not enough to consider yourself baptized.

The Baptism of the Lord: when to draw water

On Epiphany Christmas Eve (January 18), after the Great Liturgy and on January 19, the Great Hagiasma is performed all day long, i.e. water lighting. These days you can collect baptismal water in any church. Illumination is carried out by one clergyman, so there is no difference between Epiphany and Epiphany water.

You can take water in the temple after the service, you can also bring your own water for consecration, but remember that it should be ordinary pure water, and not mineral and not carbonated.

Dial baptismal water maybe from a tap. It is best to do this in the time interval from 00:10. until 01:30 on the night of January 18th-19th. You can harvest water later, but this time is considered the best.

How to use holy water?

It is customary to use holy water with a prayer: “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 passions and my infirmities through Thy boundless mercy through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen".

It is advisable to drink holy water on an empty stomach, however, in case of illness or some other problems, you can drink holy water at any time.

Can you add holy water to a bath tub?

You can drink holy water, you can sprinkle it, sprinkle the house, things, but it is not intended for bathing.

By tradition, January is full of various holidays, including Orthodox ones. After the New Year comes Christmas, then Christmas time, which ends with the feast of the Epiphany. The holiday is celebrated invariably every year on January 19th.

For many of us, it is significant for the traditional baptismal rite - swimming in the hole. If you haven't taken this bold step yet, you will soon be able to. It is believed that it is at this time that water has a special power, therefore, having a swim, you can gain health for the whole year.

Bathing at Epiphany in Moscow

Muscovites and guests of the capital have long observed the traditions of Epiphany bathing - in water bodies, regardless of weather conditions, On January 19, thousands of people who want to plunge into the hole gather. For the convenience of citizens, bathing points are created in each individual district of the city. Locker rooms and points of sale for hot drinks are equipped next to them, doctors and rescuers are on duty to avoid injuries or other accidents.

Epiphany water has healing properties - it heals ailments and spiritual wounds, gives protection from the evil eye and other people's evil thoughts, and therefore the ritual of bathing at baptism is practically sacred for every believer.

Those who cannot plunge into the hole for objective reasons try to at least take a bath at home on the night of baptism in order to cleanse themselves of sins and receive the blessing of heaven on next year.

Where to swim in Moscow for Epiphany on January 19, 2019

One of main tradition holy feast of Epiphany are mass bathing in ponds or fonts. A huge cross is carved into the ice, and the clergy consecrate these fonts. On this page you will find full list places in Moscow where you can swim at Epiphany.

About 60 bathing fonts will open in Moscow. It will be possible to plunge into the hole from 18:00 on January 18 to 18:00 on January 19. This was announced by Deputy Mayor for Housing and Communal Services and Improvement Pyotr Biryukov at a meeting of the Presidium of the Moscow Government.

Places of Epiphany bathing are equipped with floorings with anti-slip coatings. Locker rooms, heating points and mobile toilets will be installed here. Each site will be lit, and parking will be organized nearby. In addition, teams will be assigned to each bathing area for timely cleaning.

Police officers will ensure security both in the territories of temples and in bathing places. Also, ambulance crews will be on duty at each swimming area, hot food and temporary trade points will open.

How to bathe in Epiphany

Epiphany bathing is a tradition that a huge number of believers adhere to from year to year.
But in order for bathing on a holiday to really benefit, it should be done, adhering to important rules.

Make sure your body is ready for swimming in such cold conditions. To do this, you should visit a doctor and consult with him, as well as pass all the necessary tests and tests.

• Choose a good, proven place for swimming. The hole should not be too deep and fenced in the proper places so that someone does not accidentally fall into it.
• Warm up well before the bathing procedure itself: run in place, squat, etc. But you should know the measure, you do not need to be very zealous. But in no case do not use alcohol to warm the body! You will get a false heat effect, but immediately after entering the water you will start to freeze even faster.
• According to the tradition of Orthodoxy, a true believer should plunge into the hole with his head three times. However, not everyone takes such a risk, and not without reason, because this is a rather dangerous action for the health of the head. In addition, swimming

Baptism is considered a tradition, therefore, not completely dipping into an ice hole will not be considered a sin.

• Do not linger in the hole longer than the allotted time if you feel a surge of pleasure. These sensations are just a reaction of your body to cold temperature water. Even an extra minute in such cold water can be enough to harm human health.
• Warm up immediately after swimming. Dry yourself from head to toe with a towel and put on dry clothes as soon as possible. Then be sure to drink some kind of warming drink, for example, tea or coffee from a thermos.

Attention! Doctors categorically forbid children to swim in the cold! Young children, especially infants, have an imperfect thermoregulation system. Frostbite can happen very quickly and parents simply do not have time to notice it. The consequences of such bathing can be very serious: the child may get pneumonia, meningitis, or another disease of the central nervous system.

What you need for swimming in the hole

1. towel and bathrobe, a set of dry clothes;
2. swimming trunks or swimsuit (underwear, shirt);
3. slippers so as not to hurt your feet, just so that they do not slip on the ice,
4. rubber cap.

A complete list of places for swimming in Moscow and the Moscow region in 2019

A Brief History of the Feast of the Epiphany

The rite of baptism of Christ at his request was performed by John the Baptist. During the baptism in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. At the same time, a Voice from Heaven proclaimed, "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 the voice, the Son of God - in the flesh, the Holy Spirit - in the form of a dove. Therefore, the feast of Baptism is often called the Epiphany. The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is very important. It is believed that it was baptism that revealed the Savior to the world, who took upon himself all the sins of mankind. John Chrysostom wrote about this.

And it was from the moment of baptism that Jesus began to preach the word of God and enlighten people.

Until now, the main traditions of the Epiphany holiday are associated with water. And the clergy on the feast of Epiphany, according to tradition, dresses in white robes.

The celebration of the Epiphany (January 19) begins the day before - January 18. This day is called Epiphany Christmas Eve, as well as Hungry Kutia. By analogy with Christmas Eve, on the day before the feast of the Epiphany, a strict fast must be observed.

Also on the eve of the feast of the Epiphany, the Orthodox prepared Lenten kutya. Festive dinner on Epiphany Christmas Eve was called "hungry kutya." Kutya, pancakes, oatmeal jelly were an obligatory dish of this meal.

Kutya, kolivo, eve - a ritual memorial dish of the Slavs, porridge cooked from whole grains of wheat (barley, rice - Saracen millet or other cereals), poured with honey, honey satiety or sugar, with the addition of poppy seeds, raisins, nuts, milk or jam.

An important event of the Baptism of the Lord and Theophany is the blessing of water. On a river or on a lake, a cruciform polynya, called the Jordan, is cut in advance in the ice. With the onset of midnight, the priests bless the water in the polynya, and the faithful take a bath in the blessed water.

People are not afraid of the cold, because bathing at Epiphany is a symbolic cleansing from sins, a spiritual rebirth. The faithful are looking forward to the Feast of the Epiphany, and when the Baptism of the Lord comes, the Orthodox must visit the church to remember the miraculous event that changed the world.

Video: Baptism of the Lord - signs and superstitions on January 19

Bathing in a log cabin is an ancient ritual that many people in our country perform every year. Soon you will be able to join the beloved Russian tradition, and in this article you will find out when is the best time to do this.

Despite the fact that the New Year celebrations are over, the series of holidays has not ended yet. By tradition, on January 19, believers celebrate the great Orthodox feast of the Epiphany. Many traditions and rituals are associated with this day, and the most popular of them is swimming in the hole. Every year, thousands of people bathe in holy water to ensure their health and cleanse their souls from sins. We invite you to find out when is the best time to perform the ritual of bathing in the Baptism of the Lord.

Swimming in the hole January 19, 2018

The Baptism of the Lord is one of the most revered Orthodox events. Over time, this holiday has acquired many traditions, and one of them was swimming in a log cabin. Everyone who decides to perform this rite is simply obliged to know about its features so as not to harm their health.

Before the consecration of the water, a hole is cut through the thickness of the ice, called the Jordan. She received this name in honor of the river in which the Son of God was once baptized. After that, the clergyman lowers the crucifix into the water and says a prayer. A person who decides to perform the rite of ablution must plunge into the hole with his head three times, but before that, you must definitely pray.

It is believed that with the help of baptismal water, one can get rid of ailments and sins. However, this rite is not performed by all believers, because not everyone can expose their health to such a risk.

When is the best time to swim in the hole for Epiphany?

When to swim in the hole at the Epiphany of the Lord - on the eve of the holiday or still on the day of the event itself? This question worries many people who want to swim in the hole. It is believed that on the evening of January 18 it is best to visit the church, pray and take holy water home.

At the end of the evening service, on the night of January 19, everyone can plunge into the already blessed water. The most suitable time interval for this is the period from 00:00 to 01:30. According to beliefs, it was at this time that water acquires strong healing properties, which have repeatedly helped people get rid of diseases.

If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to perform the ritual of bathing at night, then you can do it in the morning, afternoon or evening of January 19th. If, due to your health condition, you do not have the opportunity to plunge into ice water in mid-January, then just wash yourself. Epiphany water collected in the hole.

After bathing, do not forget to say a prayer again so that the rite benefits not only your body, but also your soul. Our ancestors gave special meaning such great Orthodox events as the Baptism of the Lord. Despite the fact that this holiday is of a religious nature, there are many things associated with it. folk signs, which earlier people preferred to believe.

We participate in baptismal bathing: rules and tips

Many Orthodox people do not miss such a tradition as bathing at Epiphany, which accompanies a big holiday, namely the Baptism of Christ. This event is considered a very important and significant church holiday. This day is usually celebrated as a memory of the baptism of Jesus on the Jordan River. Given that the ceremony took place in the river, people on this special day try to plunge into the water. It is believed that such an action can give strength, cleanse from sins and get rid of diseases. However, doctors can argue about the latter, since it will be difficult for an unprepared body to endure even a short bath in ice water, and even in frost. For this reason, those who wish to spend this day in all church rules, you need to carry out baptismal bathing very carefully. An unhardened organism should refuse excessive hypothermia, as this can be very dangerous.

When is bathing

Many who want to swim are interested in when they bathe at Epiphany. It is worth noting that the consecration of water in this religious holiday carried out in 2 stages. The first comes on Christmas Eve, that is, on the evening of the day before Epiphany itself. In this case, special events are held in the church. The second stage is the water procedures themselves in the open air. Here it is necessary to find a suitable body of water - a river or, and then conduct a rite of consecration. All this is done exclusively by clergymen who read prayers and immerse the cross in water 3 times.

The Feast of Epiphany itself is the final day of Christmas time. On the eve of this important event, according to church laws, it is forbidden to eat anything, since this is the time the strictest post. On the holiday itself, it is also unacceptable to use fatty foods. On Epiphany, it is customary to serve kutia and Lenten dishes on the table.

In addition to the festive feast, water procedures are considered mandatory. They are important due to the fact that water on this day is considered healing and can relieve many ailments. As for what time Epiphany bathing begins, it is recommended to plunge into the water from 12 at night to 4 in the morning on January 19. It is during this period that consecrated water gains the greatest strength.

Many believe that bathing at Epiphany is only possible when the water is blessed by a priest, since it can heal both diseases internal organs and various wounds. Moreover, consecrated water relieves stress and psychological strain. For this reason, it is recommended to keep it at home. If it is not possible to visit an open reservoir on the feast of Epiphany, you can put water on the balcony for the night. In the morning, she should acquire healing properties, although not as strong as after consecration by a clergyman.

Features of baptismal water

Water is very important for every living being. It is found everywhere and in itself can work wonders. However, many attribute to her additional positive traits after it is consecrated by the clergy.

The Bible says that once God even punished mankind and washed away everything unclean from the earth with a flood. It is also believed that water on the feast of Epiphany can wash away sins from a person. Thanks to the prayers read by the clergy, the water becomes holy. As a result, it has special properties. The liquid that was collected at Baptism can be stored for a very long time. Sometimes it sits quietly in bottles for decades and remains fit for human consumption. main goal, with which baptismal water is used, is the deliverance from sins, the unclean, the salvation of the soul and the approach to God.

Why do people bathe in Epiphany

As for how many days you can swim at Epiphany, in this case, after the end of the night church service On January 19, the procession begins. Its completion is the consecration of the hole with the cross, after which you can proceed to water procedures. It is believed that water after its consecration does not lose its healing properties throughout the day, so everyone has the opportunity to go through this ritual.

This tradition is interpreted in different ways. Some plunge into the water solely for preventive purposes, so as not to get sick. For others, it is important to atone for sins in this way. But there is also a category of people who bathe in ice water solely in order to prove to themselves or other people that they are capable of this small feat.

Connoisseurs do not recommend swimming in the hole for Epiphany to those who have not fasted right time and did not attend church. In this case, there will be no healing effect of water, since it works exclusively in combination. Moreover, out of habit, the body can react negatively to hypothermia, which will lead to the development of a serious illness.

It has long been believed that bathing three times in the hole at Epiphany has a positive effect on health, relieving all ailments, but it is better not to perform such a procedure without prior preparation. Moreover, it is forbidden to swim in the hole while intoxicated.

How to use holy water

Epiphany water is considered very popular among Orthodox Christians. At the same time, it is widely used not only by those people who periodically attend church and live according to all its rules, but also simply baptized. The Feast of Epiphany is considered very important, so even those who do not fast and do not go to church try not to miss it. Holy water can be found in many homes. It is used for various purposes.

Water, which received its power at Baptism, is considered special. This has been confirmed by many studies. Some time ago, it was proved that the liquid consecrated on this church holiday, in its density, approaches the water from the Jordan River. Medicinal properties are also explained scientifically. Doctors believe that the healing qualities of holy water depend on magnetic field, which changes somewhat exactly on January 19 of each year. However, these data cannot be considered accurate. Until the end, the phenomenon of holy water has not yet been studied.

It is believed that on Epiphany is the time when you can swim and draw water, as it acquires special qualities and becomes sacred. You can not only bathe in it to remove all ailments and sins from yourself, but also collect it to use it later. It is believed that such water will be stored for a long time, and it can be drunk even after a year.

Knowledgeable people assure that baptismal water is best consumed before meals. You can wash your face with it in the mornings and evenings to start and end the day absolutely clean. It is believed that such water relieves anxiety, improves immunity and relieves a number of ailments. It can wash wounds and gargle with a cold. Holy water is especially good for the little ones.

The benefits and harms of swimming in the hole

Since ancient times, plunging into an ice hole was considered an integral ritual of Epiphany celebrations, so everyone knew when and what time bathing for Epiphany begins. Thus, people tried to strengthen their health, which could really be achieved by hardening.

Back in the 19th century, a hypothesis was published that winter swimming can treat everything from mild headaches to hypertension. However persistent therapeutic effect is possible only in those cases when a person hardens his body gradually.

The positive impact of water procedures in winter time really proven. But for this you need to know how to properly swim at Epiphany in ice water. Without regular hardening, such experiments can lead to negative consequences. Moreover, often people drink a glass or two for courage. This is especially harmful and dangerous, because if you overdo it with alcohol, the body's reaction to hypothermia can be unpredictable.

Please note that when diving cold water during the period of Epiphany frosts, the body temperature instantly drops. It may come as a shock. Immersion in ice water causes the body to activate its reserves, as the body cools sharply by at least 3°, and the skin temperature drops to 15°. After bathing, the body will be very tense to compensate for the lack of heat. All this requires a lot of oxygen, so even oxygen starvation can occur.

Based on this, we can conclude that bathing in ice water on the feast of Epiphany is an activity for trained people. You should not test the strength of your body without prior training.

How to swim at Baptism for the first time, every person should know, so that after that they do not regret their deed and do not treat a lot of diseases.

Cooling should be gradual. First you need to remove outerwear and spend some time like this, then shoes are removed and the person becomes bare feet to the snow. Then you can undress to the waist and rub the body with a fat cream or oil.

Immediately before diving into ice water, it is worth stretching your muscles well so as not to get muscle spasms. The body must be normal temperature, that is, not overheated and not frozen. If the pre-workout has made the muscles very hot, you need to wait a while until they cool down.

The time that a person can spend in ice water without further consequences should not exceed 15 seconds. After bathing, it is necessary to rub the body well terry towel. First of all, the legs and arms are processed, and lastly, the chest. Immediately after wiping, you need to go into the heat, warm up and eat.

Many people wonder whether it is worth bathing in clothes, or should it be done naked. Here everyone chooses the option that suits him. There are no strict rules, but you need to understand that it can be very difficult to take off wet and icy swimming trunks or a swimsuit in the cold. For this reason, many people prefer skinny-dipping at Epiphany.

If a person understands that his strength and training are not enough to plunge into the hole in the street, you can swim at Baptism at home. It is believed that on January 19, all the water that is on the planet is filled miraculous power, so there should not be much difference in the effect.