Epiphany is a church holiday, which most of us associate with collecting holy water and dipping into an ice hole. When in 2019 there will be Epiphany, what date to swim on January 18 or 19, who can do it, and who better not to risk it, how to prepare for this procedure - we will tell you in our material.
Epiphany water is sacred, has healing power, carries a powerful charge of faith, has its own memory. Swimming in Epiphany in frost is a tradition that has passed through the centuries. She not only has not lost its importance, but also gained popularity both among young people and among the older generation. Swimming in an ice-hole has become not only a matter of faith, but also a trend of fashion.
How to swim in the ice hole correctly? Who shouldn't do this?
Everyone knows that the holiday got its name due to the fact that it was on this day that Christ was baptized many centuries ago. Translated from Greek "baptism" means "immersed in water." In addition to sanctifying his physical body, the Son of the Lord was sanctified by his immersion and water.
That is why believers all over the world are immersed in water like Christ. By doing this, they temper their bodies, wash away their sins, and draw closer to God. Not everyone is capable of such an act, and it is not enough just to plunge into the hole.
Epiphany water remains a holy week. You can swim all week, but it's better to do it on Epiphany Christmas Eve - January 18, or on the holiday itself - January 19.
Believers are preparing for the great holiday in advance. Celebration begins on January 18, the day of strict fasting. Lenten kutia, pancakes and jelly made from oats are indispensable ingredients for a Christian dinner. In churches on January 18, they begin to consecrate water. On January 19, when the Baptism of Christ comes, Orthodox Christians come to church. Before the service, many confess and receive communion.
Then they listen to the festive divine liturgy, joining in the universal joy of celebrating the Baptism of the Savior. After the service, the custom of lighting the water begins. In some churches, the Procession of the Cross is performed, where they pray over the watery nature and overshadow the water with a cross.
Then, as a rule, the priest, and after him everyone else, plunge into a consecrated reservoir. After the blessing of water, when everyone can take holy water, parishioners pour Epiphany water into a bottle. People spend the rest of the day with their families, sharing spiritual joy with loved ones.
The essence of the action is that dirt is washed off the human body in holy water, and the soul of the believer is cleansed of all sins. However, one should not forget that immersion in the font, in itself, does not remove all sins - the main thing is prayer and repentance.
If a child has not reached the age of three, swimming in cold water is strictly prohibited for him, even on Epiphany. Immersion in cold water is more likely to cause hypothermia due to the fact that thermoregulation in young children is different from that of adults. And because of vasospasm, respiratory arrest can occur.
You can not swim in the ice hole for Christening people with acute inflammatory diseases or chronic illnesses. Even if the disease is in a "calm", it is likely that with hypothermia, an exacerbation will begin and the inflammatory process will start.
People with respiratory diseases swimming in the ice hole is also prohibited. For example, people with bronchitis or asthma can instantly have a spasm of the muscles in the airways, which can lead to respiratory arrest.
Cardiovascular or endocrine disease are a very good reason to refuse baptismal bathing. For example, in people after a stroke or with diabetes mellitus, varicose veins and other such diseases, when immersed in ice water, the vessels may not withstand a sharp spasm and burst.
With some kidney disease (pyelonephritis, urolithiasis disease and others) swimming in the cold can result in renal infarction, which will lead to the already mentioned sharp spasm of blood vessels and muscles.
For pregnant women doctors also advise against swimming in ponds and ice holes for Epiphany. Even if the expectant mother has excellent test results and the baby's health is not in danger, you still should not do this. It is important to remember that during pregnancy, women can only bathe in warm water, but never hot or cold.
When to bless the water for Epiphany 2019
Holy water can heal wounds and diseases, so it is stored for the whole year. It is added to food for livestock, given to children and the elderly. The Orthodox believe that holy water loses its strength from bad thoughts, from quarrels and other sinful acts. That is why water serves as a talisman for the family and ensures peace and order in the house.
You can collect the shrine in the temple after the evening service, in the reservoir after the consecration of the priest and at home from 00.00 to 00.10.
The last option is the most common. But few people observe the indicated time, and also treat the sacrament with due respect. You can draw tap water only if there is no real opportunity to go to the temple. It is very important to read the prayer beforehand.
It is also important that the shrine must be kept in special bottles. They are sold in shops at temples. If they are not there, you can use ordinary glass, but not containers after alcohol and soda.
On the day of Epiphany, you need to sprinkle the room with blessed water, paying special attention to the corners, water the flowers, water the pets and the bird. Be sure to take 3 sips on an empty stomach and wash the body, depicting crosses on it.
Only good thoughts should be in the soul and heart. If someone asks for help, or you yourself know that a person needs help, be sure to do your best.
Orthodox Christians are sure that swimming in an ice-hole for Epiphany, which is traditionally performed on the night of January 18-19, cleanses from sins and cures ailments. It is believed that water at this particular time has a special healing power. Another tradition: to collect Epiphany water for good. It keeps well for a whole year.
The customs of swimming in the ice hole for Epiphany January 19, 2019
In the evening, parishioners attend a church service, and on the night from 18 to 19 priests consecrate water in churches and reservoirs, after which everyone can collect it in containers and plunge into the font. You can draw water for 3 days from the 19th to the 21st, however, it is the Epiphany water on January 19 that is considered the most energetically strong.
The main tradition is swimming in an ice-hole, which is carved in the form of a cross, is called "Jordan". The main requirement, according to the canons of the church, when choosing a place for an ice hole is a natural open reservoir, a river. After consecration by a priest, water becomes healing, able to relieve disease, mental and physical torment.
ablution baptismal water is tantamount to the forgiveness of a person's sins, but this is not the case: this requires church attendance, repentance and confession. It is not at all necessary to dive and stay in ice water for a long time, it is enough to plunge three times with your head, and cross yourself 3 times before entering the ice-hole.
Rules for swimming in the ice hole for Epiphany January 19, 2019
There are simple rules for bathing:
- plunge into the ice hole in a specially equipped place;
- when there is a severe frost outside, children are not allowed to come close to the water, plunge into it, as the thermoregulation system may be disturbed;
- only hardened, healthy people can dive under the ice. You should not experience personal strength if you have problems with the heart, skin, lungs, gynecology;
- it is not recommended to pre-take alcohol, but before diving - it would be good to eat;
- it is enough to stay in ice water for no more than 3 minutes, you should also cross;
- when leaving the water, wrap yourself in a towel, put on warm clothes, drink hot tea.
Doctors tirelessly prove that the most dangerous moment when bathing in Epiphany is unexpected hypothermia. Its first sign is considered a sharp redness of the skin. This is noticeable as soon as a person comes out of the water. There may be a sharp pain in the temples, as well as in the back of the head, so you need to immediately leave the hole. Moreover, constrained movements, unusual fatigue are negative signs on which attention should be focused.
Who is not allowed to swim in the ice hole for Epiphany on January 19, 2019
Many parents bring or even bring their children to bathe. But up to 3 years without appropriate hardening, it is strictly forbidden to immerse them in the hole. Even the father will be against such a test. Although many believers, especially those who regularly dip into the water at Epiphany, believe that nothing will happen to babies, there is a high risk of vascular spasms and even death.
In addition to such dire consequences, hypothermia is possible, as well as serious psychological stress... When immersed in ice water, the child experiences the fear of death. Even if in the physical plane everything ends well, in the future such a baby will experience problems in communicating with other people, in self-development.
Doing this is prohibited:
- for any inflammatory processes;
- with exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- with problems with the respiratory system;
- with thrombophlebitis; with diabetes mellitus;
- after suffering a heart attack or stroke;
- with kidney problems;
- during menstruation;
- after a recent operation.
Swimming in a woodcut is an old ritual that many people in our country perform every year. Soon you will be able to join the beloved Russian tradition, and this article will show you when to do it best.
Despite the fact that the New Year celebrations are over, the series of holidays is not over yet. By tradition, on January 19, believers celebrate the great orthodox holiday Baptism of the Lord. Many traditions and rituals are associated with this day, and the most popular of them is swimming in the ice hole. Every year thousands of people bathe in blessed 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 bathing ceremony at the Baptism of the Lord.
Swimming in the ice 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 the woods. 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 called the Jordan is cut through the ice. It 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 ablution ritual must plunge into the hole three times with his head, but before that, he must 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 put their health at such a risk.
When is the best time to swim in the ice hole for Epiphany
When to swim in the ice-hole on the Epiphany - on the eve of the holiday or on the day of the event itself? This question worries many people who want to swim in the ice hole. It is believed that on the evening of January 18th it is best to visit the church, pray and take the holy water home.
At the end of the evening service, on the night of January 19, everyone can plunge into the already consecrated water. The most suitable period for this is the period from 00:00 to 01:30. According to legend, it is at this time that the water acquires strong healing propertiesthat have repeatedly helped people get rid of diseases.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to perform the bathing ceremony at night, then you can do it in the morning, afternoon or evening on January 19. If, due to your health condition, you do not have the opportunity to plunge into the ice-cold water in mid-January, then just wash yourself with Epiphany water collected in the ice-hole.
After bathing, do not forget to say the prayer again so that the ceremony will benefit not only your body, but also your soul. Our ancestors attached special importance to such great Orthodox events as the Baptism of the Lord. Despite the fact that this holiday is of a religious nature, many folk signs are associated with it, which before people preferred to believe.
Based on materials - dailyhoro.ru
Photo - taday.ru
Only a few days are left before a major church holiday - the Baptism of the Lord. The main ritual associated with Baptism is dipping into a special ice-hole "Jordan". Recall, when they swim in the ice hole for Epiphany in 2019, what this ritual means and how to perform it correctly. One of the oldest religious holidays celebrated by believing Christians every year, from the time of the holy apostles to the present, is Baptism. In 2019, this great event will once again be celebrated by hundreds of Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox. What date is Baptism and how to celebrate it correctly? Is it necessary to swim in the ice hole and why do they collect water? At what age can children participate in Epiphany bathing?
In January, Orthodox Christians begin to prepare for the Baptism of the Lord. Very soon water will be consecrated in the temples. The priests also bless it in lakes, rivers, where the Orthodox will bathe on the holiday. Consecration of water in springs is one of the main traditions of the day.
The Epiphany for Orthodox Christians is, first of all, a trip to the temple to bless the water and visit the font. The question remains: how many people swim.
Traditionally, from year to year, Epiphany is celebrated on the night of January 19. The feast day is also called the Epiphany: when Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan, a dove landed on the surface of the water - it was the Holy Spirit, and from heaven the Orthodox heard the voice of the Father. At the end of Baptism, Jesus Christ was cleansed of all sins, and a new spiritual life began for him.
Today everyone more people want to follow the example of the Son of God, and also decide to plunge into the ice hole. However, bathing is not the most important action on a holiday: the main thing is to confess and receive communion.
They bathe in the ice-hole at the end of the church service, when the water in it or the font is consecrated by the priest. They swim on the 18th in the evening, as soon as the priest dips a silver cross into the water. When immersed in water, a prayer must be read. They are immersed three times, and after each time they are baptized. It is advisable to dip in a shirt or long T-shirt. They also bathe on January 19 all day.
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On Epiphany, you must definitely attend a church service, light a candle, collect blessed water, or bless the one that you brought with you. They bathe in ice-holes in the form of a cross, specially made near the shore. You need to prepare for this procedure in advance, temper yourself: those who have chronic diseases are strictly prohibited from doing this.
Also, citizens who have problems with the cardiovascular system, vision, breathing, genitourinary system, and gastrointestinal tract cannot swim in the ice-hole. Before entering the hole, the body should be warmed up. It is necessary to dive under the supervision of rescuers.
Church calendar: what date is the Epiphany celebrated
Initially, the date of the holiday was the same for all Christians and coincided with the Birth of Christ - January 6. Later, several centuries later, in Catholic and protestant churches the date for celebrating Christmas has been postponed, but the date for celebrating the Epiphany has not changed.
What date is Baptism celebrated? With the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, in Orthodoxy - January 19. Catholics, Protestants and other branches of Christianity honor the Epiphany in the old style - January 6. Since it is in the Orthodox faith that the Epiphany is associated with the Baptism of Christ, further we will talk about the culture of this holiday by the Orthodox Church.
When is Baptism and how to spend this day
Believers are preparing for the great holiday in advance. Celebration begins on January 18, the day of strict fasting. Lenten kutia, pancakes and jelly made from oats are indispensable ingredients for a Christian dinner. In churches, on January 18, they begin to consecrate water.
On January 19, when the Baptism of Christ comes, Orthodox Christians come to church. Before the service, many confess and receive communion. Then, they listen to the festive divine liturgy, joining in the universal joy of celebrating the Baptism of the Savior. After the service, the custom of lighting the water begins. In some churches, the Procession of the Cross is performed, where they pray over the watery nature and overshadow the water with a cross. Then, as a rule, the priest, and after him and everyone who wants to plunge into the consecrated reservoir.
After the blessing of water, when everyone can take holy water, parishioners pour Epiphany water into a bottle. People spend the rest of the day with their families, sharing spiritual joy with loved ones.
Taking the beginning at the origins of the holiday, one of the main traditions is swimming in the ice hole. The essence of the action is that dirt is washed off the human body in holy water, and the soul of the believer is cleansed of all sins. However, one should not forget that immersion in the font, in itself, does not remove all sins - the main thing is prayer and repentance.
Many people, having made for themselves the decision to plunge into the ice hole for the first time, ask themselves the question: "When exactly is it customary to swim from 18 to 19?" The illumination of the water begins on January 18, so on this day you can perform the ritual of ablution, although it has taken root that they bathe in holy water at night from 18 to 19, and 19 in the afternoon. According to Orthodox canons, immersion in the baptismal font is preceded by confession, communion and a long festive service. However, not all parishioners have the opportunity to be present in the temple, and the clergy treats this with understanding. It is not forbidden to plunge into the ice-hole, even if you did not manage to visit the temple and listen to the liturgy. Confession and communion are also not mandatory conditions for bathing, although according to custom, a Christian should ask for a blessing to immerse himself in a consecrated ice hole. It must be said here that refusing to immerse yourself in the font is not an evil act or a sin.
Baptism in 2019 falls on the fourth day of the week, which means that everyone can plunge into Jordan on Wednesday and Thursday.
How to plunge into the ice hole for the Baptism of Christ
The sacrament of immersion in the baptismal font does not contain strict rules. At the same time, going into the water, it is customary to plunge headlong three times, crossing each time and saying: "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." The feast of the Epiphany is often accompanied by Epiphany frosts, after which they joyfully exclaimed: "Crack frost, do not crack, but Vodokreshchi is gone." Immersion in ice water speaks of the degree of power of faith in God - a true Christian knows that the grace of God will save him from illness and give him physical and mental health. In Russia, there was a sign: "By the blessing of water they get rid of any disease."
Nevertheless, some people are afraid to swim in the ice hole, fearing freezing and catching a cold. If there are no medical contraindications, then a quick immersion in cold water is not dangerous. There are also some recommendations in this regard:
To swim in the font, you need to take a rug, towel, slippers. Wear warm and loose clothing. You need to undress immediately before entering the water, you should not do this in advance so as not to freeze. It is recommended to undress from the bottom up, and dress in the reverse order, and this should be done very quickly.
During these actions, one should not forget about the spiritual component, for the sake of which all this is being done. By following all these tips, a healthy person will not freeze or get sick. Moreover, after plunging into the Jordan, there is a special feeling of spirituality and involvement in the holy holiday.
To immerse yourself in baptismal water in swimsuits or in nude - the church does not welcome the display of a naked body. Traditionally, Christians went into the ice-hole in long shirts. Entering Jordan while drunk is dangerous to health. Also, often heavily drunk people do not show due respect for the shrine and for other parishioners, insulting the feelings of believers with their behavior.
Why do people swim in the ice-hole for Epiphany today
There is a belief that this saves a person from sins. To do this, you need to cross yourself and plunge into the consecrated Jordan three times.
As many priests say, this belief is wrong. Simply swimming in an ice-hole on a certain day of the year does not atone for sins.
If a person wants to be cleansed before God, he needs to confess in the church. The best thing is to come to the temple and take communion.
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Also, the priests do not really approve of the enthusiasm of people for Epiphany water. Indeed, such water heals diseases - mental and physical, it drives away evil forces and helps fight passions. However, collecting water from the hole with canisters means preparing yourself for long illnesses and constant temptations.
How to plunge into the ice hole for Epiphany correctly
January 19 in Russia - the height of winter and winter frosts. In order for swimming in the ice hole not to harm your health, you need to follow a few simple rules:
You need to undress just before you enter the water. In no case should you wait for your turn naked in the cold. Dive into the water slowly - do not strain your cardiovascular system... Going into the water up to your knees, wash and slightly wet your upper body. After immersion, do not stay in ice water for more than ten seconds. Once outside, immediately rub yourself vigorously with a dry towel and dress in warm clothes.
In no case should you plunge into the ice hole after taking alcohol. This is both sinful before God and dangerous to your health!
It is also not welcomed by the church if you had a hearty meal the day before. Gluttony is a sin, and you need to accept the sacrament of immersion in the Jordan, refraining from it. The Church also recommends that you properly prepare your mind before the ceremony - the day before you need to go to church and pray.
At what age can children start swimming in the Epiphany ice hole
There is no age limit for swimming in the ice hole. Immersion in Jordan can be started literally at any age. If the child is very small, or is participating for the first time, then it is worth going into the water with him. Thus, the child will join the celebration of the Epiphany and gain the experience of dipping in a consecrated ice hole. It is not forbidden, instead of a cold font, to dip the child into the bath.
Where and when is the best time to collect holy water
Thousands of believers on the day of the Epiphany of the Lord collect holy water (also called agiasma). Agiasma is believed to have healing properties. The collected water has a structure in which the healing liquid never deteriorates. There are many proofs of this.
There is a widespread belief as to whether tap water is considered modified on this day. Some argue that the water in the water supply cannot be consecrated, otherwise on the days of the great holiday, using such water for domestic needs, people blaspheme. Others are of the opinion that on Epiphanius, all moving water is structured and modified, becoming holy. It is absolutely certain that hagiasma can be recruited from midnight on the 18th and until the last minute on the 19th in all churches, after the custom of consecration of water, as well as on reservoirs and rivers where the procession was performed.
Why do they collect holy water
Every day, after morning or evening prayer, taking a few sips of holy water on an empty stomach, the body is filled with spiritual and physical strength. By sprinkling a house or car with baptismal water, saying a prayer, you can protect or cleanse your property from evil spirits. In case of an illness, water is allowed to be drunk in any quantity, regardless of food intake. Agiasma, coupled with prayers, has healing powers. It is not for nothing that there is a sign: "Epiphany water is suitable for all misfortunes."
Rules for handling holy water
Store water next to the icon, in a clean bottle. It is not customary to keep the shrine in the refrigerator or next to the food. Epiphany water should not be thrown onto the ground, into the sink or sewer. If the water nevertheless deteriorated, bloomed (this happens if they use foul language next to water, commit sinful acts), it can only be poured into "Clean place" (not defiled). According to the Church charter, holy water is not intended for animals. Although there used to be a sign that if you give cattle to drink with holy water, it will reproduce better.
How Baptism is celebrated in Russia: about the spiritual in numbers
Over the past few years, an average of 42% of Russians celebrate the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
and, on average, only 46% of them consider themselves Orthodox believers. Of all the traditions of this holiday, the most popular is the collection of holy water in the church: 35% of people do it (43% of them are parishioners who consider themselves to be Orthodox).
2010 – 48%, 2015 – 38%, 2016 – 35%.
Fewer people gather in the family circle for a festive dinner in honor of the feast of the Epiphany - 24%, of whom 27% are Orthodox.
2010 – 29%, 2015 – 23%, 2016 – 24%.
According to statistics, plunging into the font is the least widespread tradition - 7% of the respondents (among them 8% are Orthodox Christians).
2010 – 6%, 2015 – 10%, 2016 – 7%.
According to the survey, 44% of people do not dip into the ice hole, do not set the table, and do not collect holy water, which is interesting, 36% of them consider themselves Orthodox believers.
2010 – 37%, 2015 – 44%, 2016 – 44%.
On a note
Many scientists conducted a series of studies with water during the celebration of the great event. Not only the church and the common people are convinced of the healing properties of the liquid from January 18 to 19.
Science has proven that water becomes softer from about the 17th, its pH increases, and acidity decreases. The peak of water activity was noted on the evening of January 18. Then a huge amount of ion radicals accumulates in it. The electrical conductivity of water is comparable to the artificially created catholyte. Wonders.
Baptism is one of the 12 major Christian holidays. According to the Gospel, on this day Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River. In folk traditions, Christmastide ends on Epiphany.
“Baptism” from Greek means “immersion in water”. In the first century, in the waters of the Jordan River, John the Baptist performed this sacrament. The preacher called people to repentance and washed away sins, cleansing them from filth. Jesus Christ also came to the bank of the sacred river. During the sacrament, the Holy Spirit descended on the Savior in the form of a dove. As the Gospel narrates, a heavenly voice proclaimed: this man is the Son of the Lord, who brings His will to the world. Therefore, the feast of Epiphany is also called the Epiphany and is associated with water - consecration in temples and immersion in the font.
The evening before the holiday - Epiphany Christmas Eve - brought the whole family together. According to Russian traditions, after a lean meal, spoons were put into a common bowl and covered with bread in the hope of a rich harvest. Preparation for the holiday was not complete without superstitions. It was customary among the people to draw crosses over the door, windows and even the stove damper in order to protect their home from evil spirits.
Girls on Epiphany night bewitched the betrothed, even though it was a sin to guess on the eve of such a big holiday. But the morning was certainly greeted with prayer. According to legend, in the predawn hours, the Sky opened up to the most secret requests.
The main symbol of this holiday is water. It is believed that all the water on the night of Epiphany becomes miraculous: whether it be a river in an ice hole or snow in an open field.
It is customary to begin Epiphany morning with drinking consecrated water, and the first morning dish is sacrum. Ritual cookies in each province were baked in their own way. Somewhere these are cakes with a cross applied, but mostly - two strips of dough that formed a cross.
On the eve of Epiphany, the sacrum was baked by the mothers of the family - as a rule, thinking about the welfare of the household. Smooth cookies without flaws promised an easy and prosperous year, cracks promised difficulties. The cross will not bake or burn - there will be a disease. The failed cookies were crumbled to the birds, warding off trouble.
Another tradition of Baptism is associated with birds. On the day of the holiday, after the service, white doves are released into the sky as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, which appeared on earth in the guise of this bird, and as a sign of the end of the Christmas holidays.
Swimming in an ice-hole for Epiphany is an important ritual for cleansing the soul and body, which not every person can decide on.
The Feast of Epiphany or Epiphany is the final day among the three great holidays of the Christmas cycle. Orthodox Christians and Greek Catholics celebrate Epiphany on January 19. This great holiday marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River. During Baptism, according to the Gospels, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven declared: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!"
It is with those distant events that the ritual of consecrating water in the ice-hole is connected, where you can swim at Epiphany in the image and likeness of Christ on the Jordan. Therefore, the ice-hole itself in the shape of a cross is called Jordan. The people have long believed that bathing on Epiphany on January 19 strengthens the immune system, helps to heal from diseases and provides protection from ailments for a whole year, and also cleanses the soul from sins.
Christians believe that from midnight to Epiphany, water has healing properties, and water collected on this day from a consecrated source or consecrated in a church retains these qualities throughout the year. Midnight on January 19 is the time when you can already swim for Epiphany. Although the bulk of people start swimming in the morning. Especially for this, ice holes are equipped in the cities, tents are erected to heat bathers, priests and doctors are present.
In fact, you don't need to swim and swim in icy water. It is important to prepare and warm up the muscles, as well as read the Baptismal prayers before bathing: "Our Father" and "Virgin Mary". And then it is enough to plunge into the hole three times with your head for a few seconds. When immersed, the believer must be baptized and say: "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit!" And after leaving the hole, you should immediately put on warm clothes.
Keep in mind that swimming in the ice hole at Epiphany is dangerous for people with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, skin problems, respiratory diseases, colds or flu, as well as people with impaired cerebral circulation and mental disorders.
It is also not recommended to dive into the ice hole for pregnant women - after all, this is not only a strong emotional shock, but also extreme exercise stress, which can provoke vasospasm and even lead to premature birth. And although during Epiphany diving there are doctors near the bathing places, it is still not worth the risk.
As the newspaper "Pravmir" writes, in any church holiday it is necessary to distinguish between its meaning and the traditions that have developed around it. In the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the main thing is the Epiphany, this is 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 the presence at the church service, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, the communion of baptismal water.
The established traditions of bathing in cold ice holes are not directly related to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord itself, are not mandatory and, most importantly, do not cleanse a person from sins, which, unfortunately, is much talked about in the media.
Traditions like these do not need to be treated as magic rites - The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated by Orthodox Christians in hot Africa, America, and Australia. After all, the palm branches of the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem were replaced by willows in Russia, and the consecration of vines for the Transfiguration of the Lord - with the blessing of the harvest of apples. Also on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, all waters will be sanctified, regardless of their temperature.
Blessing of water for Epiphany is also carried out in water bodies, including in the ice-hole in which believers bathe. Bathing for Epiphany in consecrated water is the main tradition of the holiday.
Swimming in an ice-hole for Epiphany can cleanse from sins and make a person spiritually stronger, so many decide to plunge into an ice-hole with ice water.
However, in order for Epiphany bathing to really benefit, the clergy after the service are sent in a solemn procession to a nearby reservoir, where a form of a cross, which is called Jordan, is cut through the ice, and then they consecrate this place.
After lighting, the water in the hole is considered healing - the Orthodox wash with it. Those who dare to swim in the ice-hole then feel a surge of strength, both spiritual and physical.
Water for Baptism, as the Church says, through the prayers of the clergy is sanctified by the grace of the Lord, and for its manifestation medicinal properties first of all, a person's sincere faith is needed.
Accordingly, for those who do not believe in the healing properties of water, swimming in an ice-hole is meaningless, since it will not bring them any benefit. There are no hard and fast rules for swimming in an ice-hole for Epiphany, but you need to prepare for it.
Priests warn that one must be able to swim in the ice-hole correctly. Epiphany bathing is a triple immersion in water, while each time you need to be baptized and say: "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit!"
And before swimming in the ice hole, you should go to church and pray. It is not recommended to swim well-fed and drunk in the ice-hole, since drunkenness and gluttony are considered a serious sin, and the Lord will not send His blessing.
Women should especially prepare for swimming in the ice-hole, as they should not enter the Holy Water in their underwear or an open swimsuit. Better to buy a closed shirt, which can then be worn during illness. It is believed that the grace that will descend on her while swimming in the hole will protect her for a whole year.
Since ancient times, swimming in an ice-hole on Epiphany was considered healing. In Russia, the tradition of swimming in an ice-hole dates back to the times of the ancient Scythians - they dipped their babies into icy water to teach them to the harsh nature.
In large cities of Russia, on the eve of Epiphany, ice holes are cut down and equipped on rivers for mass bathing of believers. It is advisable to swim in ice holes specially equipped near the shore, under the supervision of rescuers.
Swimming in an ice-hole for Epiphany is a ceremony for trained people - walruses, who temper the body for years. People with chronic diseases should refrain from baptismal bathing. Those who really want to plunge into the ice hole should consult a doctor and prepare, observing all safety measures.
Before swimming in the hole, the body must be properly warmed up. The ice hole should be approached slowly in non-slip and easily removable shoes - in special rubber slippers, woolen socks or boots. In addition, you must take a towel and a terry robe, swimming trunks or a shirt, a rubber cap and a set of dry clothes.
Experts do not recommend jumping into water or diving headlong - this increases the loss of temperature and can lead to shock from the cold. Reflex vasoconstriction of the cerebral vessels can be avoided by plunging into an ice-hole up to the neck without getting your head wet.
Swimming in the hole should not last more than one minute to avoid general hypothermia of the body. Getting out of the hole is not easy - it is advisable to use a previously prepared dry towel or scoop up more water in handfuls and, leaning on the handrails, rise quickly and energetically.
It is difficult and dangerous to get out in an upright position, since, having fallen off, you can go under the ice, so you need to insure each other.
After bathing, rub yourself well with a terrycloth towel and quickly put on dry clothes. Then it is advisable to drink hot tea to avoid possible hypothermia and strengthen the immune system. So, do not forget to prepare a thermos with tea in advance.
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