Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Almost every Orthodox Christian is preparing to plunge into the ice hole tonight. On the night of January 19, we celebrate one of the twelve major Christian holidays - the Baptism of the Lord, or Epiphany. According to an ancient tradition that spread in Russia with the adoption of Christianity, tonight many believers, regardless of weather conditions, bathe in fonts and reservoirs, the water in which at this time is considered holy and helps to heal diseases.

As the church prescribes, today, January 18, it is necessary to observe a strict fast, just like on Christmas Eve. On this day, the first Great consecration of water takes place - Agiasma. That is why Epiphany water is called Great Agiasma. It has amazing properties - primarily spiritual, strengthening and enlightening a person.

Christmas Eve ends with Christmastide - holidays after the Nativity of Christ.

Traditionally, on the eve of Epiphany, it was customary to make "Jordan" (from the name of the Jordan River, in which Jesus was baptized): large cross-shaped ice holes were cut on the rivers, in the upper part of which ice sculptures were built in the form of a cross, a dove, and other Christian symbols.

In Serebryany Bor, the main capital's ice-hole has already been cut down - 25 by 4 meters, and a total of 70 fonts have been prepared for Epiphany bathing in the city. They are equipped with lighting, comfortable slopes and changing modules. Police, Emergencies Ministry employees and ambulance brigades will be on duty near the baths.

Also, a special platform for Epiphany bathing will be equipped on Wednesday, January 19, on Revolution Square in the center of Moscow, while for the first time bathing will take place there to the ringing of bells and performances by folk groups.