Orthodox Christians who follow the old church calendar celebrate the Eve of Epiphany today. In the holy places, the Divine Liturgy is performed, followed by the Great Agheasma (Holy Water). Today is a day of strict fasting, and on Sunday, Christians will celebrate the Baptism of Jesus Christ, IPN reports.
In many localities, after the service of blessing the Great Agheasma, priests go with the blessed water to the homes of the faithful. In the evening, the parishioners are invited to the service.
On January 19, when the Baptism of Jesus Christ is celebrated, the Hours and the Divine Liturgy are performed in the morning, followed by the service of blessing the Great Agheasma. This is usually done in the churchyards, and Christians take the blessed water home.
On Monday, Saint John the Baptist is honored, and the Akathist to Saint John the Baptist is held in churches. The Church encourages Christians to pray to glorify the Lord and receive His grace.
According to the church canons, the Savior, Jesus Christ, began His preaching when He was 30 years old, after receiving baptism in the Jordan River from John, the son of Zechariah.
While the Small Agheasma is performed several times throughout the year, only on two days - the Eve and Epiphany - is the blessing of the waters service held, according to special rituals, and the Great Agheasma is performed, which is drunk for a week after Boboteaza (Epiphany).
The Great Agheasma is for blessing homes, enlightening minds, healing illnesses, and sanctifying the lives of all.
