Synodal Department for Youth Affairs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Recommendations on what to do with old holy water

People often ask:

What kind of baptismal water?

Epiphany water is water blessed on Epiphany Eve and on the Feast itself at the Great Blessing of Water. Often water that was blessed on January 19 is called Epiphany water, and water blessed the day before is called Epiphany water. In fact, on these two days the water is consecrated with the same rite, has the same properties and is called the Great Agiasma differently. "Agiasma" is translated from Greek language like a shrine.

Epiphany and Epiphany are the names of the same holiday. The Church remembers how Christ received Baptism from John the Baptist, and at that moment the Holy Trinity was revealed: the Son of God stood in the waters of the Jordan, the Voice of God the Father sounded from Heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove.

As a great shrine, believers bring home water from the temple, blessed on the days of celebrating these Gospel events, and keep it all year, until next holiday Epiphanies.

Which water is stronger - Epiphany or Epiphany?

Epiphany and Epiphany water- these are different names for the same water, blessed by the rite of the Great Blessing of Water on Epiphany Eve or on the day of Epiphany itself. The Feast of the Epiphany is also called Epiphany - hence the two names of the water. There is no difference.

Water on Epiphany night

What happens to water on Epiphany night?

It is generally accepted that in Epiphany night all water becomes holy. This is stated in one of the stichera of the holiday: “Today the waters are sanctified.” That is, everything is sanctified water element on Earth. But this is a one-time occurrence God's grace, while the water collected after the Great Blessing of Water does not lose its properties over time.

There is evidence of how, during the years of persecution of the Church on Epiphany night, believers collected water wherever they could, and, despite the fact that the priest did not say prayers over it, this water was stored for years and did not spoil. This can only be explained as a miracle: seeing the deep faith of people and their impossibility of being in the temple, the Lord gave them His grace.

There is a popular tradition on Epiphany night to plunge into the Jordan - a specially designated place on the reservoir. Sometimes you can hear the opinion that in this way you can “wash away all your sins.” But the Church reminds us that it is not water that helps to cleanse ourselves of sins, but the Lord through the sacrament of repentance - Confession. And He does this, seeing a person’s sincere desire to change. It is impossible to “renew” by taking a dip, drinking or pouring holy water on yourself.

On the Feast of Epiphany, believers remember how Jesus received Baptism from John the Baptist on the Jordan River, and from here, from that very moment, His Path began, ending with the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Only the desire to follow Christ, to be with Him not just one night a year, but every day, the desire to live like a Christian and participation in the sacraments of the Church help cleanse the soul.

When to collect Epiphany water - January 18 or 19?

Epiphany water can be collected both on January 18, on Epiphany Eve, and on January 19, on the Holiday itself. Water consecrated on Vespers (eve) and on the day of Epiphany itself has the same grace.

Agiasma begins to be distributed to believers after the Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Water. Liturgies are served in the morning of January 18, in the morning of January 19 (or at night from the 18th to the 19th). Epiphany water is also distributed after All-night vigil 18th in the evening.

In large temples in major cities Water can be collected throughout the day (and even around the clock) on January 18 and 19. But during services (Liturgies and All-Night Vigil on the evening of January 18), water is usually not poured. It is best to clarify in advance how the process of distributing water will be organized in the temple you are going to.

When does water become baptismal?

We begin to celebrate Epiphany on the 18th. Then the first consecration of water takes place. That is, water that is blessed in the morning is already considered baptismal. Then the water is also blessed on the 19th, directly on the feast of Epiphany itself. And she is also baptized. In general, this is the same water.

As legend says, on this day the entire water element is sanctified.

There is some symbolic moment in this, connected with the fact that the Spirit of God descended onto the water. It is clear that He does not descend on any individual container of water, but He descends on the entire element at once.

Epiphany water is called the Great Agiasma, that is, the great shrine, since this is the most important and final consecration of water.

Prayer for the consecration of baptismal water

Prayers for the consecration of Epiphany water are said during the Great Blessing of Water. This rite is performed only twice a year - on the eve and on the feast of Epiphany itself; during the rest of the year, the water is blessed with a small rite.

The Great Blessing of Water is more solemn than the usual one (at a prayer service for water, for example). First, troparia are sung, then Old Testament prophecies, a fragment from the Epistle of the Apostle Paul and the Gospel are read. All this reminds us of the Gospel event that the Church celebrates these days - the Baptism of the Lord.

Then the words “Let us pray to the Lord in peace...” begin the general prayer requests. Believers pray that the water will be sanctified “by the power and action and influx of the Holy Spirit,” and that holy water will help cleanse the soul and body from sins and ailments...

Finally, the priest, reading a prayer, censes the water, calling on the Lord to consecrate it. Then the priest immerses the cross in water three times. At this time the troparion of the holiday is sung:

“In the Jordan I am baptized to You, O Lord, Trinitarian adoration appeared: for the voice of your parents testified to You, naming Your beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove announced your words of affirmation. Appear, O Christ our God, and enlighten the world, glory to Thee.”

That is: “At Your baptism in the Jordan, Lord, the worship of the Trinity was revealed: for the voice of the Parent testified of You, calling You beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed His words as immutable. O Christ the God who appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee!”

When coming to the Great Blessing of Water, which takes place in a temple (or on a reservoir) after the service, it is not necessary to know any special prayers. It is enough to know or at least understand the troparion of the holiday, and also to listen attentively to the prayers heard during the consecration and, together with other believers, to ask the Lord through baptismal water to receive the grace of God and the healing of mental and physical infirmities.

When to go for Epiphany water?

As mentioned above, water can be collected both on Christmas Eve and on the feast of Epiphany itself. However, it is important not just to draw water, but to become, as it were, an accomplice in its consecration, an accomplice in universal prayer.

Epiphany water does not turn into something else, it does not become some kind of “magic substance” that will instantly change a person’s life and cleanse him of all sins. No, that's not true.

We have important sacraments of the Church, such as repentance and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, which should not be forgotten.

It is not important when to draw baptismal water, but with what intentions, with what heart you approach the temple and perform certain actions. After all, if you don’t make any effort, even the desire to understand the meaning, then you can devalue anything in this way, even the Great Agiasma.

What is the difference between Epiphany water and holy water?

There is no device capable of distinguishing Epiphany water from holy water in degrees of holiness.

Epiphany water takes some special place in, let's say, ritual life. Simply by the fact that this water is blessed only two days a year, it is distinguished in a special way, is considered separate and is not equated with holy water. But there are no parameters by which one could determine what Epiphany water better than a saint, what are the differences. This is the same holy water, only it is dedicated to a specific holiday.

Just as there is a prosphora of the Lamb (it is from this prosphora that the priest cuts out the Lamb - a rectangular particle that will become the Body of Christ during the Liturgy), but it is not in itself the Body of Christ - it is also the same prosphora that we eat.

How to drink Epiphany water correctly?

It is considered correct to drink Epiphany water with faith, prayer, and on an empty stomach. Only two days a year - on Epiphany Eve and on the Holiday itself - believers drink water throughout the day. The rest of the time, it is customary to drink Epiphany water in the morning.

This is due to the fact that Agiasma is a shrine, and the attitude towards it is appropriate. Agiasma is blessed to drink as a consolation for people who, due to grave sins or for some other reason, are deprived of the opportunity to begin Communion.

The Divine Service Charter stipulates that those who excommunicate themselves from holy water only because they have already “tasted the food” are wrong. Thus, if there is a need to drink Epiphany water (in case of illness, some kind of mental or spiritual illness), one cannot refuse just because the person has already eaten. But Epiphany water should always be received with reverence, as a gift.

As for the frequency of drinking Epiphany water, Saint Luke Voino-Yasenetsky said: “Drink holy water as often as possible.”

Prayer for receiving Epiphany water?

The prayer for receiving Epiphany water is read the same as for receiving prosphora and any holy water:

In this prayer, believers turn to the Lord and ask him for help. But you should not rely only on the miraculous power of water and exclusively Divine action. While reading the prayer and receiving baptismal water, one must remember that a person himself must strive to leave sins and conquer his passions and infirmities.

What do they do with Epiphany water?

Is it possible to drink Epiphany water?

You can and should drink Epiphany water.

Two days a year - on the eve of the holiday and on Epiphany - Epiphany water can be drunk throughout the day without any restrictions, except for observing the fast established on Epiphany Christmas Eve. The rest of the time, the Great Agiasma is taken as a shrine on an empty stomach (except in exceptional cases).

Epiphany water has special properties, it does not spoil for a year or more and can help in getting rid of physical and spiritual ailments. Saint Theophan the Recluse states: “...grace<…>does not act automatically as a talisman, and is of no use to ungodly and professed Christians.” Therefore, the Great Agiasma must be drunk not as “church medicine,” but with faith, prayer, reverence, and the desire to change oneself and go to Christ.

Is it possible to dilute Epiphany water?

You can dilute Epiphany water, and this will not cause it to lose its properties.

Therefore, it is not at all necessary to collect huge bottles and canisters on the Epiphany holiday. You can bring a small container home from church and mix it with regular water at home, or dilute Epiphany water throughout the year. This must be done with prayer. Even a few drops of Epiphany water will sanctify ordinary water.

But this does not mean at all that having collected Epiphany water once, you can dilute it for years. The main thing in the feast of Epiphany is initiation into church life. Epiphany water may not lose its properties even after two or five years. But by refusing the opportunity to come to Church on the feast of Epiphany itself, to pray with other believers, to reverently take Agiasma as a great gift, a person deprives himself of much more than just a bottle of holy water.

Is it possible to sprinkle an apartment with Epiphany water?

You can sprinkle the apartment Epiphany water. There is even a tradition, after the blessing of water, with the singing of the troparion of the holiday, to sprinkle your home with baptismal water.

During the Great Blessing of Water, the Church prays: “For the existence of this water, the gift of sanctification, the deliverance of sins, for the healing of soul and body to those who draw and eat it, for the sanctification of houses... and for every good (strong) benefit.” That is, you can not only drink Agiasma, but you can sprinkle it on your home and even various objects that are important to a person. But we must understand that sprinkling an apartment with holy water is not the same as the rite of blessing a home performed by a priest.

What to do with last year's Epiphany water?

Not everyone knows what to do with last year's Epiphany water - continue to store it, try to finish it as soon as possible, throw it away?..

Last year's Epiphany water can continue to be consumed as it should be - on an empty stomach with prayer. There are cases where Epiphany water is stored for decades and remains fresh.

If you are concerned about its safety, then you can pour the old Epiphany water into the so-called untrodden place (i.e., clean, closed from walking on it). We must remember that Agiasma is a shrine, and it cannot simply be thrown into the sink or anywhere on the ground. You can pour last year's Epiphany water into a pond with running water or into pots with home flowers.

When can you drink Epiphany water?

According to tradition, it is believed that Epiphany water is drunk on an empty stomach, while holy water can be drunk in the morning and evening, before and after meals.

At the same time the prayer is read:

“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 mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities, according to Your infinite mercy through Your prayers Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen".

How to drink Epiphany water?

The first rule is with reverence and prayer. We say on an empty stomach, I think this is a recommendation of the same kind as why we take communion on an empty stomach. We must understand that this is not an absolute rule and it does not apply to all cases of life. That is, a person who is sick, for example, with diabetes, can take pills in the morning, drink tea, and eat bread, and then go to communion.

In the same way, a person can take holy water, even the Great Agiasma, not on an empty stomach, if some special conditions have developed.

But, in general, this is a tribute to pious tradition - to consume it on an empty stomach, before tasting something else.

Sometimes people, for some reason, do not drink holy water or are afraid to put jars of water on the floor, because they believe that they might somehow desecrate the Great Agiasma. But we sanctify apartments with this water, with everything that is in it, and it never occurs to us that something could desecrate it in this case. And therefore, even despite the fact that pious tradition says that it is better on an empty stomach, you can drink on some other days and in some other situations not only in the morning, but also during the day and in the evening.

Eating something sacred is not just a mechanical action, it requires faith and hope in God.

What can you do with Epiphany water?

How to use Epiphany water at home?

In addition to drinking water, according to tradition, on the feast of Epiphany they consecrate (sprinkle) their home with it. You can also consecrate any thing while reading the prayers prescribed for a layperson.

How to sanctify with baptismal water?

It is clear that a person can perform any sanctification independently. Just take a sprinkle or a tail from a rosary, holy water.

You need to moisten the brush in holy water and, with the prayer “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” sprinkle the room with it in a cross shape.

In prayer evening rule we have the prayer “May God rise again...”, you can perform consecration by saying this prayer.

There is also a prayer for the sanctification of every thing. It is also in prayer books, and can also be found on the Internet. So, you can read this prayer, and then sprinkle the thing you are consecrating in the same way with a cross.

How to bless an apartment with Epiphany water?

There is a special prayer for the consecration of a home: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. By sprinkling this sacred water, all evil demonic action will be put to flight. Amen".

But again, the most important thing is to do everything with reverence and faith.

Is it possible to heat a bathhouse with Epiphany water?

It is possible and necessary! There is no such thing as too much holiness. On the contrary, you need to quickly take it and use it, because tomorrow there will be nowhere to get it.

Is it possible to swim in Epiphany water?

Of course it is possible, but it is very important with what motivation and what attitude we do it. It is clear that if we take this water and begin to somehow desecrate it, precisely by our behavior, then this will not be good, if it is used for cooking, or for a bath, or bathing, then this is wonderful. In this case, water should become a kind of symbol of internal cleansing. That is, it cleanses the body, but symbolizes the cleansing of the soul.

It is very important what attitude we put into our actions, be it bathing in baptismal water or something else.

And in order to join in this great joy of the holiday, it is not at all necessary to force yourself and your family to dive into ice holes. The main thing is to maintain faith and a good attitude in your heart. After all, why is it so necessary for us to observe everything down to the smallest detail, to surround ourselves with everything material (bottles of water, for example) - because there is no faith.

Or maybe I’ll drink water or take a dip, and it (faith) will appear, suddenly I’ll see clearly. But this will not happen by itself. Where can good feelings come from if we have not made any effort for this?

Properties of Epiphany water

Why did Epiphany water spoil/turn green?

In our country, for example, Epiphany water lasts for a whole year and does not spoil. For many people, it lasts for a very long time, while other water would have spoiled long ago. And therefore, a certain pattern can be deduced here, that perhaps this is happening due to the human condition. Perhaps he should think about how he lives, in case he uses this water for other purposes. For example, people often use this water for some magical rituals. Maybe the Lord is thereby showing the person that he is doing something wrong.

But if the holy water has spoiled, then you need to take it and pour it into some clean place under a tree, into a flower, into a river. And you can continue to use the bottle.”

Does Epiphany water help you get pregnant?

Faith helps, and water acts as a kind of symbol, because we are material beings and we need some kind of created symbols. And water, earth, oil are created symbols. That is, we should approach it this way. And if a person drinks water, smears himself with this water, and so on, then why not.

I had an incident at my parish. The grandmother was the only one who complained very much about herself for giving the cat baptismal water. And she gave it because the cat was sick. But as soon as she drinks, she feels better and gets better, but as soon as she stops drinking, her condition worsens.

In fact, the Lord helps animals through this holy water; in the missals there is an order for sprinkling cattle with holy water.

The same thing with Epiphany water. We can use it for pious purposes. Helping an animal is a pious goal. After all, the Lord loves and has mercy on every Creation.

Therefore, everything is possible by faith. The main thing is what mood we approach, what our motive is.

In order to meet with God, we must be ready for this meeting, we must be open to Him. Having abandoned all prejudices, finally tear your gaze away from the usual and look around you. But this is work that not everyone will do. What then do we want?

Let's first just strive for sincere joy and share it with loved ones. And we will try not to reproach others for doing something wrong, but, if possible, we will carefully guide them. We all have our own paths, we are in different circumstances, but what’s wonderful is that each of us is unique, and the ways of the Lord, as we know, are inscrutable.

Happy holiday to everyone, dear friends!

Agiasma - holy water - has amazing properties. It strengthens the body, spirit and gives great happiness to touch the Church, no matter where a person is.

What makes the water unique is that the water remains fresh for a long time and does not lose its healing properties. Usually believers collect blessed water once a year and use it for different situations. But what to do if a year has passed and there is still water left?

How to use holy water from last year

Holy water does not lose its beneficial power for a long time, and there is no reason to get rid of it. If the liquid has not spoiled, become cloudy or acquired a foul odor, then the water is calmly consumed internally for any need with prayer and reverence, and in emergency cases - daily. We must remember that holy water is a gift that is accepted with gratitude.

But if for some reason a person is afraid to consume precious moisture, then recommendations for using old consecrated water will help:

You should not collect blessed water for future use. You can always collect godly liquid at the nearest temple on any day.

Where can I pour it?

It is better to store the shrine next to the icons. The vessel with holy water is kept in a dark place, next to household icons. With respect, water long time retains healing properties.

But If stored improperly, water may lose its freshness And . In this case, it would be correct to pour out last year’s water. However, there are certain places where liquid can be disposed of and where it should not be poured. Acceptable locations include:

• An untrodden place. It is allowed to use any piece of land where no person walks or where stray animals do not run.
• Open water. The best solution there will be pouring of old holy water into the river or a stream with a current.
• Dry well or drainage system at the temple. Draining is carried out with the permission of the priest.

Contact of consecrated moisture with sewage - sewer drain or cesspool. Pouring liquid into a sink or toilet is considered extreme disrespect for something sacred.

When pouring water, you need to say words of gratitude for the time it was in the house.

For many centuries, holy water has given hope to praying people, strengthened faith and given strength. The healing properties are accepted and approved by the Church. A respectful attitude towards agiasma gives it great power, and it, in turn, helps in family and everyday situations.

Epiphany is a holiday that unites all Christians. Parishioners come to the church and to reservoirs with various containers to collect water, which, according to legend, becomes holy and healing. Usually people collect more holy water than they need, and by the end of the year, for the next Epiphany, they still have decent supplies left. The clergy do not recommend simply pouring out blessed water, and zealous owners often ask the question: “Is it possible to water flowers with holy water?” To find out the answer, you need to find out what this “living” liquid actually is, and what can happen if you water your plants with it.

Holy water is a liquid consecrated during the rite of Great Consecration, which is held on the day of the celebration of the Great Christian holiday Epiphany or Epiphany, celebrated on January 19 annually, as well as on Epiphany Eve, which is celebrated the day before, namely January 18. That is why such water is also often called Epiphany water.

During the rite of consecration, a cross is lowered into vats of water and Jordan-holes on reservoirs, accompanied by prayers, by the clergyman. This is why water becomes healing.

Water taken from an Orthodox church on any day will also be holy. At the same time, it accompanies a believer throughout his life, starting from the moment of baptism, when a baby or an adult plunges into the font three times. According to legend, in this way you can wash away your sins and start a new life.

Both the water that parishioners collect at Epiphany and the liquid that parishioners filled containers with on Epiphany Eve are considered holy and have unique characteristics.

1. It does not spoil even with long-term storage - sometimes even 10 years pass, and it is still as fresh as it was on the first day. If the water has spoiled, it means that either it was collected in a dirty container, or it is in an unfavorable energy environment (for example, in a house where there is constant fighting).
2. If you add a few drops of holy water to ordinary water, then the first, as it were, transfers its unique properties. Therefore, the liquid shrine can be “multiplied” if there is little of it left.
3. Holy water can improve the patient’s condition, mood, and add strength. There have been cases when even serious illnesses receded and the person felt better. Inexplicable, but true.
4. Living spaces sprinkled with holy water in the corners become more comfortable.
5. According to popular belief, holy water drives out evil spirits, calms people down, and allows them to cope with their sinful desires.

Space is to blame for everything...

Scientist Mikhail Vasilievich Kurik (Ukraine), who was engaged in research on the state and properties of water, found out why in Epiphany holiday the water becomes holy or bioactive as scientists call it. The scientist decided to conduct an experiment: starting from December 22 and until the feast of Epiphany, he took water samples every day and observed how the structure changed and what happened to the liquid. As a result, Mikhail Vasilyevich concluded that water becomes unique due to the special influence of the energy fields of the Sun, Moon and planet Earth, as well as cosmic radiation and energy fields of other celestial bodies Solar system. Thus, the scientist was able to explain the unique properties of holy water from the point of view of the laws of nature.

The fact is that every year on the same day, January 19, our planet, along with the whole solar system crosses the field of influence of special rays, a change occurs in the gravitational fields in the space of the entire Galaxy, as a result of which the bioenergetics of water on Earth increases.

Research on holy water was also carried out by scientist Anton Belsky (Russia), who for a number of years on the eve of January 19 recorded active bursts of neutron flux in outer space– they exceeded background indicators by more than 100 times! The maximum level of surges occurred from January 17 to 19 in different years. As a result of these influences, water is purified and charged with positive energy.

That is, even from the point of view of science, the existence of holy water is explainable, and this is not fiction or a biblical fairy tale. It is on January 18 and 19 that the Sun and our planet are positioned in such a way that a certain connection arises between the Earth and the central part of the galactic system. This connection forces everything around to interact and be structured on a completely different level.

How is holy water used?

Christians can use holy water in several ways and for several purposes. It is advised to drink it a little every morning after prayer during illness. It is also regularly sprinkled on the house, food, various items, for example, icons. You should only collect water for Epiphany in clean jars so that debris and dirt do not get into it. Holy water should be stored at home in the Red Corner next to the icons. And on the lid you can write the year when it was collected. It is customary to share excess water with family and friends who, for some reason, were unable to get it themselves - in this case, you should not skimp.

Since holy water does not spoil, it can last for more than one year. But many do not dare to drink it and do not even use last year’s drink. At the same time, under no circumstances should old water be poured into the toilet, sink, or thrown out onto the street. In this regard, many try to use it for other good purposes - for example, sprinkling pets or watering flowers.

Holy water and plants

Surprisingly, holy water also has a beneficial effect on plants - this can be judged by the numerous reviews of those who regularly use it themselves and water indoor flowers. For example, one of the Internet users tells how she managed to get out of a completely hopeless money tree. It died, was cut off at the root and eventually dried up completely. But they didn’t get around to throwing up their hands. A woman accidentally found a bottle of old holy water at home and poured it into a flower pot. And literally a few days later, at the cut of the trunk money tree fresh green leaves appeared.

And in France, one man decided to conduct an experiment: he planted four tomatoes, two of which were control ones - one was constantly cursed and watered with ordinary water, the second received a dose of holy water and prayer. As a result, the first tomato died, and the second one grew and produced big harvest. A similar experiment was carried out by Japanese resident Masaru Emoto, who watered individual plants with charged water, reading a prayer over it, and watered others with regular water. He noted that the first plants grew faster and better than the second, although the water for irrigation was taken from the same reservoir.

The opinion of the priests

Clergy Orthodox churches prohibit pouring holy water anywhere, but they fully support the idea of ​​​​watering indoor and outdoor rooms with old water garden plants. If there are none, the holy liquid can be taken to the temple territory and poured there under a tree or bush. Some of it will evaporate, and some will absorb moisture from the plant.

Note! By the way, you shouldn’t even wash your face with holy water over a sink; it’s better to do it over a flower. It is not good if the shrine ends up in the sewer. And in the territories of some temples there are also special wells into which old holy water can also be poured with the permission of the priest.

Why do plants need water?

It’s worth talking briefly about why plants need water. Yes, without life-giving moisture they will die, but what explains this process? It’s simple - they need water (and we, by the way, too) to carry out certain life processes.

Let's remember school course biology: plants consist of 80% water, which is part of not only stems and leaves, but also seeds and fruits. It supports various metabolic processes occurring at the cellular level, transports nutrients to the tissues of a living organism. Water is involved in photosynthesis, protects plants from overheating, and gives tissues firmness and elasticity.

Water dissolves salts and transfers minerals from the soil to the roots of plants, which, in turn, with its help transfer all the elements necessary for plants higher up - to the stem, leaves, and fruits. If crops are not watered, they will gradually wither, wither, turn yellow and die.

Drip irrigation refers to a special irrigation system for agricultural crops, in which moisture drops into the ground to the roots of plants grown in a greenhouse. Organize drip irrigation Can .

Rules for watering flowers

Plants, especially indoor flowers, need regular watering. But he shouldn’t be thoughtless - the wrong amount of water can kill your green friend. The instructions below will tell you how to properly water flowers.

Step 1. For quality watering, plants must be planted correctly. Be sure to take a pot with drainage holes at the bottom so that excess moisture can flow out of it.

Step 2. Use loose and light soil, selected for a specific type of plant. Add a little to the bottom of the pot before planting the flower. drainage material, for example, expanded clay.

Note! The pot doesn't have to be big! When replanting, use a container only 5 cm wider than the previous pot.

Step 3. Water indoor plants only as needed and as recommended in the flower description. Don't adjust watering to fit your schedule, but adapt it to the needs of the plants. Be sure to take into account seasonality and climatic conditions.

Step 4. The soil and appearance plants. Feel the soil and look at the tray under the pot - if there is water in it, then you are watering too intensely.

Step 5. If you notice signs of wilting in the plant or see yellowed leaves, then it clearly does not have enough moisture.

Yellowed leaves are a sign of insufficient watering

Step 6. Feel the soil, plunge your finger into it to a depth of about 2-2.5 cm. The soil can be dry, wet or damp. In the first case, the flower needs water.

Step 7 If the ground is damp to the touch, but the flower clearly feels unwell, then most likely you flood it. Reduce watering immediately. If the soil is dry and the plant feels great, then look through the reference book indoor flowers- maybe this flower does not need constantly moist soil.

Step 8 Water the flowers until fresh water begins to flow into the tray. After watering excess moisture pour it out. If the soil is dry, water the plant by submersion (immerse the pot in a basin of water for an hour).

Note! Water your indoor plants only with settled water. room temperature. Ideally, you should use melt or rain water. Also, when watering, always direct the stream at the root, and not at the leaves or buds.

Video - How to water flowers

Watering and benefits

Table. Combined irrigation.

From all of the above, we can conclude that holy water is quite suitable for watering plants. And if you add a little fertilizer, then this composition will have a positive effect on the growth and development of domestic crops.

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ABOUT BAPTISTIC WATER

Another name for this holiday is Epiphany. It is called so because God, one in the Trinity, revealed Himself in His Three Persons: the Son of God was baptized by the Forerunner in the waters of the Jordan, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended on Him from heaven, and the voice of God the Father sounded: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased(Matt. 3:17). For the first time, people were able to see that Jesus Christ was not only a Man, but also God.

You can also hear the third name of this holiday - Enlightenment, which arose because God appeared to enlighten the people, and with His incarnation to those who sat in the land and shadow of death did light shine(Matt. 4:16). On the eve of this day, in ancient times, according to custom, the baptism of catechumens was carried out, thus confirming that baptism is spiritual enlightenment, since baptism becomes for a person a birth into eternal life.

On this day and the day before (Epiphany Eve), in memory of the fact that the Lord blessed water with His baptism, the Great Blessing of Water is performed - the Rite of Blessing of Water. On the eve of Epiphany, the consecration of water takes place in churches, and on the very day of the holiday, at the end of the liturgy, after the prayer behind the pulpit, at a reservoir (if the church is located in close proximity to it). To do this, a hole in the ice is cut in the form of a cross (the so-called Jordan), to which they march with solemnity. procession of the cross. Holy water also has a special name - Great Agiasma.

It's no secret that water is an essential component of our daily lives. However, she also has highest value, and this is discussed in Holy Scripture. In a conversation with Nicodemus, the Savior says: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(John 3:5), meaning birth for eternity through baptism. Thus, the consecration of water occurs in order to give it this highest meaning: the Lord, having received baptism, “grants purification with water to the human race,” as is sung in the chants of the service of the feast of Epiphany.

Epiphany water is one of the greatest shrines. As with every shrine, to blessed water must be treated with reverence. They store it in a specially designated place, for example, next to the home iconostasis. It is customary to consume it, like prosphora, on an empty stomach, after the morning prayer rule. But if special circumstances arise (serious illness, fear, temptation, etc.), you can drink it - and you should! – at any time.

It is known that it does not spoil for a long time, heals mental and physical ailments, and is sprinkled with it on homes and things during consecration. Its properties are truly amazing. There are many examples of this in the history of the Church. Thus, St. Seraphim of Sarov, after confession of pilgrims, always gave them baptismal water, Reverend Ambrose Optinsky sent a terminally ill man a bottle of holy water - and he was healed.

During those decades when church life in our country was actually banned; various prejudices and superstitions associated with holy water became widespread among the people. Evidence of this - large number questions received on the website of the Saratov diocese. Let's try to answer at least some of them.

– On both the 18th and 19th the same rite of the Great Blessing of Water is performed. All the prayers that are read are absolutely the same. The custom of blessing water twice appeared in ancient times. Then the Sacrament of Baptism was preceded by a long training of those wishing to be baptized in the basics Orthodox doctrine and was performed only a few times a year, and most of the baptisms occurred on the day of Epiphany. In order to have time to baptize everyone without sacrificing the beauty and solemnity of the ceremony, they began to set aside two days for this.

– Is the water blessed on the day of Epiphany and on Epiphany Christmas Eve different in its properties?

- No. Both on Christmas Eve and on the day of the holiday itself, the water is blessed in the same way. You need to understand that water becomes holy after church prayer, and not because January 19 has arrived. You can come to the temple for holy water on the previous and subsequent days.

– Is it true that swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany washes away all sins from a person?

- Of course, this is not so! Swimming in an ice hole is folk tradition, but it is not a church sacrament. Today this can be explained this way: when preparing for the holiday, we cleanse ourselves spiritually, and bathing in an ice hole is also a bodily cleansing, just like the morning prayer rule serves spiritual cleansing, and eating holy water and prosphora on an empty stomach - the sanctification of our bodily nature. And remission of sins is possible only during confession in church, in the Sacrament of Repentance.

- There is an opinion that on Epiphany all the water on the planet becomes Epiphany, even from the tap. Is this true?

– If we think broadly, then, of course, we can say that all water is sanctified. But at the same time, it must be clearly understood that water is not sanctified by itself, but due to the fact that there is a Church. It is important to understand that the blessing of water is not a magical act. Grace does not act mechanically, but according to the faith of the Christian. Therefore, a Christian must participate in church prayer and take water from the temple. If he, citing the fact that all the water on the feast of Epiphany is holy, is lazy to go to church, neglects the Rite of Consecration, thus he neglects Divine grace and sins before the Lord. But if a person does not have the physical opportunity to visit the temple (he is sick, the temple is extremely far away), on Epiphany he can draw water from the nearest reservoir or even from the tap, but this must be done with faith and prayer.

– Such a comparison is incorrect. The Divine power of shrines cannot be compared. In church practice, there are two types of water blessing: small and great. Small things are done repeatedly throughout the year (on the holidays of the Origin of the Trees of the Honest and Life-Giving Cross, Midday of Pentecost, on Friday Holy Week on the day of celebration of the icon Mother of God « Life-Giving Source", on church holidays, as a private service at the request of parishioners). Therefore, in this case we are talking about the various gifts of grace.

– What to do with the Epiphany water left over from last year? Does it retain its properties?

– Water consecrated on the feast of the Epiphany or on the eve of it can be used for any time, and not necessarily only until the next holiday. If stored carefully, it will not deteriorate. If it seems to you that Epiphany water is no longer suitable for consumption, you can pour it out, but in no case where we pour all the waste. For this purpose, there are dry wells at temples. You can pour it into running water(open pond).

Speaking about the feast of the Epiphany, one cannot fail to mention one more point. This holiday is one of the most beloved among the people. On this day, tens of thousands of people, not only believers, but also still far from the Church, strive to visit churches to get holy water, standing in huge queues. And, unfortunately, almost everywhere we see the following picture on this holy holiday: swearing, crushing and jostling in lines, the spread of prejudices... But the essence of Orthodoxy is the fulfillment of God’s commandments about love for God and one’s neighbor. We must always remember this, and if we have to stand in line for holy water, we must not grumble, but pray, give in to the weak, and treat those standing next to us with politeness and love.

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