in distant biblical times in the Jordan River was a great event - the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.In his memory the Christian church established holiday - Epiphany.He has another name - Epiphany.The reason is that when the rite Lord appeared simultaneously in three of his divine manifestations: the voice, proveschal from the sky - God the Father;Jesus, baptized in the waters of the river - the Son of God;and a dove descended upon Him - the Holy Spirit.
second most important holiday after Easter
This holiday is celebrated by all Christians of the world.We celebrated it on January 19th and is considered the second most important after the Resurrection.Prayer on Epiphany considered especially grace.It begins on the eve of the celebration of the day, which is called Christmas Eve.On this day, set the post.He and special baptismal prayer of the faithful should prepare for a joyful event.
the evening of the day in all the churches committed holidays and evening Vigil, who, after moving in the morning.This service performed troparia holidays.Troparion - is, in essence, the main Epiphany Prayer.Its content is directly related to biblical events.Thus, in the first of them tells how the prophet Elisha divided the Jordan flow, thereby revealing the prototype of future stop the natural flow of the river at the time of Jesus' baptism.The last troparion describes the mental confusion that experienced by John the Baptist, starting the baptism of the One who created the world.
festive consecration of water
Next read the Gospel and Apostle, which provide evidence of John the Baptist on the divine nature of Jesus Christ.After this begins the Great Vespers, which, inter alia, Old Testament readings (excerpts from the Scriptures) that tell about the divine mission of the Savior.
this evening takes place Great Blessing of Water.It is important to note that it is done twice - in the day and just a holiday, and serve God's grace in both cases is the same.It should be emphasized, as we often hear the relevant arguments.Blessing of the Waters
tradition goes back to very old times.The consecration of the water in the temple, which is read during a special baptismal prayer is done in remembrance of the early Christian baptism of catechumens.It is precisely the Eve of the Epiphany.The consecration of the waters of rivers and lakes on the day of the festival - is the memory of Jesus Christ dipping their hallowed waters of the Jordan.Usually it is accompanied by the godparents moves is called "going to the Jordan."Commits all of the Biblical example of the baptism of Jesus Christ - is the temple.It is believed that the rite of consecration of water made holy Evangelist Matthew, and some prayers on the Epiphany attributed to St. Proclus, in the V century Archbishop of Constantinople.
Christmas dipping in Jordan
become a tradition in this winter holiday plunge into the hole.Usually, it is cut in the shape of a cross - the great cleansing sacrifice.It is believed that the water in this day takes on completely different healing properties.In addition, a dive into the icy water - is also a kind of Christian sacrifice.Before you plunge into a hole, do not read a special baptismal prayer, and just three times Sign of the Cross, shout: "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" and then thrown into the water.This pious tradition requires the courage of its performers.
Prayers for family happiness
What also made this a holiday to pray?Of course, the most expensive, because on that day the whole world is filled with a special divine grace.First of all, it is a prayer for the family.In the Orthodox tradition to treat her to the Blessed Virgin Mary.His marriage to Joseph, she showed the world an example of a true Christian family, which are the basis of life the commandments of God.It is the duty of all Christian families is to imitate this holy family.
in the assembly of the saints there is another name, which should be turned to the prayer of the family - is Barachiel.He was among the three angels, which were under the oak in Mamre to Abraham and his wife Sarah.It was he who announced the imminent couple of granting them a son, Isaac.He is invoked in the event of any family problems, and most importantly - with infertility or seriously proceeding pregnancy.
And, of course, can not forget to pray our main patrons of family life - a holy miracle workers Peter and Fevronia.These Murom Prince and Princess began in Orthodoxy a symbol of marital happiness.Prayer for the preservation of the family hearth, converts them with sincere faith and hope, always heard.Tom over the centuries there was a lot of evidence.
Prayer for maintaining homes
pray for peace in the family, the health of all friends and relatives, it is necessary to pray for the preservation of the troubles of your home.Prayer is always needed for the house, because he is still in this world, supported by the grace of God.It is also subject to all sorts of dangers to save from which we ask our heavenly patrons.In Orthodoxy, so the defense is the one whom the Lord in the old days made with ognepalyaschim sword in hand to guard the gates of heaven.It Archangel Michael.His prayers for the Protection of the house from enemies visible and invisible.
prayers to this holy fertile at any time, regardless of whether it is a holiday or everyday.But at Christmas they have a special power.The most important thing - to say they must be faith.There must be no shadow of doubt that we ask for will be fulfilled.That is the law of prayer.
on the inadmissibility of divination
Over the centuries, has developed a lot of various traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas.There are good and bad, taking its origins from pagan times.First of all, the various plots and sorcery.It must be remembered that the church belongs to them negatively.This is understandable, because the holy day for each person to seek assistance from the dark forces is totally unacceptable.It is a sin, and very hard.Much more worthy - to go to the temple on a festive service, and then to pray at home.Lord Christmas party will hear and fulfill your desires.
