The Baptism of the Lord is Orthodox holiday, which is celebrated on January 19. There are many beliefs and traditions associated with it. One of these traditions is ice-hole diving.

Unfortunately, not everyone knows the history of this custom, the time when exactly one can practice Epiphany bathing and how to do it correctly. In order for diving into an ice hole to be beneficial, you must know all the rules of this dive, as well as take into account all possible contraindications related to health conditions.

When to swim in the ice hole for Epiphany 2018, at what time: history, rules and beliefs of the holiday

The history of the great Christian holiday, Epiphany, goes back many centuries into the past. When, in the Jordan River, the prophet John the Baptist carried out the baptism of the son of God, Jesus Christ. According to legends, it was at that moment that the tradition of diving into an ice hole was born. It is believed that the most desirable time for this ritual is January 19 from 00:10 to 01:30. Ancient legends say that this is exactly the moment when water becomes healing and helps wash away sins and improve health.

To comply with the rules of the holiday, on January 18 it is advisable to go to church for the evening liturgy and read a prayer there. When going to the service, it is worth taking a clean container with you in order to bring home the holy Epiphany water. Starting at midnight, after the end of the liturgy, you can go swimming. Dipping into the ice hole is allowed only in places designated in advance. A Jordan is first cut into the ice - an ice hole in the shape of a cross. Before giving permission for bathing, the priest must lower the crucifix into the water and read a prayer.

When to swim in the ice hole for Epiphany 2018, at what time: is it necessary to do this?

The rector of the Church of the Martyr Tatiana at Moscow State University, Vladimir Vigilyansky, claims that Epiphany bathing is enough new tradition. And also that he had not come across any mention of it in the historical literature about Ancient Rus', not in notes pre-revolutionary Russia. The rector believes that the church does not force anyone to dive into the ice hole. Each person decides for himself which legends to believe and which rituals to perform. The more important thing is not whether the believer will plunge into the ice hole on this day, it is important that everyone comes to the Epiphany Liturgy and receives communion.

When to swim in the ice hole for Epiphany 2018, at what time: precautions for Epiphany bathing

Those who are determined to take a dip in the ice hole on January 19 should know that you cannot swim in icy water on an empty stomach, but... alcoholic drinks is strictly prohibited both the day before, during and after swimming. Before plunging, you need to move around to warm up your body. Under no circumstances should you enter the water too quickly or dive headlong, so as not to cause shock by these actions. You only need to plunge three times; you cannot stay in the water for more than 30 seconds. After leaving the water, you must immediately dry yourself with a towel and change into warm, dry clothes. After which, it is advisable to drink tea. Also, do not forget about contraindications. Thus, people with cardiovascular diseases, impaired nervous system, with diseases of the organs of vision, breathing and genitourinary system, as well as children and pregnant women - dipping in ice holes is strictly PROHIBITED.

The first swim in an ice hole at Epiphany arose as a tradition after the adoption of Christianity in Kievan Rus in 988. January 19 religious holiday- Baptism of the Lord, during Divine Liturgy a great consecration of the water, which has healing power. It is generally accepted that all water elements on this day acquire miraculous properties that strengthen bodily and mental strength.

What does swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany mean?

The ice hole in which people swim is called the Jordan; people come to it after a solemn service; it is not customary to plunge into the water without the prayer of the priest. The priest blesses those who wish to perform the ritual of bathing at Epiphany - he reads a prayer before the wormwood and immerses the cross in it three times, only after completing the prayers can the ritual be performed. Prescribing to tradition the property of cleansing and washing away sins is wrong; in order to get rid of sins one must repent and...

Where did swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany come from?

The holiday to which the tradition is attached is the most ancient - the Epiphany of the Lord was introduced as a separate event in church service around 377. On this day, ancient Christians came to the Jordan, the place where Jesus Christ was baptized. Ritual of Epiphany bathing - folk tradition which a person performs according to personal desire, there are no church regulations on this issue. Water blessed on this day has special properties, which has been proven by scientific research.

What benefits does swimming in an ice hole give at Epiphany?

If we consider the question of what bathing at Epiphany gives, we should understand what a person expects to receive from such actions. Taking a dip in the water in Epiphany frosts is not so easy even with great desire. The main thing is to have faith that water has the ability to heal ailments, and the procedure will not cause harm; the desire to pray is to entrust one’s needs into the hands of God.

Swimming in cold weather helps improve immunity - sudden changes in temperature activate the release of hormones into the blood that have a protective effect on negative changes in the body's functioning, blood pressure decreases, and a surge of energy comes. Marking yourself with a cross three times before diving into the ice hole is a mandatory condition.

Epiphany bathing - pros and cons

The tradition of bathing at Epiphany is a test of a person's willpower. Doctors state the fact that the percentage of people who get sick after such “procedures” is insignificant. According to the stories of those who have swum, in the first few minutes a person is seized by euphoria, the body becomes unusually light, grace is felt in the soul, and a rush of special indescribable sensations comes.

Risking poor health for unforgettable dives is prohibited. The Church does not oblige or order believers to perform such a ritual; it is not part of the holiday. By skipping a swim, a person does not lose grace. On the day of the Baptism of the Lord, you need to come to church for prayer, you can confess and take communion, sprinkle yourself and your home with sacred water brought from the temple.

When do they swim in the ice hole at Epiphany?

January 18 - Epiphany Eve, it is generally accepted that after the consecration of water in churches on this day, it becomes healing in all water sources, and retains such properties for several subsequent days. The bathing itself at Epiphany does not begin without the blessings of the priest; the consecration of places for immersion occurs after the festive services on the morning of January 19.

How to prepare for swimming at Epiphany?

Some tips on how to prepare for Epiphany swimming in the ice hole. For an unseasoned person, such a dive is stressful; minimize the consequences of exposure cold water possible by pre-hardening the body. A few days before, it is advisable to take it, go out onto the street or balcony for a few minutes in summer clothes - shorts and a T-shirt, rub down with a damp towel dipped in cold water, practice dousing with low-temperature water.

Epiphany bathing - rules

The rules for bathing at Epiphany can be divided into parts. The first and most important point- when performing such an act, a person must pray: for the salvation of the soul, for loved ones, ask for God’s help for healing from illnesses. Diving into water for fun or under the influence of alcohol for testing purposes thrills- wrong, expecting healing of body and soul afterwards is unacceptable.

There are a lot of medical advantages that bathing at baptism is beneficial for - increased ability to work, allergic reactions in the body, depression, insomnia, pain in the joints and back. Attacks of bronchial asthma are significantly reduced, blood circulation is normalized. When diving, the body temperature approaches forty degrees; in a few minutes, numerous armies of viruses and bacteria die in the body - the functioning of the immune system increases.

Is it possible to get sick while swimming at Epiphany? Yes, because stressful immersion in water can cause a number of unpleasant consequences in a weakened body. Diabetics experience a sharp increase in blood sugar levels, heart patients experience attacks of arrhythmia and hypertension, and cancer patients experience unwanted suppression of the immune system. Swimming is prohibited for those suffering from flu and acute respiratory infections.

Is it dangerous to swim in an ice hole on Epiphany?

Discussions about the dangers of swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany are a serious issue. Organization of the venue - main criterion choice for those who want to plunge. Coming alone to unprepared, sparsely populated ice holes is undesirable, this is a direct threat to human health and life; in the event of an unexpected reaction of the body to cold water, there must be people ready to provide qualified assistance. Tips on how to properly swim in an ice hole at Epiphany:

• undressing is carried out in several stages - remove outer clothing, allow the body to adapt, then undress to a swimsuit;
• walk in the snow - give a signal to the body, through the receptors of the feet, to turn on a protective reaction to the cold;
• after being in the water, change clothes; you cannot put dry clothes on top of wet ones;
• Drinking alcohol to warm up after the procedure is not recommended.

Orthodox people celebrate Epiphany, or Epiphany, on January 19, and the day before, on the 18th, they celebrate Epiphany Eve. There is a popular tradition among believers - to swim on this day. How to plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany without harming your health? We will try to sort this out.

Baptism is an important event in the Orthodox religion

On this day, believers celebrate two events in the history of religion at once - the baptism of the Son of God by John the Baptist in the waters of the river called Jordan, and the appearance of the Trinity of God, that is, the Epiphany. They say that from the moment of Baptism, Jesus Christ began to come out to people.

Epiphany completes the cycle of Christmas holidays and requires special preparation. How is it observed before Christmas? strict fast, and on the eve of Epiphany it is necessary to adhere to the same strict Epiphany Eve.

Swimming in Jordan - healing the soul and body

For the holiday, they make an ice hole in the shape of a cross and call it “Jordan,” which was the name of the river in which Jesus was baptized. On the night of January 19, absolutely all water becomes holy, even from the tap. But on this day, believers still go to church to bless it and light a candle. used to cure diseases, strengthen morale and physical strength, removing the evil eye and damage. You can wash your face or drink the holy liquid in small sips. It is used to consecrate a home with all its belongings, as well as a barn where livestock are kept. But plunging into an ice hole for Epiphany is an optional procedure, especially if a person is not ready for this, either morally or physically. This step should be approached consciously and with faith in the heart.

Diving into an ice hole for Epiphany is an act that not everyone can do. Firstly, frost and icy water are very difficult to withstand, even with psychological point vision, and secondly, some believers are prohibited from doing this for health reasons.

How to plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany? This procedure means washing three times, not necessarily with the head. Before this, you must cross yourself and say a prayer, traditionally this is “Our Father.”

What happens to the human body when immersed in ice water

Swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany is possible even without a special hardening procedure. The human body is accustomed to periodic cold, which allows it to tolerate low temperatures. It is very important to prepare mentally before swimming in an ice hole for Epiphany, and also to observe everything. Next, we will consider what basic processes occur in the human body during immersion in cold water.

• As soon as the human body comes into contact with ice water, the central part of the brain instantly awakens, its work intensifies.
• Ultra-low temperatures are perceived by the body as severe stress. Basically, this situation has a positive effect - pain relief occurs, spasm goes away, inflammation is relieved and swelling decreases.
• When immersed in water, a person’s body temperature reaches forty degrees. At first glance this is very bad, but in fact there is no harm from it. This temperature lasts for just a few seconds, and for this a short time Various microbes, harmful bacteria, and viruses have time to die in the body.

For whom is such a sacrament taboo?

How to plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany without causing harm to yourself? Before you go swimming, you should consult your doctor. After all, there are many people for whom such events are taboo. There are various diseases for which swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany is strictly prohibited, as this can be fatal.

These include the following pathologies:

• hypertension, angina pectoris - high blood pressure is fraught with a sudden sharp narrowing of blood vessels, which can lead to such serious consequences as a stroke;
• hypotension (low blood pressure) - a sudden change in temperature is fraught with fainting, after which a person’s life is completely dependent on rescuers and doctors;
• inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs (nose, throat, ears);
• problems of the cardiovascular system;
• epileptic seizures, traumatic brain injuries, atherosclerosis;
• neuritis, polyneuritis;
• high blood sugar levels, thyrotoxicosis;
• eye diseases;
• pathologies (tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma);
• inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
• digestive diseases (ulcers, enterocolitis, hepatitis);
• venereal diseases;
• allergic reaction to cold.

The benefits of winter swimming

After hardening the body with cold, it is worth noting the following positive points:

Disadvantages of winter swimming

It should be remembered that along with the advantages there are often disadvantages:

• breathing becomes frequent and deep;
• there is a very fast heartbeat, there is a high probability of developing arrhythmia, hypertension;
• Blood sugar levels increase significantly, which can trigger the development of diabetes;
• cholesterol in the blood increases, which is fraught with the appearance of atherosclerosis;
• immunity against cancer is suppressed;
• the body's protective functions aimed at combating seasonal influenza and ARVI viruses are disrupted.

General principles of hardening

If you decide to harden your body, you need to remember that three factors play a huge role in this matter: and sunlight.

There are a few general simple rules:

How to plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany? Now let's try to deal with this issue. If you decide to take a plunge for the first time, then decide why you need it. It’s good if this is real faith, but many perform the sacrament for company with friends or because they lost an argument. You must enter the hole only with true faith and a short but sincere prayer. Words that are addressed to God must come from a pure heart and charge the water with enormous power (at least the Orthodox believe this).

What to take with you?

• Terry towel and warm robe.
• Comfortable non-slip shoes.
• Dry warm clothes.
• Swimsuit or swimming trunks.
• Thermos with tea.
• Willpower and desire.

Ten rules that should not be ignored

Based on the above information, we can highlight the rules for swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany, which in no case should be neglected:

• consultation with a doctor;
• correct choice of ice hole;
• availability of all necessary things;
• warming up before dipping;
• refusal to dive headlong;
• compliance with the time spent in water;
• drinking warm warming drinks;
• abstinence from alcohol.

If the very thought of swimming causes horror, then you shouldn’t do it. Don't forget to pray. Let this bathing bring you only the desired cleansing and benefits.

What date should I swim for Epiphany in 2019? Since for many people this church holiday is associated specifically with visiting the font, this question the day before is one of the most popular. As in the case of Easter, Merry Christmas, believers celebrate Epiphany on the night of January 18 to January 19.

In addition to the fact that the holiday is called Epiphany, it has a second name: Epiphany. It means that in honor of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on the water in the form of a dove, and the Father spoke from heaven.

Interesting! After the sacrament of baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus Christ received remission of all the sins that he had during his life on earth. He came to life for a new spiritual life.

In honor of how Jesus was baptized in the waters of the Jordan River, today on the feast of Epiphany many decide to swim in an ice hole. It is important to understand that swimming is not the most important thing to do. It is more important on the eve of this sacrament to confess and also take communion.

When to bathe at Epiphany

, of course, occurs according to all the laws of the church only after the service is over and the priest blesses the water in the ice hole or font. The first time this happens is on the evening of January 18th. All together, the believers and the priest leave the temple and head to the ice hole (it’s called “Jordan”). There, prayers are read over the water, and then, in honor of the consecration of the waters, a silver cross is lowered into them.

When a person enters the water, he must read a prayer, dive headlong three times and cross himself after each time. You should say the words silently or out loud: “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” If possible, you should not swim in swimsuits, but wear a shirt or long T-shirt on top.

It turns out that baptism has two dates. You can take a dip already in the evening of January 18th on Christmas Eve, after evening service. At this time, the first baptismal blessing of water is held, and you can also plunge into the ice hole throughout the day on January 19th. What is important here is not so much the date and time as the correct spiritual preparation. Only she will help to cleanse the body and soul from sins during winter bathing, to become Right way Orthodox righteous life.

Interesting! On Epiphany Christmas Eve, when a person returns home from church, set the festive table. Traditionally, they put it on it juicy. This is a special porridge made from wheat or barley seeds, or rice with the addition of honey, nuts and dried fruits. Relevant on any festive table.

Signs and traditions for Epiphany

It would also be useful to talk about other traditions, folk and church, that are directly related to this holiday.

It was believed that if a wedding takes place between Epiphany and Maslenitsa, it will bring happiness to the newlyweds. Matchmaking on Epiphany is another very good omen for a long time and happy life. If the frosts on Epiphany are stronger than on Christmas, then in Rus' they believed that this was a clear sign of a good harvest.

It happens that on the 19th the water in the ice hole reaches the very edges. This means that in the spring you should expect high water. When the weather on the day of the holiday is clear and icy, this indicates a dry summer. But if it snows on Epiphany, and in large flakes, this is an important sign that this year’s harvest will be excellent. Another sign is to say that a child born on the day of the Epiphany will be happy and blissful throughout life. It is recommended to give him a jade stone as a talisman.

Answering the question about when to bathe on Epiphany on January 18 or 19, we can safely say that both dates are suitable. Only on January 18 - Epiphany Christmas Eve, you can plunge into the ice hole only after the evening service. As for January 19, the day of Epiphany itself, you can plunge into the ice hole throughout the day.

So, swimming in the ice hole for Epiphany begins on Christmas Eve, January 18th. In the evening, believers go to church for a festive service. After it, the water is blessed, as well as the ice holes. As a rule, this action takes place closer to midnight, and after that you can swim in the ice hole.

From our ancestors

Despite the fact that swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany is not a mandatory church ritual, many believers try to strictly observe this custom. It is quite ancient; in villages, on the eve of Epiphany, an ice hole in the shape of a cross was often cut down.

There are no special rules for swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany. But there are also traditions here. You need to plunge headlong into the ice hole three times. After each time, cross yourself and say: “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

Consecration of the ice hole

Now you know exactly when to swim in the ice hole on Epiphany - this can be done after the evening service on Christmas Eve on January 18. All night from January 18 to 19, as well as the entire day of Epiphany and even several days after the holiday. Water collected on this day in a consecrated ice hole or simply in church vessels retains its healing properties for the whole year and even longer.

After the end of the service, the priest goes to an ice hole near the church. An ice hole in the shape of a cross has already been cut there. Moreover, the cross itself, made of ice, according to an already established tradition, is placed next to it and poured with kvass or beet juice. The priest reads prayers over the water, and then lowers a silver cross into the water. From this moment on, the ice hole is considered sacred and you can swim in it. Of course, after the service, the priests do not have time to go around all the ice holes, therefore, the blessing of water continues the next day.

What to do with blessed water

From the moment the priest illuminated the water, it is no longer just a liquid, but an important shrine. It must be treated with caution and attention. Consecrated Epiphany water charged with strong energy, which provides it with healing properties.

In the morning, on the day of Epiphany, you need to pray and then drink a few spoons of holy water. IN critical days Women should not drink holy water, except during periods of illness. In general, since Epiphany water has strong energy, you do not need to drink it every day. But during periods of weakened condition or illness, you need to drink this water. You can store holy water from Epiphany in a glass vessel next to the icons.

First of all, when a person comes from church with Epiphany water, you need to consecrate your apartment. To do this, all corners of the home are sprinkled in the shape of a cross. It is believed that such a ritual will help protect the house. You can also wash yourself with holy water and let all your loved ones do this.

Bath instead of an ice hole

If you don’t want to risk your health and swim in an open ice hole, then you can set up a font in your bathroom with holy water brought from the church. You need to fill the bathroom with cold water and pour out a glass blessed water. After this, read the prayer three times, hit yourself on the chest three times with your fist. Next, get into the bath and plunge your head three times, saying: “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen". After this, every family member who wishes can bathe in the same home font.