Epiphany: when and how to celebrate, is it necessary to swim in an ice hole

On January 19, Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany and Epiphany. When and how some of the most important church holidays are celebrated – in the material of Kommersant.

When is Epiphany celebrated?

Epiphany ends the Christmas holidays, which last 12 days after Christmas. The date does not change from year to year: it is celebrated on January 19.

The holiday appeared during the lifetime of the apostles in memory of how the prophet John the Baptist (also known as John the Baptist) baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The Epiphany of the Lord is included in the list of the twelve holidays – 12 most important events from the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. It is described by the apostles Luke, Mark and Matthew.

How to celebrate Epiphany

Before Epiphany, believers observe a one-day fast. The basis of the diet on January 18 is porridge made from cereals, honey and raisins, which is called “sochivo”.

On Epiphany, a festive liturgy takes place, and baptisms are often held. An important part of the holiday is the blessing of water. Water consecrated on Epiphany Eve or Epiphany is called agiasma (translated as “great shrine”). It is believed that it remains fresh for several months or even years and has miraculous properties.

In Rus’, before Epiphany, special ice holes were prepared, which were called Jordan. Most often they were made in the form of a circle or a cross, with a cross made of wood or an ice dove placed nearby. After the liturgy, the parishioners walked in procession to the ice hole, where the priest blessed the reservoir with prayer and three times the immersion of the cross. Then the believers could collect as much water as they considered necessary.

Swimming in an ice hole, on the contrary, is considered not a church tradition, but a folk tradition. They swam in the icy water to cleanse themselves of sins, including fortune-telling at Christmas time. Some clergy consider such bathing to be an echo of superstition and recommend replacing it with attending a festive liturgy and confession.

What is the difference between Baptism and Epiphany?

The Baptism of the Lord and the Epiphany occurred almost simultaneously. The Gospel says that after the baptism of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove over the Jordan River, and a voice was heard from heaven: “You are my beloved son.” Believers believe that this is how the Holy Trinity appeared before people: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Despite the calendar coincidence, Epiphany and Epiphany are celebrated separately by decision of the Council of Chalcedon – starting in 451.