On January 19, the Orthodox Church observes the Feast of Epiphany, one of the twelve major feasts of the Church. This day commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, an act of humility through which Christ sanctified the waters, granting the remission of sins to humanity.
The sacrament of baptism, celebrated on this day, symbolizes the union of a Christian with the body of Christ and His Church. The mystery lies in the invisible grace at work: water cleanses the body, while the Holy Spirit purifies the soul beyond human comprehension.
On the eve and day of Epiphany, Orthodox churches perform the Great Blessing of Water, distributing the sanctified water to the faithful. This holy water is imbued with the grace of the Lord’s blessing of the Jordan River and, unlike ordinary water, does not spoil. Believers are encouraged to keep it throughout the year, using it during times of hardship or illness.
