Every year, on the eve of Theophany (January 6), in all the active churches and monasteries of the Orthodox Church, the ritual of the “Blessing of Water” is performed. This sacrament, through which prayers are offered for God’s blessing upon the water and for the purification and sanctification of those who partake of it, commemorates Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan, also known as Jordanovden (the Day of the Jordan).
The earliest followers of Christ baptized new members of the Church on the night of Easter, as baptism essentially signifies humanity’s mystical participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the “likeness” of death—in the baptismal font—the baptized person unites with the Risen Lord, who, through His death, conquered death. Through the Holy Spirit, which sanctifies the sacrament, God forgives the believer’s sins and grants them strength to overcome all evil. In this way, the purifying power of water, which symbolically washes away sins, prepares the soul for union with God through the sacrament of baptism.
“In the early Church, during the first centuries, Christians were baptized only on specific days of the year, unlike today, when baptisms happen daily,” says Father Bozhidar Marinov from the temple of the “Exaltation of the Holy Cross of the Lord” in the capital city. “These days were Easter, Pentecost, and Theophany. In fact, on the eve of the Lord’s Baptism, thousands of believers would prepare for baptism. They were baptized on January 5, and from that time, the custom of the Blessing of Water has remained as a commemoration of these baptisms. On January 6, the water is blessed again. The so-called ‘holy water’ is kept throughout the year and is used when we need spiritual support. St. John Chrysostom calls it the ‘second communion’ because it cannot be consumed casually but requires preparation and reverence. We must take it on an empty stomach to receive the Holy Gifts of the Spirit with which it has been sanctified.”
Since then, it has been a rule that on this day (January 5), there is strict fasting, except when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday. This one-day fast concludes the ten-day period from the Nativity of Christ to Vodici (the Baptism). During this ten-day period, according to the Church, fasting is not observed to celebrate the Savior’s birth. Fasting is also not observed on Theophany itself, as it is a major feast of the Lord. On both days—Vodici and Theophany—the service is solemn, and the water is sanctified after the liturgy.
According to the New Testament, when Jesus Christ went to John the Baptist and was immersed in the waters of the Jordan River, He sanctified all of nature’s waters by blessing the river. Therefore, on the feast itself, as well as on its eve, it is believed that water in all reservoirs is sanctified through the Great Blessing of Water.
“But the most significant aspect of this Baptism is that, at this moment, God Himself is revealed,” emphasizes Father Bozhidar. “His voice resounds with the words: ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ At this moment, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to humanity that He would send a Savior. With His birth, Christ came to earth, but somewhat invisibly. The shepherds saw Him, as did the wise men and a few others. Now, He reveals Himself to all of society and begins His public ministry. On one hand, God is revealed to us, but His mystery cannot be fully uncovered because God is incomprehensible in His essence. On the other hand, it becomes even more challenging to comprehend because the person of the Old Testament is not prepared to see God. Yet, He Himself reveals His Son, and we must recognize Him as Lord. This is, in fact, the Great Mystery presented to humanity—to live with Him and the life He has given us.”
In this way, through Theophany, the beginning of the new life of Christ’s followers is established, calling them to follow in the footsteps of their Savior.
CREATED by:
“KORÇA BOOM”
