It's Time to Cleanse from Sins: Orthodox Christians Celebrate the Baptism of the Lord 0 13

Baptism, like Easter, is considered one of the oldest holidays in Christian culture. This day is associated with the biblical event — the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

We tell the story, meaning, and traditions of the holiday.

Meaning of the Name

The holiday of the Baptism of the Lord is closely linked to the event in the earthly life of Jesus Christ, described by the evangelists — the baptism performed in the Jordan River by the prophet John the Baptist, also known as John the Forerunner. The second name of the holiday is Theophany. This name reminds us of the miracle that occurred during Christ's baptism: the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven called Jesus His Son.

This day was also often referred to as the "Day of Enlightenment," "Feast of Lights," or "Holy Lights" — as a sign that the Sacrament of Baptism cleanses a person from sin and enlightens with the Light of Christ.

History of the Holiday

According to the Gospel, after wandering in the desert, the prophet John the Baptist came to the Jordan River, where the Jews traditionally performed religious washings. Here he began to speak to the people about repentance, talked about baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and started baptizing people in the waters.

When Jesus was 30 years old, He also came to the waters of the Jordan and asked John to baptize Him. After the baptism, "the heavens were opened" and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. At that moment, everyone heard the words of God the Father: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).

They pointed out to John the Baptist and the present crowd the Divine dignity of the baptized Jesus Christ. It is believed that in this event, the Holy Trinity was revealed to the people: God the Father — by the voice from heaven, God the Son — by the baptism from John in the Jordan, God the Holy Spirit — by the dove that descended upon Jesus Christ.

How It Is Traditionally Celebrated

On the Baptism, services and baptizing in ice holes (Jordan) take place. For this, special holes are made in water bodies, and baptismal fonts are set up in the squares of cities and towns. It is believed that bathing in the ice hole provides a cleansing power for the soul and body.

However, bathing in the Jordan remains an exclusively voluntary act for believers. For Christians, the main thing on the Baptism is to attend the service in the church, confess, partake, and receive the baptismal water.

On the eve, January 18, on the Baptism Eve, Orthodox Christians observe a strict fast, consuming a traditional fasting dish made of grains — sochivo. One can only dine after the candle is taken out following the liturgy in the morning and the first communion with baptismal water.

Blessing of the Water

The main tradition of the holiday of the Baptism of the Lord is the blessing of the water, which takes place in churches and at water bodies.

The water is blessed twice: on the eve — January 18, and directly on the day of Theophany — January 19 during the Divine Liturgy.

The baptismal water is called "agiasma" and is considered a holy thing that heals the soul and body. Baptismal water can be consumed throughout the year. Holy water can be sprinkled in living spaces, on items, taken during illness, applied to sore spots, and given to drink to those who cannot be admitted to Holy Communion.

According to church officials, even tap water is blessed on this day. The blessed water from the church should not be used for household needs, washing, or laundry. It is recommended to keep holy water in the house, preferably near icons.