Value of Holy Water
During
this time many Orthodox Christian will take from the Church bottles of
Holy water to be used throughout the year. It is common for the priest
to come to the home during this period to bless the home with Water that
has been consecrated on the day of Theophany. Here are some thoughts
on the value of Holy Water by Saint John of San Francisco.
On
Theophany, the Day of the Lord's Baptism, every year a great miracle is
performed. The Holy Spirit, coming down upon the water, changes its
natural properties. It becomes incorrupt, not spoiling, remaining
transparent and fresh for many years. This Holy Water receives the grace
to heal illnesses, to drive away demons and every evil power, to
preserve people and their dwellings from every danger, to sanctify
various objects whether for church or home use. Therefore, Orthodox
Christians with reverence drink Holy Water — a great Agiasma (holy
thing), as the Greeks call it.
One
should always have at home enough Theophany water to last the whole
year, and make use of it at every need: in cases of illness, leaving on a
journey, whenever one is upset, students prior to examinations, etc.
People who drink a little Holy Water daily, before eating any kind of
food, do well. It strengthens the powers of our soul—if it is done with
prayer and reverence, and one does not merely expect a mechanical result
from it.
