Epiphany

On January 18 there comes the Epiphany Eve with obligatory divinations. In olden times entire families took part in festive season’s divinations. This rite has been preserved since paganism.

The festive season comes to an end with Epiphany celebrations in the memory of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Forerunner in the waters of the Jordan River. This holiday is also called Epiphany. According to the legend when Jesus Christ was being baptized, the Holy Spirit as a dove came from heaven, and the voice of God said that Jesus Christ was His beloved Son. During the Epiphany the church sanctifies water. Orthodox Christians have a long-standing tradition to bring home the holy water. The water is believed to possess curable properties.