Epiphany Eve has arrived: the true Story and Holy Traditions on January 18
Epiphany Eve, which is celebrated on January 18, is considered in the Orthodox tradition to be a day of spiritual preparation for the feast of the Epiphany. On this day, believers observe fasting, participate in divine services and prepare for the Great Consecration of Water. About the meaning of Epiphany Eve, its history, church traditions and rules of fasting — in the material of Izvestia.
Epiphany Eve: what kind of day is it and what is its meaning?
Epiphany Eve is the eve of the feast of the Epiphany (Epiphany of the Lord). On this day, one of the strict one-day fasts in the Orthodox tradition is observed. The meaning of the day is to focus on prayer and inner cleansing before the great church celebration, rather than on external rituals and beautiful rituals.
— Every big holiday in the church has a day of celebration, the so-called eve of the holiday. But two special holidays, Epiphany and Christmas, also have a special name for this day," deacon Daniel Pronin, choir director, tells Izvestia.
In church terminology, January 18 is called the Epiphany of the Epiphany. Historically, the tradition of strict fasting on the eve of the holiday dates back to the early centuries of Christianity and persisted even when Christmas and Epiphany began to be celebrated separately.
According to Maxim Kurlenko, the priest and rector of the Church of the Presentation of the Lord in the village of Chemursha, Epiphany Eve is always celebrated on January 18 in the church calendar. The name of the holiday comes from the word "sochivo" — a lean dish that is prepared on this day.
How Epiphany Christmas Eve appeared: the true story of the holiday
Early Christians associated the Epiphany with the memory of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan, when the Trinity appeared to the world. In the ancient church, strict fasting on the eve of the Epiphany was perceived as a special preparation, close in meaning to a penitential attitude before major holidays.
— The history of Epiphany Eve goes back almost to the very beginning of the church. Then, on the day before the Epiphany, catechumens were baptized — people who wanted to be baptized," notes Pronin.
Initially, there was no separate Christmas holiday, says Pronin. According to him, both the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord and the celebration of Christmas were January 6 in the old style — January 19 in the new. Later, Christmas was postponed to December 25 in the old style and January 7 in the new style.
In Russia, Epiphany Eve eventually became overgrown with folk customs, but the church tradition invariably placed worship, prayer and the consecration of water at the center. At the same time, the church emphasizes that fortune—telling and magical practices are not part of Orthodox piety and are considered as a sinful habit that came from pre-Christian times.
What is customary to do on Epiphany Eve: church traditions
The main church event on Epiphany Eve is the divine service. According to Pronin, its key feature is that a special rite is performed not only on the feast of Epiphany, but also on the eve of January 18.
Another important event on Christmas Eve is the Great Consecration of Water. This rite is performed in memory of the Baptism of the Savior and is held both on January 18 and 19. Since the order of consecration remains unchanged, the water consecrated on Christmas Eve and on the holiday itself does not differ according to church tradition.
— The priest reads the same prayers for the consecration of water. Therefore, superstitions related to the fact that one water is Epiphany and the other is Epiphany have no basis in fact," confirms Kurlenko.
Great Hours, Vespers and Liturgy are served in churches on this day (in some cases, according to the statutory features, if the holiday falls on a weekend). Believers collect epiphany water (agiasm), keep it at home and treat it as a shrine, using it reverently and prayerfully.
Fasting on Epiphany Eve on January 18: basic rules
On Epiphany Eve, strict fasting is prescribed: traditionally, food is taken once after the consecration of water, and if the evening falls on Saturday or Sunday, fasting can be facilitated. Abstinence itself is interpreted not as a "diet", but as a discipline for the sake of a prayerful attitude and attention to one's own actions.
— Fasting is not a diet. It is conceived as a work on oneself, a struggle with one's passions and temptations. Food restriction is something that almost everyone can do. It is much easier to limit yourself to eating than to fight your inner passions, which are so strong that you can fight them all your life and never eradicate them. That is why the times of fasting are given in order to try to make your soul cleaner, at least for a short time," says Pronin.
According to Pronin, believers are advised to determine the measure of fasting individually, discussing it with a priest if necessary. For those who are just starting to fast, there are allowances.
The deacon reminded that strict dietary restrictions do not apply to pregnant women, people with certain diseases and those who need animal products for health reasons or working conditions. According to him, the church proceeds from the principle of a reasonable measure and does not require fasting to the detriment of health.
Pronin recommends cleaning before Epiphany Eve. And on the holiday itself, visit your loved ones, treat yourself to juice and visit the church.
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