Holy water for Epiphany 2026: when to collect and how to store

Epiphany is one of the most important Orthodox holidays, which symbolizes the moment of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. This event represents purification and spiritual rebirth, becoming a time of hope and grace for believers. On the eve of the celebration, holy water is of particular importance — a symbol of God's mercy and protection. Izvestia tells us more about when and how to properly collect holy water for Epiphany in 2026 and how to preserve its sanctity throughout the year.

Epiphany in 2026: when is celebrated in Russia

Epiphany is one of the most important Orthodox holidays, symbolizing the baptism of Jesus Christ by the prophet John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This event is considered the Epiphany — the appearance of the Trinity and evidence of the beginning of the Savior's public ministry. In the Orthodox calendar, the holiday belongs to the number of the twelve and has a fixed date — it is celebrated annually on January 19 according to the new style (which corresponds to January 6 according to the Julian calendar).

In 2026, Epiphany falls on Monday, January 19th. On the eve of the holiday, on January 18, Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve, a day of strict fasting and spiritual preparation. On this day, it is customary to abstain from food and prepare for the celebration by reciting prayers.

On January 18, Vespers is celebrated in churches with the Great Consecration of Water, and on the holiday itself there is a Divine Liturgy and water consecration, which are accompanied by processions and prayer processions. Traditionally in Russia on this day, believers plunge into ice holes — separate cut-down areas of reservoirs called "jordans", which symbolizes the purification of the soul and body.

When to collect holy water for Epiphany in 2026

Holy water is one of the main shrines of Orthodox Christians, which is a symbol of purification and grace gained through the baptism of Jesus Christ. In 2026, the tradition of collecting holy water is timed to coincide with the two-fold rite of water consecration, which takes place on the night of January 18-19 and immediately on the day of Epiphany, January 19.

According to church canons, the consecration of water takes place twice: on the eve of the feast, on Epiphany Eve, during the evening service and directly on the feast itself during the Divine Liturgy. Water consecrated on any of these days is considered holy and has equal spiritual power.

It is recommended to collect holy water immediately after the end of the church rite of water consecration, that is:

— on Epiphany Eve, on the evening of January 18, after the All—Night Vigil, water is provided to believers around the clock in many churches starting from this moment;

— On the day of Epiphany itself, January 19, after the morning Liturgy and the great consecration of water, when the priest performs the ceremony both in churches and on rivers, lakes, ice holes;

For believers, this time is a moment of sacred contact with God's grace and an opportunity to collect water for later use throughout the year. The water is collected in clean glass or ceramic dishes, and the procedure itself is accompanied by prayers and reverence. In addition, they collect water from proven sources — from springs, wells, rivers, or baptismal fonts consecrated as part of the rite.

Epiphany in 2026: on what date will the holiday come?

If for some reason it was not possible to obtain holy water on these days, it is allowed to consecrate it yourself at home during epiphany prayers, although the official source will be water from the temple or a natural source.

How to properly store holy water

It is believed that it is best to store holy water in a clean glass or ceramic vessel with a tightly closed lid to prevent the ingress of foreign odors and impurities. It is important to place the vessel with water in a specially designated clean and darkened place, preferably next to icons and other church attributes. This will help to maintain the spiritual purity and special status of water.

It is not recommended to place the vessel on the floor or near food and household chemicals in order to avoid mixing holy water with mundane objects and preserve its sanctity. Holy water should not be stored in the refrigerator, boiled, frozen, or left uncovered, as this may impair its properties.

Holy water does not spoil for a long time, it is often stored until the next Baptism — about a year. However, the clergy advises regular consumption of holy water, preventing its forgetting and stagnation.

If the water has lost its properties (has changed its smell or has become cloudy), it should be carefully poured into a place where it will not be polluted — into a flowing pond, to flowers, trees or bushes in the yard, preferably in a place where children and animals do not go. Spilled holy water should not be drained into the sewer, sink or into the street, where it can get into the dirt. For convenience and to avoid accidental loss or desecration, it is advisable to sign bottles with holy water, for example, "Holy Water", so that family members treat it with respect.

Priests recommend using holy water for drinking in the morning on an empty stomach, washing, sprinkling at home, as well as for prayers and spiritual practices. It is considered the strongest protective agent that protects the house and its inhabitants from evil and disease. Following these simple rules, everyone will be able to preserve holy water in its healing and spiritual power throughout the year.