According to the Julian calendar, January 5 marks the celebration of Epiphany Eve known as «Kreshtenski Sochelnik,» and January 6 commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. These two important religious holidays hold great significance in the Orthodox Christian faith and are celebrated with special traditions and rituals.
Epiphany Eve, also known as Kreshtenski Sochelnik, falls on January 5 every year. It is a day of fast and prayer, where believers abstain from consuming meat, dairy, and fish products. This day is dedicated to the baptism of Jesus Christ and is considered a preparation for the next day’s celebration. Traditionally, believers gather at the church and attend a special evening service, where they receive a blessing from the priest and light candles to symbolize the light of Christ.
The name «Kreshtenski Sochelnik» comes from the word «sochivo,» which is a special dish made of boiled wheat and honey. This dish is eaten during the evening feast on Epiphany Eve and represents the purity and simplicity of Christ. According to the tradition, the housewife should prepare the sochivo and be the first one to taste it, followed by the other family members. It is believed that the person who finds a coin in their bowl of sochivo will have good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
On January 6, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany, which symbolizes the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. This event is considered one of the most important events in Jesus’ life and is mentioned in all four gospels of the Bible. The baptism of Jesus symbolizes the purification of sins and the start of His ministry on Earth. It is also believed to mark the beginning of the Holy Trinity, as God the Father spoke from heaven, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and Jesus was baptized in the river.
According to the tradition, on the morning of January 6, believers gather at the nearest body of water, whether it is a river, lake, or sea, to participate in the ritual of the «great sanctification of water.» The priest performs a special ceremony, blessing the water and throwing a cross into the water. Believers then jump into the water, trying to retrieve the cross. It is believed that the one who retrieves the cross will be blessed with good health and protection throughout the year.
After the «great sanctification of water,» believers bring the holy water back to their homes, where it is used for blessing and protection throughout the year. It is also traditional to wash your face and body with this holy water for purification and to drink it for its healing properties.
The Feast of Epiphany is also accompanied by a traditional meal, where fish is the main course, symbolizing the fish in the river Jordan. This day marks the end of the Christmas season, and it is customary to exchange greetings and gifts with friends and family.
In conclusion, the Kreshtenski Sochelnik and the Feast of Epiphany hold great spiritual significance for Orthodox Christians. These two holidays remind us of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the importance of faith, purity, and purification. They also bring families and communities together to share in the celebration and to strengthen their bond with God. As we celebrate these holidays, let us remember the blessings and lessons they bring, and may we be guided by the light of Christ in our daily lives.
