Liturgy & Worship
Holy Water (Agiasmos)
Water blessed by priestly prayer and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Two forms: Great Blessing of Water (at Theophany, January 6, commemorating Christ's baptism in the Jordan) and Small Blessing (throughout the year). Used for blessing homes, objects, and persons. Drunk by the faithful after fasting. The Great Blessing makes the water truly sanctified.
Sources
- Euchologion (Service of the Blessing of Waters) OCA, the services
- St. John Chrysostom, Homily on the Baptism of Christ CCEL, the Fathers