Holy Water
Water is one of the most ancient of religious symbols, and has a key role in Sacred Scripture. At the very beginning of the Creation of the world, inchoate, formless matter is referred to as water. “In the beginning,” after God created Heaven and the earth, “The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2) According to the Biblical account of the creation of the world, it was out of the waters that the first living creatures came – “the moving creature that hath life,” fish, “every living creature that move, which the waters brought forth abundantly.” Water also plays a very important role in the life of man, created “from the dust of the earth.”
Holy water then, is water that has been blessed by a bishop or priest for use in the rites of the Orthodox Church including baptism, blessing persons, places, and objects or as a means of repelling evil. The deeply rooted practice in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, holy water, known as “Tebel” in Amharic, is a significant element of worship and ritual, believed to have healing and purifying powers. It is used in various ways, including for exorcism, treating illness, and purifying individuals. It can be poured onto people or consumed by drinking. Holy water is sometimes sprinkled on items or people when they are blessed, as part of the prayers of blessing.
Saint John Chrysostom has said that the Water of Theophany remains unspoiled for many years, being fresh, pure and pleasing as if it has been drawn from a living spring at this moment. This is the miracle of God’s grace, which even now everyone can see!
Symbolism and Meaning
Holy Water carries layers of symbolism that connect deeply with the core of Orthodox Christian beliefs:
• Liturgical Functions: Holy Water is essential in various sacraments and ceremonies, including baptisms, (Holy Water serves as a reminder of baptism, a sacrament where individuals are cleansed of sin and spiritually reborn in Chris) the consecration of churches, and the ordination of clergy. It is also used to bless icons and other sacred objects.
• Purification: It is used to bless homes, people, and objects, driving away evil influences and sanctifying them. A common tradition involves priests visiting homes to bless them with Holy Water, particularly around Theophany. This ritual consecrates the living space and invites divine protection.
• Healing: Many believers attribute healing powers to Holy Water, using it in prayers for physical and spiritual well-being.
A Theological Perspective
In Orthodox theology, Holy Water is more than a symbolic ritual. It represents a real and active connection to the divine. Through the sanctification process, the water becomes imbued with the presence of the Holy Spirit, serving as a physical manifestation of God’s grace in the material world. This belief underscores the Orthodox emphasis on the sanctification of creation and the integration of the spiritual and physical realms.
Cultural Expressions of Holy Water Practices
Cultural traditions surrounding Holy Water vary across Orthodox communities. In Russia, for example, believers often gather to collect Holy Water during Theophany, sometimes drawing it from rivers through ice holes to commemorate Christ’s baptism in the chilly waters of the Jordan. Similar practices exist in other Orthodox cultures, each adding unique dimensions to the shared faith.
A Sacred Connection
Holy Water in Orthodox Christianity is a beautiful testament to the faith’s holistic view of life. It intertwines the earthly with the divine, offering a means for believers to experience God’s grace in tangible ways. Whether for blessing, healing, or protection, Holy Water serves as a powerful reminder of God’s presence in the lives of the faithful. By embracing its sanctity, Orthodox Christians find a profound connection to their spiritual heritage and a source of divine strength for their daily journey.
Homilies on Orthodoxy’s pages