What to expect from the Baptism of the Lord in 2024 and whether to swim in the hole on this day

According to the Julian calendar of the Lord, Baptism - 2024, when Orthodox Christians bathe in the hole, will come on January 19. Supporters of the new Gregorian chronology began to celebrate the Baptism on January 6, that is, 13 days earlier. This celebration is dedicated to the baptism of John the Forerunner of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, in the waters of the Jordan River. According to legend, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a snow-white dove as confirmation of his divine origin.



Baptism in 2024: when the Baptism of the Lord is bathed - a majestic Christian celebration, it is also called the Epiphany. On the eve of the holiday, believers adhere to strict fasting and eat only fish, cereals and vegetables. The parishioners in advance complete all preparations for the consecration of water and ritual bathing. Since we have winter outside the window, we have to prepare a hole for diving. For this purpose, a large cruciform hole is cut in the ice, steps are laid to the water, and then decorated with spruce branches with ribbons and flowers.



After John baptized Jesus in 2024, he was called the Baptist, and in the history of the Christian Church there was another significant day. Every year, believers began to honor a great event in the life of Christ. At Baptism, they make symbolic dives into local water bodies, following the example of the Son of God. In this way, people express boundless love to the Savior and show their solidarity with him.



The Baptism of the Lord – 2024 will not be an exception, and the Orthodox will plunge into the font or lake on January 19, if they did not do so on the 6th. The hole must first be consecrated by the priest. Then all those who wish to take turns immerse themselves in the water three times with their heads, recite a prayer and get out on dry land. Christians believe that water consecrated on the feast has powerful properties and is able to wash away all sins. They are also convinced that bathing in the hole for Epiphany guarantees a person good health.

In consecrated water it is forbidden to spit, urinate, throw garbage and pour sewage, because it can lose its miraculous power. Next to the font, you can not swear and express yourself in non-literary words, because the water will absorb all the negativity, and then spill it on those present, and bathing will not bring benefits.



On the shore on this day must be on duty rescuers and ambulance workers. Swimming is allowed only in specially equipped places. Swimming in ice water is voluntary. It involves only those who desire it, and are physically and morally ready. Going down into the hole is contraindicated for pregnant women, young children, people with poor health and people under the influence of alcohol. Doctors recommend preparing for swimming in cold water by regular hardening of the body. You can start with pouring cool water, gradually lowering its temperature.

At Baptism, it is customary to go to church, holy water and pray. When communicating with the Lord, you can speak in your own words or read the finished text of the prayer.



Our Lord Jesus Christ, grant me your divine mercy. May holy water purify my sinful soul. Forgive all my sins, whether wittingly or unwittingly committed, and protect from the temptations of the devil. Son of God, grant me your blessing to fulfill your desires. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit! Amen!

Consecrated water is brought home. Since it does not spoil at all, it can be stored for a very long time and used if necessary in Christian rituals. Holy water should be shared with disabled people and people with disabilities who are unable to visit the temple on their own.



It is a sin to work hard and make scandals. It is better to spend time with family or friends in love and harmony, so that during the year nothing darkens your life. Pray and God will bless you!