Marina Kirichenko
Blagdan Bogojavljenja, Vodokršće ili Bogojavljanje, završava ciklus zimskih vjerskih slavlja. U Ukrajini, 6. siječnja, slavi se krštenje Isusa Krista u rijeci Jordan. Upravo tada se iznad Kristova ramena pojavila golubica kao simbol Svetoga Duha. Na Bogojavljenje se blagoslivlja voda koja, prema vjerovanjima, ima ljekovita svojstva i donosi blagostanje. Blagoslovljenu vodu čuvaju u kući cijelu sljedeću godinu. Moja mama i baka su koristile blagoslovljenu vodu kako bi smirivale dječje ispade, zaštitile od uroka i slično.
Osim svečanog posta s kutijom, službi i molitava, poseban običaj je kupanje u otvoru na ledu. Na taj oštri zimski dan, na rijeci se izrezuje otvor u obliku križa. Svećenik blagoslivlja vodu uranjajući u nju križ i tri svijeće. A onda svi koji žele zaranjaju u ledenu vodu, moleći se.
Ovaj obred je popularan među mnogim ljudima. Na Vodokršće se često mogu vidjeti poznate osobe, političari i zvijezde koje rado poziraju nakon ledenog kupanja. Vjeruje se da umivanje u svetoj vodi čisti dušu i tijelo. Cijele obitelji to čine svojom godišnjom tradicijom. Naravno, liječnici i svećenici naglašavaju važnost prethodne pripreme i sigurnih uvjeta za takvo uranjanje.
[Slika] Svećenik Aleksandar Čerevko, načelnik crkve Svetog Nikole u selu Pulmo.
#Baptism of the Lord #Sveta tri kralja #Epiphany #Bogojavljanje
Ready to dive in?
The feast of Epiphany, also known as the Baptism of the Lord, or Vodohreshche or Epiphany, concludes the cycle of winter religious celebrations. In Ukraine, on January 6th, we celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and we call it Vodohreshche. It was then that a dove appeared above Christ’s shoulder as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. On Epiphany, water is consecrated, and according to belief, it has healing properties and brings prosperity. Consecrated water is kept in the house for the entire following year. My mom and grandma used holy water to calm children’s tantrums, protect against the evil eye, and so on.
Besides the festive meatless supper with kutia, services, and prayers, a special tradition is swimming in an ice hole. On this harsh winter day, an ice hole in the shape of a cross is cut in the river. A priest consecrates the water by immersing a cross and three candles in it. Then, everyone who wishes can dive into the icy water while reciting prayers.
This ritual is popular among many people. On Vodohreshcha, you can often see famous people, politicians, and celebrities who happily pose after their icy swim. It is believed that washing in holy water cleanses the soul and body. Entire families make this their annual tradition. Of course, doctors and priests emphasize the importance of prior preparation and safe conditions for such an immersion.
Photo of the rector of the St. Nicholas Church in the village of Pulmo Alexandra Cherevka.
Emilija Natalija Habulin
