Agiasmos: Understanding its use and purpose

In the Orthodox Church, the “Great Blessing of the Water” is an important ceremony with a distinct purpose.

The Great Blessing of the Water happens only twice a year during the Feast of Theophany (Epiphany):

• January 5 (Theophany Eve): On this day, the blessing is part of the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, which is typically held in the morning in places like Greece and Australia. The water blessed on January 5 is traditionally used for external blessings, such as sprinkling homes, gardens, and fields, and is not usually consumed. This is because January 5 is a strict fasting day, requiring no food or drink (or oil if it’s a weekday).

• January 6 (Theophany Feast Day): On the actual feast day, the water is blessed again and intended for drinking. Since January 5 is a strict fasting day, Orthodox Christians are allowed to consume this holy water the next day. The holy water can be drunk before consuming antidoron or after receiving Holy Communion.

Many people keep some of this blessed water at home for use throughout the year. To drink it properly, one should have fasted the previous evening. This water is considered so spiritually powerful that those unable to take Holy Communion (due to a canonical reason) are encouraged to drink it as a substitute for its spiritual benefits.

Source: Lessons from a Monastery