`From the Jordan came the light of the Holy Gospel, for, as the holy evangelist writes, from that time, that is, the time of Baptism, Jesus began to preach and say: repent of your sins, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus Christ, by His baptism, `drowned in the waters of the Jordan all the sins of the world,` sanctified the nature of water…`

The Lord`s Baptism

About the properties of holy water and its use, told a doctor, as well as the hieromonk of the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra – Father Tikhon. He believes that holy water should be treated specially:

`It should be taken on an empty stomach. A person gets up, crosses himself, asks for God`s blessing for the starting day, washes, recites prayers, and takes the great sanctity (a teaspoon of baptized water and a piece of holy bread).
And only after that breakfast and other tasks. Mothers should also accustom their children: every morning on an empty stomach to take a teaspoon of baptized water.`

Father Tikhon also urges believers not to collect holy water in large cans and jars: `No need for cans, no need. Because baptized water is taken by the teaspoon, a little bit. The Church Fathers say: a drop of sanctity sanctifies the sea. You can take ordinary, unconsecrated water and add a drop of baptized to it, and then it all becomes consecrated.`

Many believers consider holy water the best medicine for spiritual ailments, as well as physical ills. Hieromonk Tikhon also believes in the power of baptized water:
`There are dozens, hundreds of cases where a person has risen even from the deathbed after systematic use of holy water.
Often spiritual fathers `prescribe` baptized water to their sick spiritual children – a teaspoon every hour, with faith, of course, but without faith, even if you drink half a can – it won`t help. You can also wash the sick with it, sprinkle on his bed.`

Father Tikhon stores holy water in the icon corner, next to the icons. In no case should it be put in the refrigerator, because nothing will happen to holy water, it won`t spoil. For storage, it`s best to choose a glass or ceramic container and definitely close it with a lid.

Baptism – an amazingly holy feast! Be sure to go to the service in the house of God on January 19, it is unusually beautiful. And, of course, get baptized water, but within reason, so that a teaspoon is enough for the whole year.