Hieromonk Macarius (Markish), chairman of the department for relations between the church, society and the media of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), refuted the judgments of “some unreasonable people” who say that holy water should be drunk on an empty stomach. The clergyman said that this was prejudice.
“Holy water is a means of consecrating the whole world. When to drink it and to whom to drink – according to the situation. When you want, then drink, this water is for you. Jesus Christ comes into this world for us, he does not need anything from us, God is self-sufficient” – said the hieromonk.
According to the representative of the RCP, in matters relating to holy water, faith and superstition converge. He recalled that God helps those who come to him for help, and is unlikely to help those who “beg for help with one hand and push it away with the other.”
“Do you go to church for worship, participate in the sacraments of the church? If not, then there is reason to think. Isn’t it easier to draw water from the tap?” Hieromonk Macarius offered to think.
When asked why the holy water does not spoil, he said: “We do not know, we do not investigate it.”
Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 19 one of the most ancient and significant Christian holidays – Day Baptism of the Lord. In the morning, a liturgy is served in the churches, and after that, a prayer service for the blessing of water. The water is blessed the day before. Christians believe that holy water has miraculous properties – it helps with illnesses, writes RIA News.
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