“Epiphany”: a holiday overgrown with superstitious traditions. Baptism in the Catholic Church

is a near-Earth object with a diameter of about 30 meters. It was discovered on August 29, 2006, when it was at a distance of 4.5 million km. from our planet. Scientists observed the celestial body for 10 days, after which the asteroid was no longer visible through telescopes.

Based on such a short observation period, it is impossible to accurately determine the distance at which asteroid 2006 QV89 will approach the Earth on September 09, 2019, since the asteroid has not been observed since then (since 2006). Moreover, according to various estimates, the object may approach our planet not on the 9th, but on another date in September 2019.

As for whether 2006 QV89 will collide with Earth on September 9, 2019 or not - the likelihood of a collision is extremely low.

Thus, the Sentry System (developed by the JPL Center for NEO Studies) shows that the probability of a body colliding with the Earth is 1:9100 (those. about one ten thousandth of a percent).

The European Space Agency (ESA) estimates the chance of an asteroid crossing its orbit with our planet as 1 in 7300 (0,00014 % ). ESA placed 2006 QV89 in 4th place among celestial bodies posing a potential danger to Earth. According to the agency, the exact time of “flight” of the body on September 9, 2019 is 10:03 Moscow time.

In both Orthodoxy and Catholicism, Easter always falls on Sunday.

Easter 2020 is preceded by Lent, which begins 48 days before the Holy Day. And after 50 days they celebrate Trinity.

Popular pre-Christian customs that have survived to this day include dyeing eggs, making Easter cakes and curd Easter cakes.

Easter treats are blessed in the church on Saturday, the eve of Easter 2020, or after the service on the day of the Holiday itself.

We should greet each other on Easter with the words “Christ is Risen,” and respond with “Truly He is Risen.”

This will be the fourth game for the Russian team in this qualifying tournament. Let us remind you that in the previous three meetings, Russia “at the start” lost to Belgium with a score of 1:3, and then won two dry victories - over Kazakhstan (4:0) and over San Marino (9:0). The last victory was the largest in the entire existence of the Russian football team.

As for the upcoming meeting, according to bookmakers, the Russian team is the favorite in it. The Cypriots are objectively weaker than the Russians, and the islanders cannot expect anything good from the upcoming match. However, we must take into account that the teams have never met before, and therefore unpleasant surprises may await us.

The Russia-Cyprus meeting will take place on June 11, 2019 In Nizhniy Novgorod at the stadium of the same name, built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Start of the match - 21:45 Moscow time.

Where and what time do the national teams of Russia and Cyprus play:
* Venue of the match - Russia, Nizhny Novgorod.
* Game start time is 21:45 Moscow time.

There are things that 80% of the citizens of our country do, without even thinking much about why and why they are doing it. Simply because it’s customary and everyone does it! Such actions include the rite of baptism.

A child is born, and over time, most parents look for future godfathers... In this article we will tell you what deep meaning the church puts into baptism and why you should not take preparations for the sacrament lightly.

Why is this being done?

The sacrament of baptism washes away all sins from a person, including the original (the one that Adam and Eve committed - it is reflected on each of their descendants, that is, in fact, on all people). In other words, this is the spiritual birth of any Christian.

In terms of its importance for a person’s spiritual life, baptism is one of the seven most important Christian sacraments:

• baptism,
• Confirmation (goes with baptism),
• confession (repentance),
• communion (Eucharist),
• wedding,
• priesthood (ordination as deacons, elders or priests, as well as bishops or bishops),
• unction or blessing of oil (usually performed at the bedside of a sick person).

What is needed for baptism

• Cross. Some godparents save themselves in advance by buying a gold or silver cross, which the priest blesses. If this does not happen, don’t worry - there is always an ordinary pectoral cross in the church. The material is not so important, the ritual itself is important.

• Kryzhma. According to tradition, the godmother buys it. This is a special diaper or towel with embroidered crosses (these days you can order a whole set with embroidered napkins, decorated with the baby’s name, the memorable date of the christening and even wishes for him). They can be replaced with a regular new diaper or towel.
• Candles. Their godparents will hold them in their hands. You can ask for candles in church. By the way, to prevent wax from dripping onto your skin, you can stock up on several handkerchiefs in advance.
• Christening shirt. Some parents carry their baby to church in a regular knitted “bodysuit,” often colored. But do not forget that this day is a holiday for him, so it is better to dress the baby in special white clothes, in which he will look like an angel. Important: in the baptismal attire, the baby’s arms and legs should be easy to open if the ceremony will be carried out by watering the head. Or the baptismal shirt should be easy to remove (if the little one is dipped in water).
• Baptismal certificate. In most churches they are given out at the end of the ceremony. However, find out in advance - maybe in your case you need to buy a “little book” and bring it with you so that the priest fills it out?

According to tradition, godparents should collect all these things.

After christening, the kryzhma and shirt are kept. Throwing them away or burning them is considered a sin.

Many people believe that if the baby gets sick or has a tantrum, they should wrap him in a “baptismal swaddle” and he will feel better.

Choice of godparents

Some invite relatives (cousins, second cousins, or even siblings), some colleagues, and some close friends. But it’s worth remembering: godparents should not be people with whom you will enjoy sitting at a common table or who can buy expensive gifts for your baby, but those who will take their new “position” seriously.

The task of such people is not only to hold the baby in church one day, but also to introduce the baby into the faith. Let’s say, give a “Bible” for children and a CD with Christian cartoons, teach them to pray, and certainly take them to communion and take them to their first confession (at age 7).

The requirements that the church puts forward for such people:

• these are baptized Christians,
• not alcoholics, drug addicts or mental hospital patients,
• It is also prohibited for monks, parents of a child (even if they are not relatives, but adopted ones), minors and atheists to become godparents,
• and finally, it is not recommended to invite a married couple to this honorary “position,” or young people who are dating each other and have the opportunity to soon become a couple.

But young people (over 18 years old) or pregnant women can be safely invited.

Traditionally, a couple or two pairs of people (men and women equally) are invited to play the role of godparents. However, you can only invite one person. For a boy a man is invited, for a girl a woman is invited.

In some cases, it is allowed to carry out the ceremony without the presence of godparents (if the parents cannot find good people). Then the priest will become the spiritual “father” of the child.

• Godparents wear modest or elegant clothes in non-garish colors to church.
• Women traditionally choose a dress or skirt (not trousers) and cover their heads with a scarf.
• Men should not wear tracksuits or revealing shorts.
• Be sure to have a pectoral cross (if you have forgotten it, you can purchase it at the church).

• Timing. Most priests are sure that the baby should be baptized on the 40th day after birth (although this is not a rule, only a recommendation). Why? It is from this day that the mother of the little one begins to be considered “clean” and can enter the church. And this is mandatory, since along with the baptism of the baby, the priest will read a cleansing prayer over the mother. Although, of course, if the baby is seriously ill, the ceremony can be performed much earlier (there are even small chapels for this in maternity hospitals). And doctors say: it is in the first 2 months after birth that the baby will best tolerate immersion under water. And it will be easier for the priest (godfathers) to hold such a baby in their arms.
• On what day can baptism be performed?? It is believed that in any. However, it is worth checking this in the specific temple you have chosen. Yes, in some churches there is a custom to hold baptism only on Saturday and Sunday, after the Liturgy is completed. In other temples they may tell you that they do not perform such a ritual during Lent (since there are too many services held in the temple at this time). And finally, do not forget about the opening hours of each individual House of God - they may differ.
• Choosing a name. Parents choose a Christian name for their child before the christening. It should not be disclosed: it is believed that such a secret makes the newly baptized invulnerable to the forces of Satan. Only his parents, priest and godparents will know him. And don’t forget to buy your baby a personalized icon of his new heavenly patron. By the way, if the parents have not chosen a name, the priest can recommend it, say, according to the calendar (choosing a saint who is venerated on the day of christening), or simply one that is consonant with a worldly name.

The difference between the rite of baptism in various church denominations

• Greek Catholics. Baptism is carried out by pouring the head or immersing it in water three times. It is advisable to do this in church, but if this is not possible, then at home. In the most difficult circumstances (a person/child is seriously ill, there is no priest nearby), the ceremony can be performed by any Christian - he will be considered the godfather of this person/child.
• Roman Catholics. Baptism is carried out in the church during the Liturgy, in the presence of all believers, who together pray for the health of the baptized person and his family (in special cases, the priest comes to the hospital or home). Children are baptized at the age of several months by pouring water on the head. An adult must prepare for such a ritual for 2 years.
• Orthodox. Throughout the ceremony, the baby is held in the arms of the godparents. The priest asks them symbolic questions three times (“Do you renounce Satan and all his works?”), to which they must answer for the child, “I renounce.” Next, the godparents read the “Creed” (ideally, they should speak by heart, but often the priest reads this prayer, and the godparents repeat it). Next comes the ritual of anointing, and only after that the baptism itself (three times immersion in the font, less often - watering the head).

Most mothers of babies are concerned with the question: why in many churches are mothers asked to leave the temple? Is this really a mandatory rule? In what cases is it not only possible, but also necessary for a mother to be present at baptism? You will receive the answer first-hand - from the priest. somewhat lengthy, but written down with soul, and you will receive the answer to your question in full:

Duration and cost of baptism

• Time. Most often it is 40-45 minutes. However, the ceremony can last up to 2 hours (it all depends on the number of people being baptized).
• Money. According to tradition, baptism is a rite for which no money should be collected (parents or godparents can voluntarily leave donations to the church). However, in some churches there may be a “price list”, which will indicate the amount of donation not only for different types of rituals, but also for additional services - for example, permission to photograph or video film. You can find out specific numbers only in the temple you are interested in. Most often we are talking about an amount from 500 to 2000 rubles.

And in some churches, parents or godparents may be asked to bring not money, but wine (for rituals) and a cake (for Sunday children's school).

If your family is not able to pay for baptism at all, the priest cannot refuse to perform the ceremony.

Adult Baptism

Since adults can themselves renounce Satan and then “take” themselves to church, godparents are not required for their baptism. Although they are desirable, especially if a person understands very little about the chosen faith, an experienced Christian godfather will always help with advice.

Anyone wishing to be baptized must:

• learn Orthodox prayers (primarily the “Creed”, “Virgin Mother of God” and “Our Father”);
• For several days before the ceremony, fast and not attend entertainment (carnal pleasures are also prohibited), and from the evening of the day before baptism, do not drink or eat at all;
• prepare a special white shirt (to avoid embarrassment in church, you need to check in advance whether it becomes transparent when wet - this is especially true for women);
• It’s also worth bringing a towel with you (it doesn’t have to be a kryzhma) and rubber slippers for your own convenience.

Source: https://TayniyMir.com/obryadi/obryad-kreshheniya.html

Baptism of children

This sacrament serves as the door to Christ's Church. Because only the person who has received Baptism can be considered a member. It is not for nothing that this ritual is called the spiritual birth of a person. Jesus Christ told his disciples that no one who is not born from water can enter the Kingdom of God.

So, let's learn about the purpose of this ritual, its subtleties, rules and traditions.

Whether to baptize a child: pros and cons

Translated from Greek, the word “baptism” means “immersion in water.” The ritual is the first and most important sacrament for an Orthodox person. Baptism is the process of immersing a baby in water three times with the clergyman pronouncing the prayers established by the church.

Today, there is debate about the need to baptize children in infancy, when they themselves do not understand anything and do not understand the essence of the ritual.

There are a number of reasons for this, the main one of which is gaining full membership in the Church of Christ. That is, the ritual itself connects the child to God, faith, and makes it possible to take part in other church sacraments. We are talking about communion, confirmation, confession, unction, and wedding. An unbaptized baby cannot be given communion or applied to shrines.

As sad as it is to say this, children often die, and an unbaptized boy or girl will not be buried after death. And parents need to know about this.

During the rite of Baptism, the Holy Spirit descends on the baby. After this, the girl or boy is already under the protection of the Lord God, the Mother of God, and the Guardian Angel. By the way, the child is named after him, focusing on church dates.

Only for a baptized person (and a baby in our case) can one pray in church and send spiritual requests (about health, well-being, good deeds). That is, a baptized child is a child of God, before whom the gates of the temple and the Kingdom of God are open.

As for the arguments against the baptism of young children, they mainly concern the fact that a person must accept faith meaningfully. And children, especially those under one year old, absolutely do not understand what happens to them during Baptism and why it is necessary.

Opponents of the ceremony in infancy believe that a child should be baptized when he understands everything that is happening to him and wants it.

But since from the moment of birth their father and mother are responsible for the children, in this case they also decide that as early as possible their baby will gain the protection of God and grow up healthy and meek.

Baptism of children among Catholics and Orthodox

The main purpose of Baptism for Catholics is the cleansing of the child from original sin, his acceptance into Catholicism, and unification with the Church. In fact, the purpose of the ritual is the same for the Orthodox. Baptism gives a boy or girl the strength to live and protection that is not present at birth.

It is customary for Catholics to baptize a child 4-6 weeks after birth. But the ritual occurs much later. Up to 6 weeks, the baby is baptized in extreme cases, when he is sick or was born weak. In such situations, dad and mom try to help the child gain the protection of higher powers, and with it health.

Usually Catholics notify the priest 2-3 weeks before the desired date.

Church law allows children to be baptized throughout the year, that is, both on holidays and during Lent. But you should first find out about the customs that exist in a particular church. Indeed, in some parishes there is a tradition of holding the baptismal ceremony once a month. However, this is the exception rather than the rule.

Each parent decides exactly how the church baptism ceremony will take place, whether it will be intimate or crowded.

Often, Catholic children are baptized during the holy imsha - a liturgical action in Catholicism, which is similar to the Orthodox Liturgy.

You can also organize baptism in a quiet atmosphere, that is, in a sacristy - a special room near the main hall of the church. A prerequisite for the ceremony is the presence of a crucifix.

Catholics can have godparents who are believers and practicing Catholics who have undergone the rite of baptism. This is the name for the ritual of anointing that takes place in adulthood. The main condition for obtaining the right to become godparents is the consciousness of people who will adequately cope with the role of the child’s second parents.

In Orthodoxy, the same rules apply to godparents. The baptism procedure itself is a little different. A prerequisite for choosing godparents is their belonging to the church, spiritual readiness to take on new responsibilities.

Baptism of children born out of wedlock

The Church always advocates for the birth of children, recognizing abortion as a sin. Therefore, it does not matter from what marriage they were born. The clergy do not ask about this. The priest does not refuse to baptize a child if he is born to a woman living in a civil marriage or without a husband at all.

Recent trends - the birth of babies as a result of surrogacy - cause mixed assessments by clergy and society. However, despite this, such children are also baptized.

Child baptism: godparents (baptism without godparents)

According to church canons, relatives can also be godparents. Grandmothers, aunts, grandfathers, and uncles can calmly baptize a baby by decision of the parents. But the adoptive father cannot become the godfather of the adopted child. This is stated in Rule 53 of the VI Ecumenical Council. Godparents are also called the child's adoptive parents. They don't have to be spouses.

As for baptism without godparents, in case of extreme need you can baptize a baby without godparents, that is, if there are no godparents. This is possible in the event of a complete absence of worthy, true-believing candidates for godparents.

Signs, rules and traditions

What do parents and future godparents need to know when planning to baptize a child? The sacrament traditionally consists of the consecration of oil and water, anointing with oil and the main sacred rite - immersing the baby in water three times.

Water has long been a symbol of purification. Immersion in it is a symbol of repentance. Oil is a symbol of health and healing, peace, and candles play the role of right faith, the censer symbolizes the fragrance of the Holy Spirit.

Traditionally, at baptism, namely during the entire ceremony, the godparents hold the baby in their arms. The boy is usually held by the godfather, the girl by the godmother. You can do this one by one.

After immersing the child in the font, the priest hands him over to his godfather or godmother. They take him in their arms. This is where the name “receiver” comes from. Thus, for the rest of their lives, they take upon themselves the responsibility of raising a child in the spirit of Orthodoxy, teaching faith and piety, introducing them to the Sacraments, and praying for them.

A spiritual relationship is established between the godparents and the baby’s parents.

There are traditions in preparation for the ceremony. The godfather, as a rule, takes upon himself the payment for baptism and the purchase of a pectoral cross. The godmother buys the things necessary for the baptism. This is a towel, a baptismal shirt, a sheet.

There are also signs associated with baptism, but their observance is not at all necessary. So, they say that a woman should be the first to baptize a boy, a man should be the first to baptize a girl. They also say that a person who sees a child for the first time at baptism should put money next to him so that he is healthy. Also, the candle must be lit with the right hand so that the baby is not left-handed. But all this is nothing more than beliefs.

What to give at baptism

The godmother and godfather can discuss in advance what and who will give. Many couples today consult with the baby’s parents about this. After all, before baptism, a child is always given a lot of gifts, and mom and dad know better what is missing.

Usually, if the godfather gives a golden cross, then the godmother gives toys, costumes, overalls, and brings them with sweets so that the baby has a sweet life. You can also choose a memorable gift so that the boy or girl can keep it for a long time as a sign of a spiritual connection with their second parents.

Is it possible to baptize each other's children?

Priests are often asked the question of whether the parents of a child are allowed to become godparents to the children of their godfathers, that is, godparents of their children.

This is allowed, because such an action does not violate spiritual kinship in any way. It only strengthens it. One of the parents may become godfather, for example, of a newborn girl’s godfather.

Only both spouses should not be the adoptive parents of one child.

Baptism of a child by a pregnant woman

The expectant mother is blessed by God for the birth of her baby. This is very good. Therefore, no one and nothing can prevent her from becoming a godmother. This will not affect her child, only impose additional spiritual responsibilities.

And if someone says that pregnant women cannot be baptized, then this is not related to church canons, but rather superstition. Participation in all church sacraments will only benefit the expectant mother.

Child's baptism and godmother's period

According to the institutions of the Old Testament religion, purity (including physical) is an important condition for approaching everything spiritual. In the books of the Old Testament, menstruation was considered physical uncleanness. One should not dare to approach the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of the Lord on such days.

To avoid such situations, parents and godparents must first discuss the date of the ceremony.

Baptism of children during Lent

There is no church prohibition against baptizing children during Lent. But believers avoid doing this most often because after the ritual there is a celebration, and it should be fast.

Any celebrations during Lent are not welcome. Therefore, you can perform only the Sacrament if the child is weak (seven months old, for example) or postpone Baptism until after the end of Orthodox Lent.

Especially for nashidetki.net - Diana Rudenko

Source: http://NashiDetki.net/vospitanie-detej/kreshchenie-detej.html

Differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in theology and rituals, service and structure of the church, sacraments and paraphernalia

Christianity is the largest world religion in terms of number of believers. His followers live on all continents.

However, there is no integrity in the religion. It consists of three main branches - Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism.

• History of the schism
• Number of believers and geography of denominations
• Differences
• Theology
• Construction of churches, regulations of service, clergy
• Sacraments
• Holidays and fasting
• Attributes

History of the schism

In the early period of its existence, the Christian church represented a single whole. Believers performed the same rituals and recognized the same theological traditions. After the division of the Roman Empire into two parts: Western and Eastern, a gradual transformation of the general religious organization began.

In Constantinople, its own religious center was formed, headed by a patriarch. The initial close cooperation between the leaders of the Roman and Constantinople branches gave way to rivalry. As a result, the church split into two parts. Relations were officially severed in 1054.

There were three significant reasons for this:

1. Declaration of the Catholic Pope himself as the head of the entire Christian Church.
2. Rome's claims to leadership in world Christianity.
3. Making changes to the text of the Creed, which Eastern believers considered inviolable.

The clergy of both Christian branches anathematized each other. It was officially abolished only in 1964. However, the schism in the church was not eliminated. Centuries of isolated existence led to the formation of noticeable differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in theology, sacraments, and religious paraphernalia.

Number of believers and geography of denominations

Eastern Christians, after separation, they began to call the western branch the Greek word “catholikos” (“universal”). Currently, Catholicism is the most widespread of the Christian churches. Its adherents number over 1.2 billion people. Catholics recognize the Pope as their supreme head, who is called the vicar of God on Earth.

Followers of Christianity of the Eastern rite, Catholics call orthodox (“correct”) or Orthodox. There are approximately 200 million of them in the world.

Orthodoxy has spread among the Slavic peoples of the CIS countries, as well as in a number of European countries. The Orthodox Church is divided into 15 local churches and has no unified leadership.

The Orthodox call Jesus Christ the head of the church.

Theology

For clergy and laity The Creed is of paramount importance. This is the main dogma of Christianity, on which all doctrine is based. Both faiths recognize the trinity of God, incarnate in the image of the Holy Trinity:

• Father;
• Son;
• Holy Spirit.

However, the Orthodox believe that the Holy Spirit comes from the Father. Catholics believe that it is equally inherent in both the Father and the Son.

The view of the Mother of God - the Virgin Mary is also different. In the understanding of Orthodox believers, Mary was born and died like ordinary people.

After death she was taken to heaven. She is glorified, first of all, as the Mother of God.

For Catholics, the Mother of God is initially holy and sinless. They believe that her birth was virginal, like Jesus Christ.

In addition, the Virgin Mary was ascended to heaven alive when her earthly life came to an end. The cult of the Virgin Mary is extremely widespread in Western countries.

In both faiths, believers recite the Hail Mary prayer, but with a noticeable difference in form.

Orthodox believe that after death, according to one's deeds, a person's soul goes to heaven (for the righteous) or hell (for sinners). Catholics, in addition, highlight purgatory- a place where souls stay after the Last Judgment, awaiting paradise.

In matters of faith, Eastern Christians recognize the commandments adopted at the first 7 Ecumenical Councils before the collapse of the common church. Western Christians follow the regulations of all past Ecumenical Councils. The last, 21st Ecumenical Council, which convened in 1962, allowed services in Catholic churches to be held in national languages ​​along with Latin.

Additional included in Catholic Bibles 7 more apocryphal (non-canonical) books located between the Old and New Testaments. There are 9 apocrypha in the Orthodox Bible. Christians believe that they were inspired by the Word of God.

Construction of churches, regulations of service, clergy

The differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism are clearly visible in the structure of churches and the rules for conducting church services.

Orthodox cathedrals have a traditional orientation of the altar to the east, towards Jerusalem. The inner part of the altar is separated from the temple premises by an iconostasis.

Only clergy have the right to enter the altar. The arrangement of the interior space in churches differs in the location of the altar.

Sometimes it stands in the central part and is separated from the general space by a partition.

The Orthodox call the main daily service the Divine Liturgy, while the Catholics call it the Mass. Eastern Christians stand during church services, showing their humility before God.

To demonstrate unconditional submission to God's Will, believers kneel. In Catholic churches, it is customary to listen to the priest's sermon while sitting on the benches.

During prayers, the laity stand on special stands.

Both churches have a common opinion on the need for clergy, as a conductor between God and people. In the Orthodox faith, clergy are divided into 2 groups.

The “white” clergy are those who have parishes under their control and marry. “Black” - those who take a vow of celibacy, monastics. The highest ranks are elected exclusively from among the “black” clergy.

In the Catholic world, all priests take a vow of celibacy (celibacy) before taking office.

Sacraments

From birth to death, Catholics and Orthodox Christians are accompanied by 7 sacred sacraments:

1. baptism;
2. anointing;
3. Eucharist (holy communion);
4. confession;
5. wedding;
6. unction;
7. ordination (ordination to the priesthood).

In Catholicism, it is generally accepted that a sacrament has power regardless of the desire or disposition of a person. Orthodox priests hold the exact opposite view - the sacrament is invalid if a person is not tuned in to it.

Significant differences are noticeable during rituals.. During baptism into the Orthodox faith, a person is completely immersed in water. Western Christians practice sprinkling with water.

Confirmation in Orthodoxy follows immediately after baptism. Catholics arrange a separate ceremony - confirmation, when a child reaches conscious age (10–13 years). Unction, that is, anointing with oil, is also different.

Among the Orthodox it is performed on a sick person, and among Catholics on a dying person.

Communion is a meal of bread and wine. By eating them, Christians remember the death of Jesus on the cross. Communion in the two Christian denominations is markedly different.

Catholic priests distribute thin flatbreads of unleavened bread called wafers to the laity. Only the clergy are awarded communion with wine and bread.

Orthodox believers receive wine, bread, and warm water at the time of communion. Yeast dough is used to bake bread.

Things turned out differently attitude towards marriage in two faiths. For Catholics, marriage is indissoluble. According to Orthodox canons, in the event of a confirmed fact of adultery, the injured spouse has the right to enter into a new marriage.

As a sign of respect for the Holy Trinity, Christians make the sign of the cross at the entrance and exit of the temple. Methods of baptism vary. Orthodox believers traditionally place a cross with three fingers held together, from right to left. Catholics perform the sign in the opposite direction. They can make the sign of the cross with folded fingers or an open palm.

Holidays and fasting

Christmas, Easter and Pentecost- the most revered Christian holidays. The Western and Eastern faiths adhere to different chronology systems, so the dates of the holidays do not coincide.

The difference concerns primarily Easter and Christmas. The onset of the Holy Resurrection of Christ is calculated according to the calendar, so in 70% of cases it will be different. Orthodox Christians traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 7, and Catholics on December 25.

Each church has its own revered holidays.

The date of the beginning of Lent in Catholicism is considered to be Ash Wednesday, and in Orthodoxy it is Clean Monday.

Attributes

The main symbolic sign of Christianity is the cross. It symbolizes the crucifixion on which Jesus Christ suffered death. The appearance of the cross and the image of Christ on it differ greatly in different faiths.

Catholics have a cross with four ends. The Orthodox have 8 ends, since they exactly copy the crucifix. Three vertical bars have been added to the main vertical bar.

The top one symbolizes a tablet with the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The lower one served as a support for the legs.

It is called the “righteous standard”: one side is raised as a sign of the repentance of the thief who believed in the Mission, and the other side is lowered to the ground, pointing to hell for the second villain.

On Catholic crosses, Christ is depicted as a man suffering unimaginable suffering. His legs are nailed with one nail. On the Orthodox cross, Jesus looks like a man who has overcome death. His legs are nailed individually.

The way of depicting Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, saints, and scenes based on biblical subjects is different. Orthodox iconography adheres to strict canonical requirements. In Catholicism, there is a more free approach to drawing. Differences also affected the use of sculptures. They predominate in churches, but in churches they are practically absent.

24.04.2015

Catholics celebrate this holiday on January 19th. The celebration is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

history of the holiday

During the period of Christ’s life on earth, people were baptized only when they were old enough, when a person chose this faith for himself and was ready to carry out the rite of baptism. This explains the fact that Jesus was baptized at age 30. Religion was new for the people living in that period of time, because faith in one God was rejected in every possible way.

Church, beliefs and traditions

In the church, on this holiday, it is customary to bless the water that was taken from rivers or lakes. People made a hole in the reservoir, specially in the shape of a cross, and from there they collected water, which had previously been blessed by the priest. At the time of the ritual, the priest said a certain prayer over the water, then soaked a church cross in the hole, while the church parishioners sang psalms. After completing this action, the water was considered holy. People collected water and each took it to their home. There is a belief that baptized water helps against ailments, gives health and protects against evil spirits. Guided by one's faith, there is a tradition of taking a dip in this ice hole.

Today, due to poor ecology, water for baptism is collected at home. But the tradition of dipping still remains. Water is blessed in and around the church. People stand near the church and put out vessels with water, after which the priest walks past all the people and blesses the water. There is a belief that has survived to this day that holy water is a powerful amulet against the evil eye, damage and the general influence of evil spirits. Therefore, people sprinkle the corners of the house, household, and yard in order to protect and protect themselves. On this holiday you need to drink holy water, it gives health and happiness to a person. For Catholics, this holiday coincides with the great holiday of the Three Kings, these are the three wise men who were the first to inform the whole world about the birth of Jesus Christ. On the eve of this holiday, people carry holy chalk from the church, with which they write three letters on the doors of their houses, which symbolize the abbreviation of the names of the three kings. "TO. M. B" - Kaspel, Melchon, Balthazar. They believe that this will protect their home and bring happiness and prosperity to their families. This chalk lasts throughout the year. It is also commonly used as a medicine for stomach pain. After the end of the service, the owners believed that if they were the first to get home, then they would be the first to harvest the harvest. The hay, where the kutya was previously located, was fed to domestic animals, it cured them of diseases and gave them strength, and most importantly served as good protection against witches. Also, based on the weather of this holiday, they judged what the weather would be like in the summer and what the harvest would be like.

January 19 is the day when Orthodox people honor the great holiday that is the last in the Nativity fast, known as Epiphany, or Epiphany, sometimes referred to as Jordan (Jordan). ...

In the Catholic Church, a special church service is dedicated to the sacrament of Baptism - the Liturgy of Baptism of Children. Most people are baptized on Sunday. The difference between the Catholic rite is that both the child’s parents and his godparents must be present at the baptism. Young children are baptized according to the faith of their parents. The family's churchliness and understanding of the Catholic faith play an important role. The service begins with the ceremony of accepting the child into the church community. The Rite of Acceptance is a dialogue between the priest and the parents, in which the parents testify to their faith and understanding of the meaning of the church and the sacraments.

The priest asks: “What name have you chosen for your child?” Parents call the name. Priest: “What do you ask of the Church of God for (name)?” The parents answer: “Baptism.” The priest can start the dialogue in a different way; parents are not obliged to answer according to the generally accepted formula. In this case, they say what they think. To the second question they can answer: “God’s Grace,” “Eternal Life,” or “Acceptance into the Church of Christ.” The priest continues, addressing the parents: Dear parents, by asking for the adoption of a child into the bosom of the Church, you take upon yourself the responsibility of raising him in the faith of Christ, you must teach him to love God and his neighbors, to keep the commandments. Are you aware of your responsibilities? Parents answer: We understand. After which the celebrant of the sacrament addresses the recipients: Dear recipients, are you ready to help the parents in the Christian upbringing of this child? The receivers answer: ready. The priest says that the community of such and such a temple joyfully accepts (child’s name) and signs him with the sign of the cross. It is noteworthy that parents and godparents, following the priest, mark a cross on the child’s forehead. The child becomes a member of the church community and the second part of the baptismal service begins - the Liturgy of the Word. The priest reads passages from the New Testament and delivers a short sermon in which he speaks more fully about the responsibilities of parents and godparents in raising children. Then the priest calls everyone present to common prayer. The primate reads the texts of the prayers, and all those praying at the invocations answer “Hear us, Lord!” The Liturgy of the Word ends with prayers to all saints.

The third part - the Liturgy of the Sacrament - begins with the procession of all worshipers, led by the primate, to the font. The priest performs the rite of blessing the water, reads prayers of thanks, and then a ritual of renunciation from the forces of evil takes place. Both parents and adoptees answer the priest’s questions. The priest asks: “Do you renounce sin in order to live in the freedom of the children of God?” Parents and recipients answer together: “We renounce.” After the renunciation of temptations and the forces of evil, questions about confession of faith follow, which are also answered by parents and godparents.

The whole family and recipients approach the font and the priest once again asks the ritual question: “Do you want (child’s name) to be baptized in the Christian faith that we just professed together?” The parents answer: “We wish.” The priest immerses the child in the font three times. The baptismal formula in Catholicism is: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” After which the godparents accept the child from the font. If baptism is performed by pouring water on the child's head, both parents and godparents can hold him.

The sacrament ends with the dressing of the child in white clothes, which the godparents must prepare in advance. White clothes can be replaced with a separate element - a white scarf, cape. The priest lights the baptismal candle from Easter and hands it to the parents with the words: “Accept the light of Christ.” Then the whole procession goes to the altar, with the child’s baptismal candle carried in front. Everyone is singing prayers. In conclusion, the priest delivers a farewell sermon and blesses the child’s parents, as well as the godson himself.

The Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church

Catholic teaching says: “The faithful... by the sacrament of confirmation are more perfectly united with the Church, endowed with the special power of the Holy Spirit and thereby, as true servants of Christ, assume a stricter obligation to spread and defend the faith in word and deed.”

Confirmation or the rite of confirmation is performed in the Latin Church when the child reaches 13-14 years of age. Confirmation (“confirmatio”) is translated from Latin as “affirmation.” In Catholic teaching this has the meaning of a conscious affirmation of faith.

The bishop performs the sacrament. The priest can perform it only in an emergency, on behalf of the bishop. Since confirmation involves a conscious profession of faith, a person can participate in it after reaching a conscious age.

The Sacrament of Confirmation includes the reading of Holy Scripture (Liturgy of the Word), the candidates' confession of the desire to receive the Holy Spirit, and the renewal of baptismal vows.

The liturgy of the sacrament is performed by the laying on of hands on the candidates and the recitation of special prayers. Then the bishop places the sign of the cross on everyone’s forehead - anoints them with holy chrism and says: “Receive the sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The anointed one answers: “Amen.”

The rite of confirmation is often performed before the Holy Mass, at which the sacrament of the Holy Mysteries is given to all those who have been confirmed. Outside of Mass, the sacrament of confirmation ends with a blessing from the bishop.

Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays. Feast of Epiphany The Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19, are ending. The holiday begins on the evening of January 18, when all Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve.

The holiday of Epiphany is celebrated every year on January 6 for Catholics and January 19 for Orthodox believers., according to the official modern calendar. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During his earthly life, only adults were baptized who fully felt faith in one God and realized in themselves this, at that time new, religion, because at that time Christians were persecuted and monotheism was rejected. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of 30.

In churches, water is blessed on this day. Previously, it was taken from the nearest river or lake by drilling a hole in the ice in the shape of a large cross. The priest prayed over the water, lowered a church cross into the hole, and parishioners of the nearest church sang psalms. After all these actions, the water in the river was considered baptized. It was collected into various vessels and carried home. They believed that such water healed various ailments, gave vigor and health, so the custom of plunging into ice holes was widespread. Currently, water is practically not taken from rivers and lakes - the ecology is not the same. It is immediately poured after the service near the church. Agree - this is very practical. The custom of plunging into an ice hole has survived to this day. But more often, “walruses” show the audience miracles of endurance. The rest are stomping around on the shore, and, widening their eyes, look at the wonderful people in swimming trunks and in the snow.

In addition to cooling mortal bodies, water was also used in the active struggle against various evil spirits, which “besieged” the houses of poor Belarusians in armies. In order to drive out this very household evil spirits from the corners, they sprinkled baptized water on all rooms, the courtyard and outbuildings. After such rituals, each person tried to drink plenty of holy water in order to be healthy, happy, and therefore carefree and cheerful all year. At least, drinking this water, many dreamed about it and hoped only for the best.

For Catholics Baptism coincides with the holiday of the Three Kings - the three wise men who were the first to convey the news of the birth of Christ to the whole world.

On this holiday, every Catholic brings chalk from the church to the “pasvenchans” and writes three letters on the doors of the house: “K, M and B”, according to the names of the Three Kings - Kaspel, Melchon and Baltosar, respectively. They believe that these letters drive away evil forces and evil thoughts from the house and from the well-being of the family living in it. Chalk is stored all year, like water for the Orthodox. Only, in this case, chalk acts as a cure for abdominal pain. Why is that? In fact, no one will really answer. Maybe faith plays the main role here?

Baptism was not celebrated with large festivities, except for the third kutya falling on it. But it was also called Lenten.

There are no songs, fortune telling, round dances or special dances associated with this holiday. That's how it happened. In contrast to this, there are a lot of beliefs and signs associated with Baptism.

For example, the owners tried to come home first after the service. It was believed that they would be the first to reap the harvest. The hay on which kutya stood during Kolya was gradually given to domestic animals as a remedy for illnesses and the not-so-good influence of witches.

In the courtyards of churches there are long lines for holy water. If for some serious reason a person cannot go to service or lives a thousand kilometers from the nearest church, he can resort to the healing power of simple water taken from an ordinary reservoir on Epiphany night, although such water cannot actually be considered holy. On Feast of the Epiphany water in churches is consecrated according to a special rite - the great Jordanian consecration and is called baptismal. There is a Greek word - “agiasma”, which is translated as shrine. And the attitude towards it, towards the great shrine, should be special.

Epiphany water. Properties of Epiphany water

She eats it on an empty stomach, a spoonful at a time, a little at a time. The man stood up, crossed himself, asked the Lord for a blessing on the day that had begun, washed himself, prayed and accepted the great agiasma. If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then first take holy water, followed by the medicine. And then breakfast and other things to do. Devotees of Christian piety call consecrated water the best cure for all spiritual and physical ailments. Often confessors “prescribe” Epiphany water to their sick children - a spoonful every hour, with faith, of course, but without faith, drink at least half a canister. You can wash the patient with it and sprinkle the bed with it. True, women are not blessed to take Epiphany water on critical days. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter. May Epiphany water help her!

There is a pious tradition of sprinkling your home with Epiphany water on this day while singing the troparion of Epiphany. Epiphany water is consumed on an empty stomach in small quantities all year round, usually together with a piece of prosphora “so that we can receive strength from God that supports health, heals illnesses, drives away demons and turns away all the slander of the enemy.”

Holy water. Prayer

At the same time, the prayer is read: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities according to Your boundless mercy through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen." In case of illness or attacks by evil forces, you can and should drink water without hesitation at any time.

Signs for Epiphany (Folk signs)

According to the weather that was Baptism, people tried to determine the weather of the coming summer: if it was cold that day, then “the harvest will be sleepy and garachy.” If Epiphany turned out to be clear, sunny and frosty, then they talked about the possibility of a hot and hot summer. They said (sitting on the stoves): “Trashchy maroz, trashchy, Vadokhryshchy has already passed (the second name of Epiphany)” or “On Vodakhryshchy zen tseply - budze bread of tsemny.” Again, in all these sayings, proverbs and signs, the hope for a rich harvest is veiled. This is not surprising, because the peasant’s life completely depended on the harvest - whether he would starve after Kolya or not.

Feast of the Epiphany or Epiphany, is also called the Day of Enlightenment and the Feast of Lights - from the ancient custom of performing the baptism of catechumens on the eve of it (on Vespers), which is, in essence, spiritual enlightenment. A description of the event of Baptism is given in all four Evangelists (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John 1:33-34), as well as in many stichera and troparia of the holiday . “Today the Creator of Heaven and earth comes in flesh to the Jordan, asking for Baptism, the sinless one... and is baptized by a servant, the Lord of all...” “To the voice of him crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord (i.e. to John), you have come, O Lord, taking on the form of a servant, asking for Baptism, not knowing sin.” The baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ is in the closest connection with all His Theanthropic work of saving people; it constitutes the decisive and complete beginning of this ministry.

Christ the Savior in Baptism bestows (through water) grace “decisive for soul and body.” Epiphany in the matter of redemption of the human race had great salutary ontological significance. Baptism on the Jordan exudes forsakenness, remission of sins, enlightenment, recreation of human nature, light, renewal, healing and, as it were, a new birth (rebirth) to mortals.

“New creators of the earth, New Adam was the Creator, performing a strange rebirth and wonderful renewal with fire and Spirit and water...” The baptism of Christ in the waters of the Jordan had not only the meaning of a symbol of purification, but also a transformative, renewing effect on human nature. By immersing Himself in the waters of the Jordan, the Lord sanctified “the whole nature of the waters” and the whole earth. The presence of Divine power in the watery nature transforms our corruptible nature (through Baptism) into incorruptible. Baptism had a beneficial effect on the entire dual human nature - on the body and soul of man. “By the spirit of the soul you create new things, and with water you sanctify the body, folded, edifying (recreating) animals... having in themselves eternal life.” The Baptism of Christ the Savior was actually a prefiguration and foundation of the mysteriously grace-filled method of rebirth by water and the Spirit in the sacrament of Baptism given after His Resurrection and Ascension. Here the Lord reveals Himself as the Founder of a new, grace-filled Kingdom, which, according to His teaching, cannot be entered without Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). “If anyone comes down with Me and is buried in Baptism, he will enjoy the glory and resurrection with Me,” Christ now proclaims.”

The threefold immersion (of every believer in Christ) in the sacrament of Baptism depicts the death of Christ, and the coming out of the water is communion with His three-day Resurrection. Christ the Savior “made from water (by baptism) mysteriously by the Spirit... a Church with many children, first (before) childless.”

At the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan, true worship of God (religion) was revealed to people, the hitherto unknown secret of the Trinity of the Divine, the secret of the One God in three Persons was revealed, and the worship of the Most Holy Trinity was revealed.

“Trinity our God, show Himself to us today inseparably: for the Father proclaimed the revealed (open, obvious) evidence of kinship (kinship), the Spirit descended from Heaven in the form of a dove, the Most Pure Son bowed the top of His Forerunner...”
The chants comprehensively and touchingly describe the experiences that the Forerunner experiences upon seeing Christ come to be baptized by him. John the Baptist points to the people listening to him about the coming Jesus as the Christ awaited by all Israel - the Messiah: “This, deliver Israel, free us from corruption.” And when the Lord asked him for baptism, “the Forerunner trembled and exclaimed loudly: how can a lamp illuminate the light? How can a slave lay his hand on the Master? Savior, who took upon yourself the sins of the whole world, You yourself sanctify me and the waters.” “Although You are the Child of Mary,” says the Forerunner, “I know You, the Eternal God.” And then the Lord says to John:
“Prophet, come to baptize Me, who created you, and enlightens with grace and cleanses everyone. Touch My Divine top (head) and do not doubt. Leave everything else now, for I have come to fulfill all righteousness.”

Having been baptized by John, Christ fulfilled “righteousness”, i.e. fidelity and obedience to the commandments of God. Saint John the Baptist received the command from God to baptize the people as a sign of cleansing of sins. As a man, Christ had to "fulfill" this commandment and therefore be baptized by John. By this He confirmed the holiness and greatness of John’s actions, and gave Christians an example of obedience to the will of God and humility for eternity. The prophecy of St. is widely used in the hymns. The Psalmist (ps. 113) that the Jordan will stop its flow “from the face of the Lord.” “Today the psalm prophecy of the end of acceptance (to be fulfilled) is in a hurry: the sea, speaking, seeing and running, the Jordan returned back, from the Face of the Lord, from the Face of the God of Jacob, who came from the servant to receive Baptism.”

“The Jordan, seeing the Lord being baptized, divides and stops its flow,” says the 1st stichera for the consecration of water. “Turn the Jordan River back, not daring to serve You. For he was ashamed of Joshua, because he would be afraid of his Creator without his name.” The Church, through the mouth of the creators of the stichera, invites believers to be transported in thought and heart to that great event of the Epiphany, which once took place on the Jordan River, in order to give thanks for the “ineffable compassion” of Christ, in the “slave’s eye” who came into the world to save the human race.

In the pre-holiday and holiday services, the Church did not forget the great servant of Christ and participant in the event - “Forerunner and Baptist, and Prophet, and most venerable is the prophet (of the prophets)” - John. Finishing the pre-festive singing and beginning to glorify the great event of the holiday itself, the Church turns to John the Baptist and asks him to raise his hands in prayer to the One whose most pure head he touched with these hands on the Jordan; The Church asks the Baptist to come and be present with us with his spirit, to stand with us, “seal the singing and begin the celebration.”