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The water is in a large container in the middle of the [[nave]], or the service may be held at a freely flowing natural source. If celebrated indoors, the container of water may be decorated with candles and flowers as the symbol of the beauty of [[God]]'s original creation through his Word and Spirit. During the service, a [[cross]] is dipped three times into the water.
After the blessing service, the faithful fill their containers to take some [[holy water]] home with them. This water is also used to [[Blessing of homes|bless homes ]] during the Theophany season.
Water is seen by the Church as the prime element of creation. In blessing water, it is asked that the original purpose of water, as a source of life, blessing and holiness be revealed as one drinks it. In the [[Book of Genesis]], creation began when the Spirit of God moved over the face of the waters.
The celebration of the Great Blessing of Water is an affirmation that through Christ's own baptism, he has lifted the curse of [[Adam]]'s sin, and given the creative goodness of God's creation back to mankind once again. Thus when Christians are baptized, they are baptized into Christ, part of the creation that is sanctified in Christ.
==Source==
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Holy_water&oldid=49421283 en.wikipedia.org - Entry on holy water]
