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'''Holy water''' is used in Orthodox rites of water that has been blessed by a [[blessingbishop]] and or [[exorcismpriest]], and is for use in the rites of the water normally used for [[Orthodox Church]] including [[baptism]]s, blessing persons, places, and objects or as a means of repelling evil.
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==Usage==
A quantity of holy water is typically kept in a [[baptismal font|font]] placed near the entrance of the church where it is available for anyone who needs it. Holy water is sometimes sprinkled on items or people when they are blessed, as part of the prayers of blessing. For instance, in Alaska, the fishing boats are sprinkled with holy water at the start of the fishing season as the priest prays for the crews' safety and success. Orthodox Christians most often bless themselves with holy water by drinking it. It is traditional to keep a quantity of it at home, and many Orthodox Christians will drink a small amount daily with their morning prayers. It may also be used for informal blessings when no clergy are present. For example, parents might bless their children with holy water before they leave the house for school or play.[[Image:HolyWaterFont.JPG|left|thumb|125px|Holy Water Font]]
The use of holy water is based on the story of [[Jesus]]' baptism by [[John the Baptist|Saint John the Baptist]] in the River Jordan and the Orthodox interpretation of this event. In this view, John's baptism was a baptism of repentance, and the people came to have their sins washed away by the water. Since Jesus had no sin, but was God himself, his baptism had the effect of Jesus blessing the water, making it holy, that is used fully for its original created purpose to be an instrument of life.
==Theophany==
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.
==See also==
* [[Life-Giving Spring]]
==Source==