In IAPM people celebrated the Epiphany
At time of immersion of Christ in the waters of the Jordan river God revealed Himself to the people as the Holy Trinity: the voice of God the Father testified of his Son, the Son of God was baptized at the hands of John in the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit as a dove descended upon the Son .
There is a tradition of holy water on this day. It was believed that the baptismal water had healing properties. At lunch the priest, saying a pray to bless the water, plunged into the hole a silver cross. Also the ceremony of consecration of water is held on the open air, on the banks of rivers, streams and lakes. Therefore, following the traditions of the Orthodox world, on January 19 of the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management Epiphany was celebrated. On this occasion, the consecration of the water near the chapel of St. George took place. Prayer service was held by Head of Department of Ukrainian Orthodoxy and theology of IAPM Dionysius Martyshin. The solemn prayer service was attended by the leadership, faculty, staff and students of the Academy.
"Today we joyfully celebrate the Epiphany. We turn to God, and God gives us His grace and power that will transform and renew our being and give the opportunity to be involved in divine love, wisdom, strength and inspiration. Today we pray to the Lord for this holy water gave us joy, sense of inspiration and renewal, sense that we can overcome all the obstacles that appear in our life's journey. Let us pray and God will give us a sense of enlightenment and spirituality of our existence. May you always be blessed by God! "- Said Dionysius Martyshin.
Historical reference:
Special tradition of the Epiphany in Ukraine
Since ancient times, there was a ceremony when the girl poured water into a bowl, throwing back a necklace or a bunch of viburnum and washed to enhance her beauty.
Next people took a few stems with didukh and sprinkled all the rooms then all misfortune will pass by. Meanwhile, one of the family members chalked crosses on the doors and windows.
There were prejudices on this day. Ukrainians warned that at the moment when the priest plunges a cross into the water, all the devils jump out of the river and remain on the ground for as long as someone does not come to the river to wash clothes. Therefore, women have tried to do this at least after a week, so much hell should froze.