With Theophany (Epiphany) occurring on January 6, it is a good time to recall what the Blessing of the Waters really means. Technically, the Blessing of the Waters is not a Sacrament in and of itself, but it is part of the sacramental life of the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. If one listens to the prayers and hymns chanted at the Blessing of the Waters service*, it is a reminder of Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist. The readings and hymns clearly declare that it is the event when the Holy Trinity was made manifest, God the Father spoke saying, ” this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased..”. God the Son, Jesus Christ, was being baptized and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove (Mark 1:9-11). Through the Blessing of the Waters service, we are also reminded not only of Jesus’ Baptism but also of our own Baptism.
The Priest prays that the water become holy by the descent of the Holy Spirit and that the water will be the fountain of incorruption, a gift of sanctification for the remission of sins, protection against disease, the destruction of demons, inaccessible to hostile powers, filled with angelic might. That those who draw from it and partake of it be healed of body and soul. The prayers further allow the Holy Water to be blessed to sanctify the homes and any other items that are used for every good purpose* of the Orthodox Christian (i.e., Cars, bicycles, livestock, pets, fields, icons, crosses, etc.).
During an Orthodox Christian Baptism, the prayers of exorcism are read over the water, and although we do not hear these same prayers at the Blessing of the Waters on January 6, they are implied in the Blessing of the Waters service by sanctifying the water to be source of healing, purification, enlightenment and protection. Through the Holy Water, Orthodox Christians may be touched by the Lord, renewed, blessed and sanctified leading them toward salvation.
Because the water is blessed, it must be treated with respect and should never be disposed of in a sewer system. Pouring it back into the ground is an accepted way to dispose of Holy Water that is no longer in use. It is suggested to pour last year’s Holy Water into the ground in a place which is not trod upon, like a garden area.
Questions regarding the use of Holy Water should be directed to your Priest. They will advise you according to what is the current practice for your particular jurisdiction.
Source:
*Digital Chant Stand of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Sacraments and Blessings: https://dcs.goarch.org/goa/dcs/dcs.html
OrthodoxChristianityToday.org 