Where and when to get holy water for Epiphany? Epiphany of the Lord: history, meaning of the holiday, traditions
Twice a year, Orthodox believers have the opportunity to collect Epiphany water, which has especially strong healing powers. The holiday of Epiphany is considered one of the most revered in Christian religion. On this day, God appeared in Trinity to people and sent down His grace to them.
Features of Epiphany water
The tradition of water blessing has existed in the church since the 5th century. The liturgical records mention that all the water elements on earth are sanctified on this day. Christian churches all over the world they perform a special ceremony for its consecration, reading prayers dedicated to this occasion.
Epiphany water has special properties that are known to all believers:
- it is capable of giving health;
- cleanse and convey God's grace to those who drink or wash themselves;
- this water remains drinkable after a year or more.
Some testify that the holy water remained fresh and pure even after three or four years. Even John Chrysostom spoke about this in his time.
Although, sometimes Epiphany water blooms. There is no need to look for bad omens in this. Microorganisms just live in water. It’s more about the person himself and how he uses this water. Perhaps God is thus pointing out problems and incorrect life attitudes.
Atheists in Soviet times claimed that the preservation of baptismal water was due to the lowering of a silver cross into it by the priest. But how then can we explain the fact that people who did not have the opportunity to come to church stored ordinary tap water, and at the same time it had all the characteristics of Epiphany water? Seeing devotion to faith, the Lord, by His mercy, imparted grace to such water.
In the Russian tradition, the rite of consecration is carried out twice - on Christmas Eve and on Epiphany. On which day the water was blessed is not important. It has the same properties. It can be taken from any temple.
Attention! You need to collect as much water as you need for a year. At the same time, treat it as a shrine, do not cook food on it or add it to the bath. Epiphany water is drunk on an empty stomach. A few sips are enough.
Epiphany and Epiphany water: are there any differences?
Lay people are often interested in the question of what difference exists between Epiphany and Epiphany water. There are just no differences between them. The same rite is used in both cases of water blessing. Simply Epiphany water is consecrated on the feast of Epiphany itself, January 19th. And the water blessed on Christmas Eve is Epiphany.
Churchmen remember the events of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. At the moment when the Son of God was baptized, the Lord appeared in the Trinity. Hence the second name of the holiday - Epiphany.
Baptism of Jesus Christ
That is, in essence, Baptism and Epiphany are one and the same. Therefore, the water blessed on these two days is of the same nature.
Jordan and Epiphany water: what is the difference
There's really no difference. Water blessed on January 18 is called Jordanian. And the baptismal one was consecrated on January 19. But this is the same water, with the same energy and properties.
What is the difference between Epiphany water and holy water?
In churches, no one measured the parameters of baptismal and holy water with instruments. It's impossible to say which is better. Holy water will always remain holy. It’s just that Epiphany is timed to coincide with a specific holiday and is consecrated with a special rite, which is served only once a year. Both are holy water.
The only difference is that Epiphany occupies ritual life Orthodox Christians have a special place.
Interesting facts from the study of Epiphany water
According to Christian tradition, believers believe that all water on earth becomes holy on the feast of Epiphany. But the manifestation of the grace of the Almighty is a one-time event, but the water collected after the Blessing of Waters rite is stored for a long time.
Believers remember that from that moment Jesus Christ began to preach until his crucifixion on the cross for human sins.
Epiphany water is considered the most powerful and healing
The phenomenon of Epiphany water was tested in laboratory studies. She was recruited from the lake in holidays. The water remained suitable for consumption for four years. Scientists were puzzled and decided to check its parameters. It turned out that Epiphany water is softer than usual, and its pH level is one and a half points higher. But none of the luminaries of science could explain why these changes occur.
Meanwhile, the clergy explain everything simply - water acquires such properties as a result of the influence of divine power.
When to go for Epiphany water
Since the first consecration of water occurs in Epiphany Christmas Eve in the morning, then from that moment the water is already considered baptismal, and it can be collected. But in in this case What is important is not so much the time at which water is collected, but participation in its consecration.
Advice! It is advisable to attend the rite of Blessing of the Water and feel the whole atmosphere of the service. After all, without faith, even Agiasma can be devalued.
The clergy say that it will take two days to collect water. Moreover, from the moment the first rite of blessing of water was performed. The end of the Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Water is the moment when Epiphany water begins to be poured into churches. As a rule, the Liturgy is served in the morning of January 18, and in the morning of January 19, and sometimes on the night from 18 to 19.
Usually, water is not spilled during worship. But in large cities with a strong influx of lay people, exceptions are sometimes made. Need to check in advance organizational issues in the church to which the believer gathers.
How to use Epiphany water correctly
The shrine should not just stand in the house. Epiphany water is used to acquire grace for believers all year round.
Epiphany water is a shrine that must be treated with grace
On the holidays of January 18 and 19, they drink it all day. Weekdays suggest drinking in small quantities before meals, while reading a prayer. It is drunk in a few sips on an empty stomach. But eating food is not a strict prohibition on taking holy water. The church places special emphasis on this. Especially if a person is sick or suffers from mental illness.
Important! Agiasma is a gift. An appropriate attitude towards water will allow it to fully demonstrate its healing properties. Water intake should be accompanied by mandatory words of prayer.
Theophan the Recluse noted in his sermon that holy water is not church medicine. It will not help an evil and unbelieving person. It must be drunk with faith and reverence.
Is it possible to dilute Epiphany water?
There is an opinion that it is impossible to dilute Epiphany water with tap water. Allegedly, this contributes to the loss of its healing power.
But the priests say the opposite. The only caveat is to do this with a small amount of water and it is better to take it from a well.
Epiphany water is diluted while reading a prayer. A few drops of holy water are enough for it to transfer its grace to ordinary water. That is why it makes no sense to store Epiphany water in cans. A small vessel is enough, which will be used up in a year.
Is it possible to sprinkle an apartment with Epiphany water?
In home life, Epiphany water is used not only for drinking, but also to expel everything unclean and bad from the house.
The practice of sprinkling homes with Epiphany water is firmly established in Orthodox tradition. The dwelling is sprinkled and a prayer is said aloud, addressing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. With the reading of the troparia, water is sprinkled first on the eastern, then western, northern and southern sides. It is permissible to sprinkle and material assets that are important to humans.
But this rite cannot be equated with the rite performed by a priest when blessing a home.
Is it possible to heat a bathhouse?
We must not forget that Epiphany water requires respect. It is unlikely that using agiasma for bathing will make a person cleaner in spiritually. But holy water poured down the drain is very bad.
Is it possible to swim in Epiphany water?
Nobody forbids you to plunge into an ice hole. It is important with what motives people do this. If for fun and thrills, then such bathing will not have the desired effect.
Cleansing ice font for the holiday of Epiphany
And in general, it is not so important whether people swam on the feast of Epiphany or not. What matters is only the faith and feelings that are invested in the actions of each person.
Note! Many people believe that you must plunge into an ice hole at Epiphany. Contrary to popular belief, such bathing does not wash away sins. For this there is the sacrament of confession and communion. But climbing into an ice hole is not beneficial for everyone, due to physical health conditions.
How to store holy water
After the blessed water is brought home from the temple, it must be placed in a glass or plastic container near the icons. Drink in the morning before meals so that the Divine grace of this water is transferred to your body and soul.
It is not prohibited to continue to use Epiphany water if it has retained its freshness and pleasant taste.
Otherwise, the spoiled agiasma should be poured into a place where no person can set foot, that is, not trampled on. For example, in a river or flower pot.
Important! Agiasma is a shrine that must not be poured into the sink drain or the first place you come across.
In conclusion, we can say that Epiphany water helps people with pious intentions. And it doesn’t matter at all how much of this water a person drinks or pours on himself. If he is callous in soul and weak in faith, such actions will not bring him the expected result.
Already at the end of this working week, January 19, Orthodox believers celebrate the Feast of Epiphany. Historically, on this day, a person has a special power that can protect a person from illness and misfortune. main symbol life on Earth - water. How and when to collect Epiphany water - let's look into our material.
According to biblical scriptures, the Baptism of Jesus took place on the Jordan River. It was on this day that Christians believed in the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When Jesus entered the water, God's voice sounded from heaven, calling him his Son. At that same moment, the Holy Spirit descended to Jesus in the form of a dove.
Christians, remembering the memorable event, formed their traditions for Epiphany - on this day they bless water in churches and open reservoirs and plunge into ice holes to cleanse themselves of sins and receive the blessing of heaven for health, luck and prosperity in the next year.
Water has special properties at Epiphany - they say that on the night of January 18-19, it becomes healing and sacred even in an ordinary household tap. The water is collected and then stored for the entire next year, thus protecting one’s home from troubles and misfortunes, using it as a cure for ailments and the like.
When to collect water for Epiphany
Many believe that Epiphany water becomes magical only after it is consecrated in the temple. At the same time, deeply religious people will immediately refute this fact - absolutely all water becomes healing and miraculous, regardless of where and how it “flows”.
The water begins to have special properties after sunset on January 18 - Epiphany Eve, which is considered a mystical evening. The water retains its properties until lunch on January 19 - that is. until the end of all church rituals related to the illumination of open reservoirs and ice holes for swimming citizens.
If you are wondering when is the best time to collect water for storage, the answer is simple. If you go to a temple, then the water that was in it during the solemn service will be considered “your” baptismal water.
If for objective reasons you don’t go to the boor, but plan to take part in mass swimming in the ice hole, collect water there, because the clergy always sprinkle the water and bless it before the ritual bathing.
If you decide to collect water just from the tap, but don’t know what time it will come from there sacred water, then we inform you - people say that the most strong time for collection falls between midnight and 1.30 on the night of January 18-19. It is at this time that good begins to fight evil, which gets especially close to people on Epiphany Eve.
How and where to collect Epiphany water, how to store it
Epiphany water is considered sacred, and therefore must be treated with special respect. Do not even think about putting water into dirty dishes - such a ritual will be considered simply blasphemous. Glass or plastic containers - it doesn’t matter at all. At the same time, believers say that it is better to prefer glass, because plastic is not a natural material and is even harmful to human health.
As for how to properly collect water, there are also several unshakable rules. On Epiphany Christmas Eve it is necessary to keep strict fast- refrain from overeating and fast foods, at least out of respect for the holiday. While collecting water, read a prayer or turn to God in your own words - ask for forgiveness for sins and blessings from heaven.
You need to store Epiphany water in a place protected from light, but it is better to place it under the icon or in the corner where the images hang. It is unacceptable to pour holy water down the drain - if for any reason you decide to remove it from the house, go out into the yard and water the trees, share with friends or neighbors, but do not pour it, as they say, “down the sink.”
Store water more than a year not worth it. If you collect it in reserve, but do not use it until the next Epiphany, it is better to pour it out. You should not imprison the shrine for a long time, as this can bring bad weather to your home. The grace of holy water does not decrease, no matter how long it is stored, but people who do not turn to the shrine are robbing themselves. It is best not to store water, but to share it with loved ones, neighbors and friends.
They say that holy water does not deteriorate over time, but if you still notice something wrong, immediately pour it into a river or other natural source. Holy water is not thrown onto the ground. It is poured into an “untrampled” place, that is, into a place where people do not walk (they do not trample underfoot) and dogs do not run. You can pour water into a river, into a flower pot, or into a clean place under a tree.
How to use Epiphany water
You should drink holy water in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening before going to bed, take a spoonful (but not from a common container). Can be consumed together with a piece of prosphora.
If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then holy water is taken first, followed by the medicine. And then breakfast and other things to do.
At very serious illness or if a person is in a state of intense spiritual struggle, despondency, it can be drunk in unlimited quantities, regardless of food intake.
After drinking, you need to pray for healing.
For pain or just a sore spot, you can apply a compress moistened with holy water.
You can only sprinkle it on your home (while reading a prayer), a car, or some other thing, also clothes, and even pets.
Women in critical days It is not blessed to receive Epiphany water. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy, C-ib reports. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter.
January 19 great holiday Christian in life. It is dedicated to the events when Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River at the age of 30. This day is called the Epiphany and Epiphany. The blessing of baptismal water has already become a tradition, since baptismal water is unique water. There are many beliefs that such water can heal and purify. Even scientists, after numerous studies, have confirmed that Epiphany water is similar in composition and properties to the waters that flow in the Jordan River, where Jesus was once baptized. Take with you pies with cherries made from yeast dough in the oven: recipe with photos.
That is why most believers go to church and consecrated open springs for Epiphany to draw water from them. Considering that January 18 is also a holiday, Epiphany Eve, and in the evening of this day services and lighting of water are held in churches, the question arises: when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 29?
The difference between Epiphany water on January 18 and 19
The first illumination of Epiphany water will take place on the evening of January 18, closer to midnight. The second illumination takes place on January 19th. At this time, you can come with your own container and collect Epiphany water for storage at home. When answering the question of when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19, it should be noted that the lighting of the water in the evening of January 18 and January 19 is exactly the same. The blessing of water is carried out in one order, the same prayers are used, so there is no difference between Epiphany water on January 18 and 19. Water reserves in different days have the same properties and are suitable for use for the purpose of cleansing and healing.
It has been scientifically proven that Epiphany water does not spoil. You can store it for a long time, it retains its unique properties. This applies to both the water collected on January 18 and the water collected on January 19. Water on January 18 and 19 is baptismal only after the procedure of lighting the water by a clergyman. The services that take place on the evening of January 18 are also festive, like the services that take place on January 19, so you can collect Epiphany water on both days.
There is an opinion that the most valuable Epiphany water, which has strong active properties, is the water that was collected on the night of January 18-19. However, clergy emphasize the fact that there is no difference between the waters, and that you can come and collect water both on the night of January 18-19 and throughout the next day.
It should be remembered that, first of all, the effect of holy water depends on a person’s faith. Since the water on January 18 and 19 is Epiphany, you should understand its meaning in religious world. According to the Bible, water is the personification of all life on Earth. Therefore, one should collect and consume Epiphany water only with bright thoughts, saying prayers mentally.
The blessing of water on the day of Epiphany is similar in its beneficial properties to the blessing of water on the sacrament of Baptism. Blessed water on the day of Epiphany and the water for the sacrament of Baptism even have the same name - Great Agiasma.
Every year the water for Epiphany is blessed twice, and there is no difference between such water.
What not to do with holy water
Despite the fact that Epiphany water is universal in use, there are several strict prohibitions when such water cannot be used:
Epiphany water cannot be used for the purpose of fortune telling or performing any magical rituals.
Superstitions associated with holy water cannot be supported by actions. For example, that in order to achieve the highest grace, one should collect baptismal water in three different churches.
You cannot use Epiphany water for the purpose of cleansing from sins. This is only possible in confession.
When Jesus, who did not need to cleanse his soul, entered the Jordan River, he cleansed the entire water element, without which it is impossible human life. Therefore, one should treat Epiphany water and the Feast of Epiphany with respect. And when to collect Epiphany water on January 18 or 19 is decided individually, depending on free time.
DOES ALL WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM, DOES ALL TAP WATER BECOME HOLY AT BAPTISM? Does all water become holy at Epiphany? On the night of January 19, the Orthodox world annually celebrates one of the main holidays - Epiphany. On this day, Christians remember the greatest event - the baptism of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River.
There are many prejudices associated with Baptism. On the eve of the holiday, Priest Georgy Vorobyov, who is the rector of the temple in honor of the Hieromartyr Andronik, told AiF-Prikamye journalists about the most common mistakes and misconceptions regarding the Baptism of the Lord.
Does all water become holy at Epiphany and does tap water become holy at Epiphany?
There is a popular belief that at Epiphany midnight, from January 18 to 19, all water becomes holy. And supposedly holy water also flows from the tap. For this reason, many believe that it is not necessary to go to church for holy water, but that you can collect it at home. Answer from Priest Georgy Vorobyov: Epiphany water is that water - over which the clergyman performed a special church ceremony- The rite of the Great Blessing of Water. This rite is performed on the eve of the holiday - January 18, Epiphany Eve, and on the holiday of the Epiphany itself, January 19. To this question earlier to the publication “ Orthodox life“answered Archimandrite Spiridon (Khodanich). According to him, if you delve into the prayers and features of the rite of consecration of water at Epiphany, it becomes obvious that only the water that is consecrated by the clergy in a temple or on a river (reservoir) is holy.
From representatives' responses Orthodox Church we can conclude that the consecrated (holy) water in the Baptism of the Lord is the water over which the priest performed a special rite of consecration.
On the eighteenth of January, all Christians around the world celebrate one of the main holidays of humanity -
When and where to collect Epiphany water?
One two-liter bottle will last the whole family for a year.
According to the Church, the consecration of water occurs on the eve of Epiphany. A special procedure, called liturgy, is performed on Epiphany Eve. From this moment on, the water can be considered blessed, but historically, water is blessed twice.
There are no problems with this in the Church. And on January 18 and 19, after the rite of blessing of water, you can come and draw baptismal water. For those who collect Epiphany water from the tap at home, the rule is simple: after midnight (00:00) on the night of January 18-19.
In the absence of such an opportunity, you can absolutely safely collect Epiphany water in the morning and even throughout the entire month of January 19th. The time for Epiphany water has not yet passed.
Greed is a sin
There is no need to stand at the temple to fill 20 liter canisters, one bottle will be enough. You can increase the volume of Epiphany water at home: just add a few drops of Epiphany water to regular water.
Healing properties
Holy Epiphany water has many healing powers. It gives not only spiritual, but also physical healing. All Christians have firmly believed in this since the Baptism of Jesus Christ. This point of view is supported by many doctors and even some scientists.
The following unusual properties are attributed to Epiphany water:
- ability for long-term storage;
- miraculous healing;
- getting rid of negative energy and evil;
- body rejuvenation;
- broadcast healing properties ordinary water (lighting through touch);
- spiritual cleansing and protection through sprinkling and ingestion.
All these properties are preserved in Epiphany water for many days, until the next Christmas Eve. However, remember, if the water has spoiled, and this may happen, you should not use it internally.
When to swim in an ice hole and is it necessary?
Swimming is not necessary, but many people like it
Self Epiphany bathing takes place on the same Epiphany night from January 18 to 19. However, no one forbids doing this during the day. Before swimming, it would be a good idea to get a blessing from the priest.
It is not at all necessary to take an Epiphany swim in the ice hole called “Jordan”. The mere fact of bathing does not make you better or worse.
The basis of everything is a person’s inner state and sincere repentance. How you do this in an ice hole or a warm bed matters little.
For me, these dips are just fun, extreme. Our people love something unusual: diving into an ice hole, and then drinking vodka and talking about piety. For most, this is akin to fist fights on Maslenitsa. Archpriest Alexy Uminsky
What can’t be done with Epiphany water?
Many people are concerned about whether Epiphany water can be used in one way or another. You can drink Epiphany water with prayer as you like, even making healing and good wishes during this.
The rule here is simple: remember that Epiphany water is a shrine and treat it accordingly, then it won’t even occur to you to do anything inappropriate with water. All this applies to water received in temples, and of course, does not apply to tap water. At the same time, churchmen claim that all the water on the planet becomes sanctified, including that which comes from the tap.
Misconceptions
Many folk beliefs about Epiphany water from the evil one
The Great Blessing of Waters was overgrown with many folk signs and superstitions, which not only have no logical basis, but are also far from church traditions.
Epiphany water never spoils
If stored carelessly, anything can be ruined. You should not use water that is clearly rotten, although it is baptismal. But shouldn't it be poured down the drain? That’s right, you can water the plants, or take them to the temple and pour them into a suitable place (dry well).
This is “Epiphany” water, and this is “Epiphany” water
It is believed that there are two types of water: “Epiphany” water blessed on January 19 and “Epiphany” water blessed on Epiphany Eve on January 18. Any intelligent priest will confirm to you that this Epiphany water is no different from Epiphany water. Moreover, in both cases the same sequence of prayers is used.
I’ll take a swim in the ice hole and become baptized
Without repentance it is impossible to accept the Sacrament of Baptism. Bathing in Epiphany water and Baptism are not directly related to each other.
I’ll dive into the hole and get rid of all diseases and problems
There are people who actually testify to this. But the majority do not get rid of their life’s troubles after bathing in Epiphany water.
Epiphany water protects against the evil eye and curses
Christians believe in God, and such phenomena as damage or the evil eye are considered nothing more than superstition. Priests recommend praying to God asking for protection from the evil of others and your own. And all kinds of witchcraft are considered nothing more than charlatanism.
On this day, planets and stars are arranged in a special way.
The Great Blessing of Water occurs through the prayers of the Church. According to Christian tradition, after prayers, the Lord God sanctifies the water and gives it his grace-filled power.
It is not necessary to go to church - all the water on Earth is Epiphany
Indeed, all waters are sanctified. But water itself should not be an end in itself. The entire holiday is dedicated to glorifying God in gratitude for the benefits of His Son, and not to simply collecting healing water.
Alternative opinions from the evil one
Many people know firsthand that the water collected at Epiphany is endowed with unique and healing properties. On Epiphany night, the energy that the water receives remains in it forever. It's hard to believe, but it's true.
For example, Epiphany water never spoils, and the structure of the water changes so that neither bacteria nor microbes live in it. This applies not only to the holy water that is in churches, but also to the water that flows in rivers, lakes and other natural sources, which on Epiphany night are exposed to radiation from space. But when, what and how to properly collect Epiphany water?
WHEN SHOULD I PICK UP EPTICAL WATER IN 2018?
During both days, January 18 and 19, you can collect Epiphany water in any church. Both times the water is blessed with ONE rite, so there is no difference in when to collect water - on Christmas Eve or on the Feast of Epiphany itself, there is no difference between Epiphany and Epiphany water.
It is interesting that the location of the source does not play any role, nor does it matter whether the church ministers performed a ritual on it. Epiphany water will have the same properties.
"...On Epiphany, water is blessed in churches, wells, rivers and lakes. If a person for some reason 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 in Epiphany night, although such water cannot actually be considered holy. On the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the water in churches is consecrated according to a special rite - the great Jordanian consecration and is called Epiphany. There is a Greek word - “agiasma”, which is translated as shrine. And the attitude towards her, towards great shrine must be special"
(S. Shulyak “Orthodox holidays”).
Many people wonder whether holy water flows from the tap. Opinions differ on this matter. In order not to be deceived and not torment yourself with doubts, go to open sources or to church.
Although scientists claim that even tap water changes its structure on this magical night!
HOW TO CORRECTLY PICK UP EPTICAL WATER?
You can take water from the temple after the service; you can also bring your own water for consecration, but remember that it must be ordinary clean water, not mineral and not carbonated.
Prepare glass containers with lids, such as 3-liter jars or bottles. Sterilize them thoroughly. In the Temple, holy water is also collected in very clean containers. You shouldn’t be blasphemous and take vodka or beer bottles for this, especially if there are still labels on them.
Fill this container with water from a well, spring, or other pure source and close the lid. Researchers claim that on Epiphany night, tap water also has unique healing properties.
If you do not have the opportunity to get out of the house, and you decide to simply get water from the tap, then this must be done in the time period from 00.10. until 02.00. on the night of January 18th to 19th. You can store water later, but this is the best time.
It is advisable to pass it through a cleaning filter, but this is not prerequisite. Fill the water and close the jars with lids.
HOW AND HOW LONG TO STORE BAPTISTIC WATER
It is believed that Epiphany water should be stored for a year, until the holiday, and then go for new water. But you cannot throw away holy water in vain, even if there is some holy water left from last year, you can leave it + and be sure to replenish the supply with new water. In addition, holy water can be shared with loved ones and friends.
“It is believed that holy water does not spoil, so there is no need to put it in the refrigerator. Orthodox Christians keep it in the Red Corner next to the icons. In addition, a drop of shrine sanctifies the sea. You can take ordinary, unconsecrated water and add a drop of Epiphany water to it, and it will all be sanctified...”
(S. Shulyak “Orthodox holidays”).
Epiphany water is best stored in glass containers.
From time to time, water is poured from a bottle or three-liter jar into a smaller bottle for use. It is believed that you should not open the water container too often or keep it open.
Use the remaining water to water the plants rather than pour them into the sink. You should not keep Epiphany water in open buckets and pans for a long time. The water in ponds and rivers also soon becomes the same.
If you nevertheless notice that the water has changed or even spoiled, do not be alarmed. The explanation for this trouble most likely lies in the fact that the container used for Epiphany water was not clean enough, or you placed the water under direct sun rays for a long time.
If all the conditions were met, but the water still became unusable, then you should take a closer look at your life and family. Water may indicate hidden illnesses, emerging discord in relationships with loved ones. Epiphany water is capable of absorbing emotions, so it may well “disappear” if you are constantly in conflict with your household.
Epiphany water is a unique natural gift, magical power. The fact that on Epiphany night the structure of water really changes has been confirmed even by scientists. It's hard to explain, but the fact remains. So why not take advantage of such a unique chance on Epiphany night? And it is not at all necessary to take it in reserve, in canisters. There should be a lot of faith, not water.