Orthodox Christians celebrate the Healing Spring today. It is a feast dedicated to the Mother of God, which falls every year on the Friday of the first week after Easter. On this day, water consecration services are held in all churches.
The celebration recalls a miracle that took place near Constantinople, when the Mother of God revealed to Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), before his ascension to the throne, a spring with healing water. After becoming emperor, Leon built a church in that place, and with the water of that spring, many sick people were cured over time, writes Agerpres.
What traditions must the believers of the Healing Spring follow
During Holy Week, parishioners must observe several customs and superstitions. On this day of great celebration, the small altar is consecrated after the Liturgy. All those who drink the holy water will be cured of the diseases they suffer, be they of body or soul, as tradition says. On the Friday of Bright Week, young people can make the “juvenile covenant” or “twining”, a pact by which they pledge their unconditional support, regardless of any obstacle encountered in life.
Housewives are not allowed to wash or do housework on this day, as it is a Red Cross holiday in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Parishioners go to church, to take holy water from the priest, to pray and thank God.
