Description
The Great Sanctification is the most important medicine of the Orthodox Church after Holy Communion and that is why we partake of the sanctification before receiving the antigift, while, on the contrary, the minor Sanctification, as the fourth in order of power, is received after the antigift. They also receive Great Sanctification those who do not have the conditions and the corresponding preparation for T. Metalipsi.
The Great Sanctification is directly connected with the mystery of Repentance and Confession, as its beginning goes back to the repentance baptism of Saint John the Forerunner, which was activated and completed with the Presence and Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan River. On January 5th, the Great Sanctification Mass will be held in the Orthodox Churches and afterwards the priests will sanctify the homes of those Christians who wish and request it. The same Mass will be celebrated the following day, the Feast of the Epiphany, on which we celebrate the event of Christ’s Manifestation on earth as the Only Begotten Son and Word of God the Father. At the same time, we also celebrate the manifestation of the Holy Trinity, because, as our Church sings, “The manifestation of the Trinity in the Jordan took place”. The consecration of both days, January 5 and 6, he is the same That is, it has the same sanctifying power[citation needed]. Some, however, seduced by the fact that on the eve of the Epiphany the reading of the first great Wish is omitted, claim that, due to this omission, the sanctification of January 6th is a greater sanctifying grace. The supporters of this opinion are not right, because the omitted wish is not sanctifying but preaching. It analyzes theologically the meaning of the holiday without, however, containing an invocation of the holy Saint Charitos. There is a real difference in sanctifying power between the Great Sanctification and the Minor Sanctification that takes place at the beginning of each month. In Theophania, it is customary in coastal areas to sanctify the waters of the sea. During the ceremony the priest throws the cross into the sea and believers dive in to retrieve it.
Consecration is also performed for the good luck of the house – business and the removal of evil demons, a priest is called to perform consecration, especially during the opening of a business and the beginning of a new family.
Accordingly, at the beginning of the new school year, schools in Greece are consecrated.
