Tens of people went to the God’s Birth Cathedral in central Chisinau to take part in the service and take holy water in the morning of January 19, when it is celebrated Epiphany. The people say that this holiday is one of the most important during the year, while the holy water is used to treat diseases and to ensure peace and quietness at home, IPN reports.

A woman from Chisinau said that she regularly goes to church to take holy water. “This is a tradition of my parents and we keep it so as to be better and cleaner,” said the woman, adding that the holy water is used especially on fasting days to clean the soul.

Another woman said that before taking holy water she goes to church to light a candle. “The holy water is water for the soul. We must keep it and teach our children that it is blessed water. The water taken on Epiphany is good for health. When the people have trouble, they should drink holy water in the morning and take holy bread,” she stated.

A Christina woman from Ialoveni said they should eat nothing one day before Epiphany, while today they should eat only dishes prepared with oil and no meat. “Today we celebrate Epiphany, while tomorrow Saint John the Baptist. “We bless the house with holy water and drink it every morning during seven days,” she said.

Those who came without containers to take holy water could buy plastic containers and basil for 5 lei each. 

Epiphany or Theophany is one of the greatest Christian holydays that closes the row of winter holidays.