The true nature of water has its destiny in the salvation of man and the world. The blessing of waters doesn't "make bad water good." It restores the water to its original state. The prayer at the blessing of water causes the revelation of the true "nature" and "purpose" of water, and thus of the world. By being restored through the blessing to its proper function, water becomes again a means of communion with God. Christ in His Baptism purified the nature of the waters. He came to save not only humanity but, through their transformation, all of Creation.

During the blessing of the water a wonderful miracle is manifested. God the Holy Spirit, descending down upon the water, changes its natural properties. It again becomes incorrupt — remaining transformed and fresh for a very long time. Holy Water receives the grace of the Holy Spirit to heal illnesses, drive away demons, preserve and protect people and their homes, and sanctify the faithful and various objects whether for church or home use. Therefore, Orthodox Christians drink Holy Water with profound faith and reverence throughout the year.

Among Orthodox Christians, Holy Water is used frequently in rites of blessing and exorcism, and the water of baptism is always sanctified with a special blessing that consists of prayers almost identical to those used on Epiphany. Over the centuries, there have been many springs of water believed to be miraculous, such as the Life-Giving Spring of the Theotokos in Constantinople. Orthodox do not bless themselves with Holy Water upon entering a temple as do Catholics, but in Orthodox monasteries there is often Holy Water and cups to to drink from at the entrance.

The practice of Holy Water is based on the Baptism of our Lord Who was baptized by Saint John the Forerunner in the River Jordan. Jesus' Baptism is commemorated in the Orthodox Christian Church on the Great Feast of Lights (των Φώτων), Theophany, or Epiphany (literally "manifestation of God") on January 6. Following the Blessing of the Waters, the priest distributes bottles of Holy Water for use by parishioners throughout the year.

Every Orthodox family should have Holy Water at home and utilize it in cases of illness, leaving on a trip, when a child is frightened by a bad dream, or if someone feels threatened by evil influence or presence. Students may partake of Holy Water before tests. Many partake simply to strengthen their faith and hope in God.

Water is seen by the Church as a prime element of creation. In blessing water, it is asked that the original purpose of water — as a source of life, blessing and holiness — be revealed to one who drinks it. In Genesis in the Old Testament, creation began when the Spirit of God moved over the face of the waters. In the blessing of water it is understood that the world and everything in it is "very good" (Genesis 1:31), and when it becomes corrupted, God saves it once more by effecting the new creation in Christ, His Divine Son and Our Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

The celebration of the Great Blessing of Water is an affirmation that through Christ's Own Baptism, He has lifted the curse of Adam's sin and given the creative goodness of God's creation back to mankind once again. Thus when Christians are baptized into Christ, part of creation is once again sanctified in Christ.

In the weeks following Epiphany, the priest customarily visits parishioners and offers prayers of blessing for their homes, businesses, and family members. This tradition is meant to visibly represent God's sanctifying work everywhere in the world and to bring the blessing of the Church to the “church” of the home and hearth.