LIVING IN A BLESSED HOME

It is the custom of the Orthodox to have their homes blessed by the priest in the days following the Feast of Theophany every January 6. The rite of house blessing is brief but wonderful—it not only brings the blessing of God upon one’s home for the coming year, but also binds the domestic family together as part of the Family of God.

The preparations are easy: one simply prepares a table with

• a bowl of Holy Water,
• a leafy sprig (to sprinkle the Holy Water) (I can provide Holy Water and sprig if you do not have one available.)
• an icon
• a candle (for carrying from room to room)
• and a list of names of the living and the departed for the priest to offer to God as part of the rite.

The prayers themselves take only a few minutes, and then the family leads the priest from room to room (the head of the house carrying the candle) as all sing the Theophany tropar and the priest sprinkles the walls of each room with Holy Water. At the end, the priest sprinkles all present with the Holy Water (it is my practice to bless any animals within reach also). The whole visit need last no longer than twenty minutes—but what an important few minutes it is. For it is in this way that one consecrates one’s home and life there to the Lord for the months that follow.

It is always my great joy to visit the homes of the faithful in the parish. I am never too busy to visit, especially for such a joyful occasion. All you need do is call to arrange for a convenient time.

Yours in the Lord, Fr. Lawrence