An Orthodox house blessing is a service of prayer in which a priest asks God's blessing upon a home and the people who live there. Holy water is commonly used as the rooms of the home are blessed.
When are homes blessed?
House blessings are especially common around the feast of Theophany, when the Church celebrates Christ's Baptism and the blessing of the waters. A home may also be blessed after moving or at another appropriate time arranged with the parish priest.
Why use holy water?
Holy water is a sign of God's sanctifying grace and recalls Baptism. The blessing expresses the Christian desire that everyday family life, work, meals, rest, and hospitality all be lived in God's presence.
Is a house blessing supposed to protect a home magically?
No. Orthodox blessings are prayer, not magic. A blessed home is still a place where Christians must practice repentance, forgiveness, hospitality, and prayer. A home prayer corner can help make that spiritual purpose visible.
|
Established with the blessing of V. Rev. Fr. Wiaczeslaw, Rector of Orthodox Christian Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (NY). |
