COVID-19 UPDATE:
Due to the on-going pandemic, kindly refrain from booking a pastoral visit, if anyone in the family has symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19. The clergy are pleased to reschedule a visit after everyone recovers. Thank you for your understanding.
PURPOSE :
The Church teaches us to sanctify everything: dwellings, places of work, all our pursuits, and the fruits of our labor. The home blessing at Theophany represents a renewal of our lives in Christ.
The Holy Water sanctifies our homes - the first church - for the fulfillment of the will of our Heavenly Father. This is why the Church blesses everything that can be found in a Christian home; if something is not worthy of being blessed, then there should not be a place for it in the home of a Christian!
PREPARATION FOR THE SERVICE:
After you have scheduled your appointment with one of our clergy, you can prepare for your house blessing. Ideally, all who reside in the household should be present for the Blessing. We will gather in the dining room or in front of the family icon corner. The table or icon corner should have:
A lit candle.
A Theophany icon or another icon of Christ.
Make a list of the baptismal names of family members (living) that the clergy will include in their prayers.
Optional items
A small bowl (if you need more Holy Water for your home).
A bunch of fresh green basil or other greens bundled together.
A censor.
Make sure your rooms are lit (if at night) and open doors to rooms for ease of entry. Also please remember to “turn off your electronic devices.”
If you have pets, they may be blessed too.
DURING THE SERVICE:
When the priest arrives everyone in the house should gather around the table/family altar and join in prayer and singing.
If there are children, they may carry an icon or candle to lead the priest from room to room. Another member of the family may also lead the priest through the house.
After the house has been blessed with Holy Water, we return to the table to conclude our prayers.
Although parishioners often wish for the priest to stay for a meal at the conclusion of the service, this season does not permit us to do so. We have many homes to bless, thanks be to God! Our hope is to pray and share the love of Christ with your household through the blessing of your home. We will look forward to gathering with your family on another occasion in this new year.