House Blessings and Theophany

    Lord, when You were baptized in the Jordan, the veneration of the Trinity was revealed. For the voice of the Father gave witness to You, calling You Beloved, and the Spirit, in the guise of a dove, confirmed the certainty of His words. Glory to You, Christ our God, who appeared and enlightened the world.  Apolytikion in the First Tone

 

 

 

Tis the Season for House Blessing.   Following the Great Feast of Epiphany parishes around the globe have started the annual House Blessing Season.  No sales, gimmicks or special decorations needed.   Just a bowl, a sprig of evergreen, an icon of Jesus, a censor equipped with charcoal and incense, and a priest.  Yes, this is a very special time of year when we open our homes for the priest to come and bless the whole family, our work, our cars... bringing God to where we live.. our church away from church. 

 

 

If you have a collection of water bottles, it's good to empty them into gardens to have on hand for the holy water that remains after the annual house blessing. 


Prayer from House Blessing:

O God our Savior, the True Light, Who was baptized in the Jordan by the Prophet John, and Who did deign to enter under the roof-tree of Zacchaeus, bringing salvation unto him and unto his house: do You, the same Lord, keep safe also from harm those who dwell herein; grant to them Your blessing, purification and bodily health, and all their petitions that are unto salvation and Life everlasting; for blessed are You, as also Your Father Who is from everlasting, and Your All; Holy, Good and Life; creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.