Blessings

And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house...'"

                                                                                                                                                                                         Luke 19:9

Agiasmos: Blessing of the Waters

January and Year-Round The tradition of Agiasmos (Sanctification) stems from the Feast of Epiphany, where Christ’s baptism in the Jordan sanctified the nature of water.

• The Epiphany Tradition: Each January, our priests visit the homes of the faithful to sprinkle the "Great Blessing" of the Holy Water. This is an ancient tradition that renews the "Small Church"—the home—and cleanses the living space for the new year.
• New Beginnings: Beyond January, the Agiasmos service is appropriate for the opening of a new business, moving into a new home, or even during times of family illness or difficulty.
• Preparation: To prepare for a home blessing, please have a small bowl (for water), a sprig of fresh basil, and a hand-held censer (if available).

Blessings on the Birth of a Child

The Orthodox Church views the journey from conception to birth as a sacred participation in God’s creative work. We offer specific milestones of prayer to support the mother and child through this holy transition.

Blessing of the First Day

Protection and Recovery This service is a tender moment of prayer, traditionally performed at the hospital or home on the day a child is born. The priest offers prayers for the physical recovery of the mother and the spiritual protection of the newborn.

Note: Please contact the Church Office approximately two weeks before your due date so our clergy can keep you in their prayers.

Blessing on the Eighth Day

The Naming of the Child Just as our Lord received His name on the eighth day (Luke 2:21), the Church offers a specific blessing to officially "seal" a child’s name. This service is traditionally performed by the priest in the home and marks the child's identity before God and the community as they begin their journey toward Holy Baptism.

Forty Day Blessing

The Churching of Mother and Child Forty days after birth, in accordance with the tradition observed by the Virgin Mary (Luke 2:22-24), the mother brings her child for its first visit to the Church. This "Churching" marks the mother’s return to the sacramental life and the child’s formal introduction to the House of the Lord.

• The Service: The priest meets the mother and child in the Narthex. He carries the child into the Nave and toward the Royal Gates, symbolizing their entry into the family of Christ.
• Timing: On Sundays, this blessing is offered at the end of the Divine Liturgy after the distribution of the antidoron.
• Preparation: Since these prayers allude to the mother returning to the Mysteries, it is recommended that she prepare to receive Holy Communion shortly after the blessing.

Quick Checklist for the 40-Day Blessing

To make the day go smoothly, we suggest having the following ready:

• Arrival: Please be in the Narthex (the entrance of the church) 10 minutes before the end of the Liturgy.
• Notification: Ensure you have called the church office to confirm the date and time.
• Family: We welcome husbands and grandparents to stand with the mother during these prayers.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

                                                                                           -Isaiah 12:3