Blessing of the Waters

The month of January is a unique time in the life of Orthodox Christian parishes, specifically with the blessing of houses. Holy Water is blessed during services on Sunday, Jan. 5, and again at the morning liturgy on Monday, Jan. 6. We use the beautiful Holy Water font (see the front cover) for this service, from which the priest fills the ratistiri (Holy Water sprinkler) for house blessings.

Holy Water is brought by the priest to the homes of parishioners and, in a special service, is sprinkled throughout the house offering the Epiphany blessing for the New Year. Every family can request a house blessing by completing the form found in this month’s newsletter, and returning it to the church office.

This is a blessing for the entire family, so parents should try to find a time when children are home, and no other activities are taking place. The significance of the house blessing, in addition to offering prayers for a holy and healthy start to the new year, makes a direct connection with the feastday of Epiphany.

Jesus was baptized with water in the Jordan River. The prayers at the Great Blessing of the Waters service ask our Lord to bless the water for the health of soul and body, and for the sanctification of homes.

Holy Water is a sacred union of a fundamental element of human life (water) together with the invisible grace of the Creator of life. This is the great blessing of Epiphany, our Lord’s baptism.

It is a joyful and sacred celebration, and provides a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to start the new year by having their homes blessed with Holy Water. Don’t be bashful or mistakenly think it’s an imposition; this is truly one of the joys of being a priest!

May the New Year 2025 be filled with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.