The Blessing of Homes
(Blessing of Homes: Questions and Answers).

Q: Why do we bless objects in the Orthodox Church?
A: In the litanies of our services, we are called to "commend ourselves... and our whole life unto Christ our God." All that we possess physically, psychologically, emotionally, and materially are called to be offered to God in thanksgiving and praise. In return for this offering, God sends us His Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God fills our lives and perfects them. He makes that which was created in this world, a part of the eternal world of God's Kingdom. The process of blessing with Holy Water is the means through which we actively "commend ourselves, one another and our whole life to Christ our God", and invite Him to be actively present in our lives. With this in mind, it only makes sense that we would dedicate to God one of our most prized and valuable possession: our homes. Homes, whether they be houses, apartments, collage dormitories, or even caves in the earth, are an important part of who we are. By inviting the priest into our homes to perform the rite of blessing with holy water, we invite God to transform our homes into little temples, places where the Lord comes to dwell. This is so appropriate, since the Orthodoxy teaches that the family is a little Church, a small Kingdom of God.
Q: Why do we bless our homes after the Feast of Jordan (Epiphany)?
A: It was during Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan River that the Holy Trinity revealed itself: "As soon as Jesus was Baptized, He come up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on Him. And then a voice said from heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17). The feast of Jordan, then, is a celebration of God's presence in the world. We celebrate His presence in our lives at this time of the year by inviting Him into our homes through the rite of blessing with Holy Water.
Q: What are the significance of the candle and "kolach" on the table?
A: The candle and kolach, at the center of the table, signify that Christ, the Bread of Life and Light of the World, is to be at the center of our lives.
Q: Why do we lead the priest through the house with a candle as he is performing the blessing?
A: In this instance the candle represents John the Baptist, who came before Christ, proclaiming His coming and enlightening the world about Him.

If you would like your house to be blessed, please call Fr. Ivan

Prayer of the Blessing of Homes

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, who deigned to enter into the house of Zaccheus, the Publican, thereby bringing to him salvation: now protect (names) who live here from all evil, blessing their life; and guard them from all aggression, granting them all that is good and beneficial for them.

For You, O God, are the one who has mercy on us and saves us, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.