After Theophany, Parishes Encouraged to Prepare for Annual House Blessings
The Antiochian Archdiocese of North America is urging families, following Theophany, to prepare prayerfully and practically for the traditional house blessing as a way of sanctifying the home and daily life.
ENGLEWOOD, NJ — The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America has published helpful suggestions and guidelines for the upcoming season of house blessings. Following the Feast of Theophany on the new calendar, Orthodox parishes are encouraging the faithful to prepare for the traditional house blessing, a centuries-old practice in which parish priests visit homes to bless them with holy water.
Clergy emphasize that preparing the home for this visit—often by cleaning and setting up a prayer space—reflects the same spiritual readiness with which Orthodox Christians approach other blessings of the Church. Although not a sacrament, the house blessing is seen as an important way of living the faith within the household, sanctifying daily life and extending God’s grace beyond the church walls.
Pastors and educators particularly highlight the value of involving children, helping them understand the meaning of Theophany and the blessing through prayer, discussion, and simple activities. Resources such as printable prayers, preparation guides, and instructional materials are shared in the guidelines linked above.
Parish leaders encourage families to approach the house blessing with joy, prayer, and hospitality, welcoming Christ into their homes throughout the year. There are more links to children-friendly materials on the archdiocese webpage linked above.
Previously, the UOJ reported on the Blessing of the Waters in Piraeus, Greece.
