Every year in the days of the Nativity of Christ, God sends His blessings and joy to the whole world, to each person. Every soul meets the Saviour and is spiritually renewed. After this meeting with Christ, our soul becomes filled with love and desire to live a holy life. For this the Holy Church sends its support. Soon after the Nativity of Christ, the Church celebrates the Baptism of our Saviour in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. In memory of this event, the Church blesses Holy Water. This is a great holiness and a source of help for us. Through this holiness we receive God's blessings and spiritual strength for the battle against sin.
For many years in our parish we have maintained a very beautiful tradition associated with this holyday of Christ's Baptism or Epiphany. After this celebration, the priest goes with the Holy Water and with special prayers to every Christian family and blesses their homes. Through these prayers and the sprinkling of Holy Water upon the house and upon those who dwell in it, comes spiritual peace and God's blessings. Therefore the priest's coming with Holy Water is a great event for the family. It is awaited the entire year. Our home is not just walls and a roof. It is the place where we live, meet with friends, pray to God and receive help from Him. Therefore our home, like our souls, should be holy.
This year, as in the past, Father Michael will be blessing the homes of the parishioners of our Church over the course of three weeks, beginning with the Holy Day of the Epiphany. Whoever would like to invite the priest to his home, please call Fr. Michael at 322-0024 or 325-1922, or leave your address and telephone number at the Church office.
May the Lord bestow His blessings upon your homes, and may He protect you all in good health, peace and spiritual joy. Have a happy and blessed New Year!
With love
Father Michael Fourik, Rector