During the days following the Feast of Theophany (January 6th), it is customary for the priest to visit the homes of parishioners, bringing the blessed “Jordan Water” for the traditional Theophany House Blessing.
How to Prepare Your Home
All who reside in the household should make every effort to be present for the blessing. In anticipation of Fr. Michael’s arrival, please prepare the following in your icon corner:
- Lampada (oil lamp) or candle
- Hand-censer and incense
- A small bowl with several sprigs of evergreen bound together with a ribbon
- A clearly printed list of the baptismal names of all household members
If you do not have an icon corner, place a small table against the eastern wall of your main room. Cover it with a white cloth and set it with one or more icons standing upright, along with the items listed above.
When Father Arrives
Upon the arrival of the priest, all family members should greet him, ask his blessing, and reverence his right hand. A family member then lights the lampada and hand-censer. Please turn off all televisions, radios, and other devices, and turn on lights in all rooms to be blessed.
After the blessing, those in the household approach Fr. Michael to reverence the hand-cross and receive the blessing of holy water.
It is customary for the head of household to present the priest with an envelope containing an honorarium and a list of the living and departed for whom the family requests prayers during the new year.
Scheduling
Please call Fr. Michael for an appointment if you are not home during the day. For everyone else, Fr. Michael will notify you when he will be in your area.
