The Blessing of Homes for Epiphany

The blessing of homes is a wonderful Epiphany tradition 20 + C + M + B + 16 While the blessing of homes in honor of the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is not a distinctly Slovak tradition but is rather common to all of central and eastern Europe. The blessing of homes during the month of January takes place when we celebrate Christ’s Epiphany.

This tradition was common in years past among our Slovak parishes. Some continue this beautiful faith tradition. We celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on January 3, 2016.

If a priest or deacon is not available to visit and bless an individual home, blessed chalk may be used by the residents themselves to mark the doorposts. Bring the chalk to church and ask your priest or deacon to bless it. When you are ready to consecrate your home for the New Year 2016, mark each doorpost with the chalk and the above numerals.

The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi – Caspar, Melchoir and Balthasar – and also stand for the Latin motto Christus Mansionem Benedicar (May Christ bless this house).The following prayer may be said to bless your home. Mark in your bible, Matthew 2:1-12. Pause for a moment to remember that God is near. Read the scripture slowly. Then say this prayer. You may then wish to inscribe your doorpost. With a piece of chalk, write 20 +C + M + B + 16.

The Epiphany of the Lord God of Bethlehem and Cana, God of Jordan’s leaping waters, in baptism you bring us into your family. You wed us and embrace us as your beloved. May we fill our home with kindness to one another, with hospitality to guests, and with abundant care for every stranger. By the gentle light of a star, guide home all who seek you on paths of faith, hope and love. Then we will join the angels in proclaiming your praise: Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever. Amen