As we celebrate the feast of Epiphany today we are reminded not only of the visit of the three kings and the gifts they brought to our Lord (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh), but the gifts they would like to bring to us as well. As if the part they play in the life of our Lord and the salvation He offers to ALL people isn’t enough, they continue to bring gifts to us today. There are two primary ways in which this blessing is imparted to us: the first is through the blessing of our homes; the second is through the use of Epiphany Water.
The traditional Epiphany blessing of the family home is imposed either by the visit of the priest or can be presided over by the Christian head of the family. Blessed chalk and instructions containing the blessing have again been provided and are available at the entrances of our churches. If you should wish to do this yourself you are only asked to either put the blessed chalk some place safe for use again next year, or to bring it back to church next weekend. In any case, this blessing is a very powerful blessing! There have been many reports of this blessing guarding family homes from demonic assaults, thus making the family home a place of peace and love.
Epiphany water is that which has been exorcised and blessed on the eve of Epiphany (usually during Vespers / Evening Prayer). The Holy Water reservoirs in all three of our churches have been filled with this water. You may feel free to take home as much as you will use. But, HOW does one use it? It is traditional to keep a holy water font at the door of one’s home so that family members and others may bless themselves as they go out and as they return. It is also a
“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecutions, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us.” (Romans 8:35, 37)
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