​  Theophany house blessings : 6 Things to Know

1. Houses are traditionally blessed with "Theophany water" each year. A house can be blessed at any time, but the usual season for yearly blessings is from Theophany until the beginning of the Great Fast. 

2.  “Theophany water" is just water that has been blessed with the Great Blessing of the Waters service on Theophany. Another name for this water is simply "Holy Water". The water blessed in for instance, August is no more and no less "holy" than the water blessed on Theophany.

3. Water is blessed using the “Great Blessing of the Waters” service two distinct times during Theophany: after Vespers on the Eve of Theophany and after the Divine Liturgy on Theophany. The blessings are identical, and the water is identical. 

4. In many places, it is traditional to bless water in lakes or rivers, frozen or flowing. The priests often go to such a place, and bless the water (if frozen, after a hole has been cut in the ice). Many people will take a dip in the water after it is blessed.

5. When a home is blessed, the priest brings everything needed for the blessing: a blessing cross, holy water and sprinkler. 
 

The priest will bless all rooms of the house. In homes with children, it is always good for the little ones to carry a candle or the blessing cross and "lead" the priest throughout the house. An elder member of the house may also do this.

If you would like to schedule your cabin or place of business to be blessed, please contact the Shrine's Chaplain at 520.576.9653