Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On January 6 the Orthodox Christians attend a Divine Liturgy and the Great Blessing of the Water service to celebrate Theophany, also called “Ton Photon” (“Feast of Lights”) with reference to the spiritual illumination of the Holy Spirit. The service commemorates the baptism of Christ and the manifestation of God in three persons. Large numbers of people attend church to be blessed and to receive holy water which they take home in small bottles provided by the church. Some parishioners bring their own bottles often made specifically for holy water. In most churches in America the blessing is held indoors, and the water is contained in a large urn. It is customary, to invite your priest to bless your home with holy water within a few weeks following Theophany. Prepare by cleaning the house and opening and lighting all the rooms. The items needed for a house blessing are: Icon of Christ, Candle, Large serving bowl for the Holy Water, Incense, Incense burner, Charcoal, and sprig of basil leaves.These items should be placed on a small table. The priest blesses the water by dipping a cross in it and repeating a blessing. Using the basil sprig dipped in water as a sprinkler, he will go to each room and sprinkle it in the four corners blessing the home with the grace of the Holy Spirit which also protects you from evil spirits. Save some of the holy water in a bottle in your ikonostasi (home altar) and pour the remainder on plants. Although ideal, all family members do not need to be present for the house blessing. House Blessings are a yearly tradition. According to Orthodox doctrine, holy water has the power to sanctify and heal. Have each family member drink a small amount of the holy water from Epiphany or the home blessing. Keep the unused holy water in your home ikonostasi for future use: times of adversity, before starting a new venture or trip, to give thanks, or when someone is ill. You may drink it or anoint yourself when you feel spiritually afflicted.
I wish you all Blessed and Happy New Year 2019 filled with health, peace, love and Spiritual growth!
Yours in Christ,
+Fr. Sasa Turkic
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Bible Study
The Bible Study at the St. Athanasios Church will be held on Sunday January 13th and Sunday January 27th (from 11:30 to 12:15 pm). There, we will learn about the Orthodox Tradition on the Bible. The classes are designed to introduce the basic teachings of Orthodox Christianity through the Church Fathers using the Church Lectionary and History, which has its roots in Apostolic times.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Fr. Sasaat (251) 233-3128.
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Holy Confession
The sacrament of Holy Confession has always been a central part of an Orthodox Christian’s spiritual journey during our pilgrimage with the Lord in life. Orthodox Christians interested in participating in this Holy Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation can meet with me by appointment. Please call me at 251-233-3128.
Additional information can be found about Holy Confession and the other sacraments of our Church on our web site at http://www.stathanasios.al.goarch.org/ourfaith/sacraments
+Fr Sasa Turkic
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Yard Sale at St. Athanasios Church
Please save the date: February 23rd, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, please contact Steffie Joiner at (336) 414-3862
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