PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:

February 6, 2007
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DIOCESE REVITALIZES TRADITION OF HOME BLESSING

By Florence Avakian

The great philosopher and poet Johann Goethe said, "He is happiest, be he
king or peasant, who finds peace in his home." For the Armenian home, that
peace can come from an ancient and profound tradition of having the home
blessed by the parish priest.

The Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern) has designated 2007 as the
"Year of Church and Home: One in Spirit." As part of the effort to "bring
the spirituality and spirit within the church to every parishioner’s family
and abode," Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese, is
encouraging every Armenian family to invite the local priest into their home
to conduct a Home Blessing service.

"The pastor’s presence on the occasion of the Home Blessing, in which the
entire family participates, will create a sense of spirituality that will
remain forever, particularly in the memory of young children," the Primate
said. "Such an occasion will also help the parish priest become better
acquainted with the spiritual needs of his flock, so he can work towards
providing for their needs."

The lingering importance of conducting a Home Blessing was emphasized by the
Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, pastor of the Church of the Holy Ascension in
Trumbull, Connecticut.

"This tradition revitalizes the fire of reconnecting the church and the
home," he said. "The parish priest visits the homes of his parishioners,
which is an important way to reach out to those who don’t come to church
regularly."

Traditionally, Armenian priests lived near by their flock, allowing the
pastors to bless six or seven homes in one day, Fr. Nalbandian said. He
added that historically the men worked, while the women were left home to
tend to the children.

Having people at home and living near one another meant that most homes
could be blessed during especially important holidays, such as Christmas and
Easter. But today, the priest is called upon to bless homes throughout the
year.

"But in America, the priest is required to drive long distances, plus most
family members work outside the home," he said. "So it is not possible for
the parish priest to bless the homes only during the Christmas and Easter
holy seasons."

PERSONAL CONNECTION

Along with the spiritual aspect of the Home Blessing service, the visit is a
chance for the priest and faithful to make a personal connection.

During the visit, the priest updates the family members on church and
community activities. And, more important, the priest becomes aware of the
family’s special needs and how the church can help them in their daily life.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for families to openly speak of their
difficulties, needs, and even problems," said Fr. Nalbandian, who as has
already visited seven homes in his parish, with plans to bless 75 more this
year.

He stresses that people have no obligation to compensate the priest for this
service. In the old country, people gave a contribution to the priest
because he received no salary. "Our job is to go, visit, reach out and
reconnect," he said.

The ceremony itself involves the ritual of blessing water, bread, and salt
— three ingredients which humans cannot live without. The holy wafer (or
nushkhar) is then offered to the family. During the blessing, the priest
will burn incense, bless the family, and pray for their good health,
happiness and success.

A special booklet detailing the blessing service has been published by the
Diocese. During the visit, the parish priest will give each household a
copy, and invite the family to read from it. The visiting priest also will
explain the meaning of the service.

"I hope this year will be the beginning — and not the end — of this
uplifting practice," Fr. Nalbandian said. "It is a profoundly spiritual
experience."

— 2/6/07

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress