blessing objects with holy water

[AMM]

Is this something that I can do, as a layperson? I have a bottle of Holy Water, so if I get a new icon, or prayer rope, or something (or a non-religious item (a book, clothing)), can I bless it myself by sprinkling Holy Water on it? I know I could also bring things to a priest and ask him to bless them

 

[truefiction1]

I'd bring them to they priest to have them blessed on the altar. Holy water is usually used only to bless ourselves with or to give to others so that they can bless themselves with it (usually by drinking it).

Well, that seems to be the custom here where I am anyway.

 

[ArmyMatt]

the Holy Water at home you should drink, especially when sick.

 

[AMM]

real quick follow up -- should one have books and the like blessed, or just icons, prayer ropes, etc.?

 

[ArmyMatt]

normally I don't think books are blessed, but I don't think it's forbidden to do.

 

[AMM]

normally I don't think books are blessed, but I don't think it's forbidden to do.

even prayer books?

 

[ArmyMatt]

even prayer books?

yep.

 

[AMM]

yep.

interesting, thank you!

 

[ArmyMatt]

no probs!

 

[~Anastasia~]

Lord forgive me - this may be irreverent. I often pray using my iPhone - a lot of my prayers are stored in there. I thought of having it blessed when I read that (not to say I considered having it done, but that the equivalent for me would be to have my phone blessed).

Maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing, since so much tries to reach us through the Internet.

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

Lord forgive me - this may be irreverent. I often pray using my iPhone - a lot of my prayers are stored in there. I thought of having it blessed when I read that (not to say I considered having it done, but that the equivalent for me would be to have my phone blessed).

Maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing, since so much tries to reach us through the Internet.

Just make sure its waterproof in advance

 

[AMM]

Lord forgive me - this may be irreverent. I often pray using my iPhone - a lot of my prayers are stored in there. I thought of having it blessed when I read that (not to say I considered having it done, but that the equivalent for me would be to have my phone blessed).

Maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing, since so much tries to reach us through the Internet.

Interesting, hadn't considered that. But it makes sense - it can't hurt to bless anything. And I could be mistaken, but I don't think it's irreverent to bless even the most "unholy" thing. Isn't that what the Incarnation teaches us?

 

[Markie Boy]

What exactly does it mean to bless something with Holy water - what does it do and why? And historically when did it start? Just trying to learn - thank you.

When I read the Didache they don't seem concerned at all with using Holy water for baptism - just running or still, or cold or warm.

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

Edited.

 

[ArmyMatt]

What exactly does it mean to bless something with Holy water - what does it do and why? And historically when did it start? Just trying to learn - thank you.

When I read the Didache they don't seem concerned at all with using Holy water for baptism - just running or still, or cold or warm.

holy water sanctifies like holy oil does.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Interesting, hadn't considered that. But it makes sense - it can't hurt to bless anything. And I could be mistaken, but I don't think it's irreverent to bless even the most "unholy" thing. Isn't that what the Incarnation teaches us?

Well the Incarnation sanctifies material things.

And I understand there are set prayers for blessing just about anything ...

 

[RobNJ]

Well the Incarnation sanctifies material things.

And I understand there are set prayers for blessing just about anything ...

Including a new car. Either Father was taking my "calm, cool" driving style into account, or the number of NY drivers, infesting the local roads in NJ

 

[~Anastasia~]

Including a new car. Either Father was taking my "calm, cool" driving style into account, or the number of NY drivers, infesting the local roads in NJ

I should ask for that. Drivers here have been CRAZY lately. I actually had too many close calls due to - people driving in an unusual manner - the other day to remember them all by the time I got home.

 

[ArmyMatt]

actually, it is proper to bless vehicles on the Feast of the Prophet Elijah.