Blessing of the Graves

Normally we (Ukrainian Orthodox) bless the graves of our departed on St Thomas Sunday, which is the Sunday after Pascha (Easter). This year St Thomas Sunday was 8 May, which was also Mother's Day. Between that and all the rain lately, my parish postponed the Blessing of the Graves until this coming Sunday.

Our priest, along with several parishioners, will visit the individual graves of our departed family members. We pray at each one. We chant at each one. He blesses each one with holy water. Everyone gets his or her own personal blessing. It is a beautiful day. Look for my reflections on this moving service next week!

Tombstone Tuesday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.

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