40 Day Blessing

Congratulations on your upcoming 40 Day Blessing. Along with the excitement and joy that goes with having this blessing, many questions arise as to what is required for the 40 Day Blessing. In the Orthodox Church, this blessing is the churching of the mother and child and it emulates our Lord’s blessing in the temple 40 days after his birth as found in the Gospel of St. Luke 2:22ff. Listed below are all the steps, with pertinent information, which must be carefully reviewed and completed in preparation for this blessing.

The Clergy and Cathedral staff are here to welcome you and provide everything you will need to celebrate your blessing in the Church.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Cathedral Office at any time.

40 Day Blessings are usually conducted at the end of the Divine Liturgy on Sundays, but can also be done on any other day of the week depending on availability. They are normally scheduled on the closest Sunday to 40 days after the child’s birth, or on the actual 40th day.

STEPS TO COMPLETE beFORe 40 Day Blessing may tAKE PLACE

Step 1: Cathedral 40 Day Blessing Information

The information from this form is used for record keeping and announcements in the Messenger/Bulletin as well as in the Annunciator.

Step 2: Day of Blessing

If your 40 Day Blessing is taking place on a Sunday, please arrive around 10:15am and check in with the members of the Parish Council to let them know you are present. They will let the Clergy know. Please remain in either the Bride’s Room or the Narthex until it is time for the blessing.

Step 3: Schedule the Baptism

After the 40 Day Blessing has concluded, please begin the process to schedule the child’s Baptism.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Cathedral Office at any time.

May God's blessing be upon you as you plan the next steps in your child’s life. Congratulations!