www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Blessing of Motor Vehicles

Local TV stations (especially those cable access channels) often crave news, and they'll jump at the chance to report on something different or that they feel is significant in the community. They will frequently send a reporter and camera-person to an event IF THEY ARE TOLD ABOUT IT. That last part is crucial.

So often, churches complain about a lack of exposure but don't take advantage of free publicity. Members of the Media may want us to think they are omniscient and omnipresent, but they are not. In most cases, getting media coverage is as simple as writing up a press release or calling the local TV station, radio station, or newspaper.

In any event, always have someone on hand, either the priest or a knowledgeable member of the laity, ready to explain the significance of what is going on in very basic terms, and to field any questions.

Dave

Here's our article in "The Washington Post." Found out the reporter was a former RC... now Methodist. I guess maybe that explains the continuing use of the word "Mass" instead of Divine Liturgy. Oh well... better something than nothing at all. CIX!
web page... W. Gross made the sign of the cross while sprinkling parishioners\' minivans and sedans [washingtonpost.com]

In the old days I am sure the priests blessed other transportation like horses, mules and donkeys.
But then that would be the blessing of Saint Francis over the animals then?

During lunch today I ran to the automatic car wash down the street from where I work to have the dust of this very dry summer washed off my truck. As I was waiting for my vehichle to go thru all the steps of the "ultimate wash," I noticed on the bulletin board the article about our car blessing that appeared in "The Washington Post," almost a month ago (see my post above). Kinda made my day.

CIX!

P.S. There is an Eastern counterpart to St. Francis when it comes to the blessing of animals, but for the life of me I can't remember who it is. Fr. Jack... are you out there? You quizzed me on this a while back, but I didn't know the answer. Now, I just can't remember. Must be all that summer heat and humidity "molding up" my synapses.

If it stands still long enough, bless it!

Gaudior, thinking one can never have too many things in one's life that are blessed.

I am sure Alex knows St. Francis' Eastern counterpart!

After all the practice could have originated in East, as nearly all that we do in the West, it is claimed.

Amado

St. Mamas the Martyr, September 2nd, is viewed as a protector of and intercessor for animals.

There is also a prayer by St. Modestos for blessing animals (or livestock, not sure exactly).

Dave

Dear Friends,

The Eastern counterpart of St Francis with respect to animals is . . .St Seraphim of Sarov who loved animals and to whom wild animals came without fear.

I believe St Jordan of Trebizond was another who pulled a thorn from the paw of a lion. St Mamas is often portrayed riding on a lion's back.

St Zosima and St Savaty of the Solovetsky Islands are the patrons of the bees.

I have an Old Rite Calendar that lists Orthodox patron saints galore . . .

If your hand hurts, you pray to Our Lady of the Three Hands and to St John of Damascus.

Alex

See?

You have a dizzying array of patron saints from the East!

And I misspoke! I should have said St. Francis' Eastern counterparts!

Amado

Dear Amado,

In the case of the patrons of the bees, it is all a stinging indictment . . .

Alex