Освящение полей в Георгиевском

During the celebration of Bright Week, a service for the blessing of the fields was held at St. George's Parish. According to a good and pious tradition, a blessing of the fields is held here annually before the beginning of the spring and summer labors, for every work on earth begins with prayer. At St. George's Parish, not only the fields are cultivated, but also the vegetable gardens and greenhouses. After reading the prescribed prayers and the Gospel, Father Gleb sprinkled holy water on all four sides of the fields, garden beds, and greenhouses, invoking God's blessing on the future labor and harvest. In ancient times, this custom always existed in Rus': before planting, people would order a service for the blessing of the waters in church, praying to the Mother of God and the holy saints, asking for help in their labors. They would sprinkle the seeds with holy water, and then, crossing themselves in all four directions, they would sprinkle the vegetable gardens and fields, all done with faith and hope in God's mercy. And today, continuing this prayerful tradition, we do not so much hope for a bountiful harvest as we trust that the Lord will provide everything necessary, and that the fruits of the earth will serve for the benefit of the brethren of St. George's Parish.