As is tradition both here and in many parishes, St. Elijah’s Day (July 20) – or, for practical reasons, the Sunday before or after – is when we bless our cars, trucks, and other vehicles. This is done in remembrance of the Prophet Elijah, who was carried up into heaven on a chariot. We therefore bless our vehicles in his memory, praying that our own “chariots” might also be part of our daily journey into the kingdom of heaven. Just as important, however, we pray that we be kept safe in our earthly journeys through the coming year, so that we might ever thank and glorify our God who has granted us the means to transport ourselves safely. If you would like your vehicle blessed, stick around

after Liturgy, roll down your windows, and open trunk and your hood, so that inside, outside, and the engine might be blessed with holy water.