Observing the Epiphany Eastern tradition
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Father Andrew Baranski, rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Syracuse, inscribes the Epiphany message with blessed chalk over the main doors of the church on the feast day.
Father Andrew Baranski, Rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Syracuse, inscribes with blessed chalk the initials of the three kings — C+M+B — and the year 2024 over the main entrance door of the basilica at the 9 a.m. Mass on Jan. 7, the Epiphany of the Lord. The blessing is for all who enter the basilica. Parishioners and guests were given a blessed packet of incense and chalk and a prayer sheet to take home to mark the entrance door to their homes so the Magi watches over them all year. The initials of C+M+B are also interpreted as the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat which means “Christ bless this house.” (Courtesy Judy Ann Dougherty)
