The 40-day Blessing

A beautiful service, typically the first blessing that is offered to an individual, is the 40-day blessing of infants. The initial prayers offer thanks to God for preserving the mother in childbirth, and welcome her back into the church congregation. The prayers for the infant offer blessings not only for good health, but also in expectation of the sacrament of baptism.

Where does this service come from, and why does the Orthodox Church offer this blessing to infants? Again, the prayers in the service text provide the answer: many references are made to the 40-day entrance into the temple of our Lord Jesus Christ, the commemoration of which is celebrated on February 2nd each year.

Recorded in the gospel of St. Luke, (2:22-32) Jesus was brought to the temple in fulfillment of the Old Testament law for first-born males. This was a presentation and dedication to God of the child. Mary, the blessed Theotokos, brought Jesus to the temple for this blessing, and was met at the entrance by a man named Symeon. Upon seeing the infant Christ, Symeon is deeply moved because his prayers had just been answered: here was the long-awaited Messiah!

Symeon had been told by the Holy Spirit, “that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (vs. 26) The blessed day had come, and Symeon took the Lord into his arms and in thanksgiving to God, spoke the following words: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (vs. 29-32)

This blessing has been continued in the Orthodox Church, for both male and female infants, on the 40th day after their birth, and it is a joy to behold!

It is also an additional reminder of how our lives are connected to God through His Holy Church throughout life. The prayers that thank God for the birth of the child bring to mind the miracle of birth, and the miracle of life, lest we ever forget or take them for granted.

Watching an infant begin to explore his or her surroundings is also a joy, and brings to mind a host of questions, fears and hopes for their future. Watching first-time parents, and listening to how children change their outlook on life, is also a joy to see. Many books on parenting are available, some that offer much good advice and experience; but there is no book that addresses every child’s needs! Nothing takes the place of hands-on parenting, from moms and dads that put the needs of their children first, and make the time to witness the joy of their children growing and experiencing life in a loving home.

The 40-day blessing is good for parents to remember the gift of life, and to connect that gift with our good and loving God. It is good for parents to connect the blessings of God with His Holy Church, and to bring their children regularly so they become familiar with its sights, sounds and smells. I’ve heard from countless adults who have left the Church for a time, but have vivid childhood memories of the Church. Many times it is these memories that help bring them back to the Church, and feel like they have returned home, particularly after having their own children.

The feastday of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple commemorates an event in our Lord’s life that was in fulfillment of religious law. The 40-day blessing of infants today is also a beautiful prayer service to help remind us of God’s never-ending care for us, and of our need to be connected with Him through the Church established by His Son.