Blessing of the Backpacks at the Beginning of the New School Year

As the new school year dawns, the Meeting of Our Lord Mission Parish in Naples, FL, marked the occasion with a special and heartfelt service: the Invocation of the Holy Spirit and Blessing of the Backpacks. This annual event, held during the Divine Liturgy, is going to become a blessed tradition that brings together the parish's youngest members as they prepare to embark on a new academic journey.

Presbyter-Economos Vladislav Golić, the parish priest, led the congregation in prayer, offering supplications for the children and their educational endeavors. The litany for the children’s prosperous learning was recited during the Divine Liturgy, invoking God's guidance and protection over the students as they face the challenges and opportunities of the school year ahead.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the congregation joined in kneeling prayer, specifically dedicated to the beginning of the school year. This prayer, filled with hope and faith, sought divine blessing not only for the students but also for their teachers and families, asking that the knowledge gained in the coming months be fruitful and spiritually enriching.

The Blessing of the Backpacks is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a meaningful expression of the Church’s role in the lives of its young members. It reminds the children that they are supported by their faith community, not only in their spiritual lives but also in their academic pursuits. The prayers and blessings offered during this service serve as a source of strength and encouragement, affirming that God’s presence is with them in every aspect of their lives.

Following the liturgical service, Fr. Vladislav announced the commencement of the church school activities for the parish. This announcement was met with enthusiasm, as the church school is an integral part of the parish community, providing religious education and fostering the spiritual growth of the youth. Through these classes, children will deepen their understanding of the Orthodox faith, learning the teachings of Christ and how to live out their faith in their daily lives.

As the children of the Meeting of Our Lord Mission Parish step into the new school year, they do so with the prayers and blessings of their church family, carrying with them the love and support of their parish community.