Fr. Tom will be blessing vehicles of all types at St. Ann on Saturday, July 17 (6:30 p.m.), and again on the Feast Day, Tuesday, July 20 @ 5:30 p.m. Bring your chariot!

Ever wonder why July 20 was chosen for this annual blessing?

July 20 is the Feast of the Prophet Elias (Elijah) the Thesbite. The great Elias, who appeared with Moses speaking with Jesus on the Mountain of the Transfiguration, was taken to Heaven in a fiery chariot.

The account appears in 2 Kings 2:2-8:

“Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water: it divided, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Request whatever I might do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” He replied, “You have asked something that is not easy. Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” As they walked on still conversing, a fiery chariot and fiery horses came between the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha saw it happen. He cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariot and steeds!” Then he saw him no longer.”

Saint Ann will celebrate the feast with the traditional blessing of vehicles – cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, baby strollers, skateboards, even chariots – and we’re doing it twice!

• First on Saturday, July 17, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m., just before we begin our Sizzling Summer Soiree – a fun, free social event under the tent featuring live music, BYOB/picnic, hookah lounge, snacks). More info here.

• And again on the actual feast day, Tuesday, July 20, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

Holy Prophet Saint Elias, pray for us!

For more on the celebration of this Feast day, see this Eparchy article.