Blessing of the Christmas tree

Serbian Prayer for
Blessing of the Badnjak
(Christmas tree)

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, Thou didst plant the Tree of Life in paradise so that it might bestow upon us eternal blessedness; but because of sin was lost to us. Thou, on the tree of the cross, didst raise us up again, who had fallen, and didst lead us to salvation. Do thou, the same Lord, now also bless this tree which is a symbol of Thy cross, and of the tree of life in paradise; which, moreover, calls to mind the branches which the shepherds of Bethlehem kindled to warm themselves on that night when they heard the proclamation of Thy saving birth, and came to worship Thee.





Bless also our homes with Thy Divine Blessing and cleanse and uplift us who come now to venerate Thy life-giving Nativity. Protect Thy Holy Church, and unite the faithful with Thy cross, For Thou art a good and manbefriending God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, thanksgiving and worship, to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.