When it is said
The prayer book sets no time for it. A parent might say it at a goodnight, a goodbye at the school gate or a send-off before a trip, making the sign of the cross over the child.
Where it comes from
No author known
Where it comes from
A Russian prayer book prints this blessing with no author or date among its prayers for children and godchildren. A line in brackets under it asks the parent to make the sign of the cross over the child.
Why a parent’s blessing matters
The Russian bishop St Philaret of Moscow taught that parents stand between God the Creator and their children, because by bringing their children into the world they had a share in making them. He told parents to bless their children with a loving heart and to make that blessing stronger by their own faith and godly life.
St Philaret of Moscow, on the parental blessing (Azbyka.ru, in Russian)
What the words mean
Who is blessed?
The Slavonic names no one. It says only “bless, sanctify, keep,” and the sign of the cross made over the child shows whom it means. The plain wording names no one either.
The Scripture in it
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Bible text: Berean Standard Bible, public domain.
In Church Slavonic
Господи, Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, благослови, освяти, сохрани силою животворящего Креста Твоего.
(И наложить на чадо крестное знамение.)