DISPOSING OF BLESSED OBJECTS: A WESTERN ORTHODOX PERSPECTIVE
An Old Sacred Text Disposed of by Burning after De-Consecration Edited by Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) Throughout Scripture, we find numerous examples of God’s grace working through material objects. The mantle of the Prophet Elias parted the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8), and the Apostle Paul's handkerchiefs and aprons were used to heal the sick (Acts 19:11-12). These instances remind us that God, who became incarnate and sanctified the material world, uses physical things to guide us toward salvation. In the same way, the Church blesses objects, invoking the Holy Spirit to make them conduits of divine grace. In the blessing of holy objects, the priest prays for the sanctification of the item, asking that it may serve for "bodily salvation and the aid of all who shall use it." This reflects the Orthodox understanding of the body and soul as integrated aspects of our being, both precious and worthy of sanctification. As St. Irenaeus taught, "The glory of G...
