On January 6, 2026, on the feast of Epiphany, Bishop Tibor Berta blessed the prayer room of the Hungarian Parliamentary Prayer Group in the Parliament in a small ceremony. He also asked for God's blessing on every room in the House, on those who work there, and on the work they do in the service of the nation.
The Feast of the Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the carnival season, as well as the day of house blessing, a tradition that is still alive in the Church today. This feast encompasses the three events of the appearance of Jesus Christ: the adoration of the Wise men from the East, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
A házszentelés szokása a IV. század elejére The custom of house blessing dates to the early 4th century, when Christians wanted to make their homes a place of God's presence. The blessing of the house served to protect the building and the spiritual well-being of those living in it and also signified that the home was not merely a physical space, but a place of faith, love, and commitment to God.
During the ceremony, the priest sprinkles holy water on the rooms of the house while saying a prayer, then writes "20+C+M+B+26" on the doorframe. This refers to the current year and the letters C, M, and B, which refer to the three kings (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) and the Latin blessing: "Christus Mansionem Benedicat," meaning "Christ bless this house!"
These few letters can therefore remind us throughout the year that Christ's blessing hand is upon us in all circumstances.