Welcome Back!

We welcome back Jillian Prendergast and her new baby after their 40 days at home. A beautiful family indeed!

What is the 40 days?

The Orthodox Church sets aside a sacred period of 40 days for the mother to recuperate after the birth of her child. During this time, she cares for and bonds with her child, while her husband and other loved ones take care of her. Even in heartbreaking cases in which the child does not survive, the Church still counsels the woman to remain at home to heal physically and emotionally. Typically, the mother will not receive the Eucharist during the 40 days, unless her life is in danger. On the 40th day, the woman and her child become reunited with the Church, receiving special blessings.