On a beautiful Sunday when our Orthodox neighbors are celebrating Easter Sitkans gathered at the harbor for the annual “Blessing of the Fleet.” A service of thanksgiving, supplication and a memorial for those lost this year.
From God comes every good and perfect gift. Our praise and Thanks we offer you, Oh Lord!
- For the beauty of the earth and the mighty waters of the seas and oceans…
- For the people who have tenderly stewarded your bounty for 10,000 years…
- For the tang of the salt air and the sparkly of the sun upon the waves…
- For the cry of the gull and the eagle and the graceful beauty of their flight…
- For the sound of the horn in the fog and for the sight of the harbor lights at night…
- For the gift of radio communications between boats and with the shore, and for all the navigational aids…
- For those who watch and work on behalf of others, especially those who serve in the United States Coast Guard and all who protect and help those who go upon the sea…
- For the rattle of the winch and the smell of the diesel…
- For the laden nets and holds that are filled…
- For honest labor and work and for the blessing of a good crew and friends…
- For the faithful support and love of our families and the love they represent…
- And for the quiet comfort and warmth of a place called home.
At the end of the service we read out the names of those we lost this year and place flowers in baskets to be taken out to sea, followed by 8 bells. End of watch.
May the good memories of our loved ones serve to inspire us to a better life in our community and in Your sight.
What a lovely moving custom.
Grateful you’re not on list.
Fabulous, Rich! Thanks for sharing! Brings back great memories.
What a great community you have in Sitka! I especially loved the flower that was multicolored. I looked at each picture closely and recognized many of the places. Thank you for sharing this sweet prayer.
Thank you for sharing