Annual blessing of the bikes

SALISBURY — All Saints of America Orthodox Christian Church held its annual blessing of motorcycles on Sunday, June 11. The blessing took place after services with a turnout of 44 bikes and 66 guests. Bikers mixed with parishioners for an outdoor barbeque after the blessing.

The annual tradition was continued for the second  consecutive year after being on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While this year saw fewer bikes than last year did at 52, the majority of participants were new to the celebration. Father John Kreta led the blessing, praying for safety for both the machines and their riders. Riders and parishioners gathered on the road by the church in a line that covered the entire church property as Kreta slowly made his way bike by bike, blessing the bikes with holy water.

Ralph Baker, one of the original creators of the get together, could not attend this year. Instead Jimmy Dunn helped to organize and gather riders for this year. Dunn thanked Kreta after the prayer on behalf of those in attendance. Then, bikers and parishioners moved to the church lawn to enjoy food and community together.

“Many enjoy the prayer that  talks about the chariots ‘as fast as the wind’ and Ellijah’s chariot, but more importantly we pray for God to protect those on the motorcycles and to send a guardian angel to watch over them and protect them as they enjoy the summer on their motorcycles,” Kreta said.   

 

Matthew Kreta is the son of John Kreta.

Motorcyclists gathered at All Saints of America Orthodox Christian Church at Twin Lakes for the annual blessing. Photo by Matthew Kreta

Motorcyclists gathered at All Saints of America Orthodox Christian Church at Twin Lakes for the annual blessing. Photo by Matthew Kreta

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