Blessing of Vehicles (Feast of St. Elijah)

The Orthodox custom is to bless cars at the Feast of Prophet Elijah (or near his feast-day) which is July 20. We read about the life of the Holy Prophet Elijah in the 3rd and 4th Book of Kingdoms, Wisdom of Sirach 48:1-15, and 1 Maccabees 2:58. He was taken up into Heaven in a fiery chariot! Therefore, we bless our modes of transportation on his feast-day with the hope of safe travels.