Annual 'Blessing Of The Animals' To Be Held At First Congregational Church Of Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — First Congregational Church of Greenwich will host its annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the church's front lawn at 108 Sound Beach Ave. in Old Greenwich.

Community members are invited to bring their pets, including dogs, cats, fish and hamsters, for a blessing with Pastors Patrick Collins and Cydney Van Dyke.

According to the church, the annual tradition has roots in the book of Genesis.

"We have been offering this blessing for the past several years and it has grown each year. The weather promises to be great, and it’s a chance for the local community to gather together, connect with each other, and bond over the love of their family pets," Collins said in an announcement.

The church describes itself as an open and affirming congregation that welcomes all who wish to enter its community without exception and works to overcome exclusionary practices, discrimination and violence.