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MEMORIALS
The Orthodox Church believes that each soul receives individual judgment after death. The Church offers prayers for the dead, appealing to God. Who in His mercy may alleviate the suffering of the soul if such suffering exists. The Church further believes that comfort is brought to the departed through these prayers. In addition, prayers for the dead are an expression of love and concern for the departed.
Memorial services are held according to Orthodox custom on the forty days, one year and three years. Some people have- a memorial service for their beloved one, every year on the day of the death but not always with boiled wheat (sitari). This memorial service without the boiled wheat (sitari) is call a "Trisagion Service"
Q. What is the significance of the boiled wheat (sitari) during the memorial service?
A. Grain (like seed) must be buried-in the earth in order to rise and bring forth fruit. In the same way the body of the dead must be committed to the earth in order that it may rise to life eternal, since our Church believes in Eternal life.
Memorial services may
not be held on the following days:
-From the Saturday of
Lazarus through the Sunday of Thomas.
-All the Feast days of our
Lord
-August 15
It is highly recommended
that Orthodox Christians offer memorials for their
loved ones on the several Saturdays of the Souls
which are set aside throughout the year.
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by
Rev. Demetrios A. Recachinas, Protopresbyter
Booklet
& Web Version Designed by:
- Vicky
Andriotis
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- For
information about obtaining hard copies of this
booklet, please contact:
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- Holy
Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Park Avenue
Bridgeport CT 06604
Church Phone (203) 374-5561
Church Fax (203) 374-5770
E-mail: fatherdemetrios@ holytrinitybridgeport.org
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