Each person who comes into this world has his own segment of the path in it. Unfortunately, almost all people throughout their lives experience grief for loved ones or relatives and bitterness from their loss. No matter how difficult it is to accept the fact of the death of a dear person, during this period it is very important to perform daily prayers. Such a memorial prayer for 40 days after death helps to protect the soul of the deceased and determine its future fate.
What happens to the soul during the period of 40 days
According to the canons of Orthodoxy, it is believed that the soul of the deceased for some time still continues to wander between this and that world. This is called the ordeal and the Last Judgment. It is during the period of air travel that the soul is most vulnerable to all kinds of evil spirits.
On the third day after death, demons try to attack a person and remind him of his past earthly sins, intending to drag him with them to hell. The angels protect the deceased, and until the end of nine days his soul remains in paradise. After meeting God, the soul goes to hell, where it remains until the fortieth day. It is on the fortieth day after physical death that Christ’s (Last) Judgment is carried out on the soul. The highest deities decide the fate of the sufferer. Either he will be forgiven of all his sins and will go to heaven, or he will be doomed to eternal torment in hell.
That is why, during the period of forty days after the death of a person, the fervent prayer of his loved ones plays a very important role. This is necessary for cleansing and forgiveness.
A memorial prayer for the newly deceased for up to 40 days will help protect the soul from evil demons and atone for possible sins of the deceased. Reading the holy words in the first days is the duty of every Christian believer.
40 days commemoration: what they give out to people
In the traditions of Orthodox Christians, on the fortieth day it is necessary to sort through and distribute the things of the deceased to those people who need them, and at the same time ask them to pray for the spirit of the deceased.
Carrying out such a ritual can be considered a good deed, which will later be counted when deciding on the fate of the soul.
The best article for you, go to: Why is it buried in a closed coffin?
Relatives can keep for themselves only those things that are most valuable as a memory of the deceased, some can be taken by friends and relatives if they wish, and what things are unneeded are best taken to the temple, but under no circumstances throw them away.
What prayer to read for up to 40 days
Orthodox Christians must resort to prayer for the deceased every day from the moment of his death. They are mainly taken from the Psalter, a holy book. The wife mourns her departed husband, the children pray for their parents. There are special prayers for the dead priests, the unrepentant dead, and those who died on the battlefield. It must be said that any prayers are allowed to be read at home. For example, a person can pray for an unbaptized person or a suicide, performing a funeral service for his soul. Such prayers cannot be said in the Temple. This contradicts the canons of Orthodoxy.
Also read: What happens on the 9th day after death
The prayer for the departed sounds like this:
“God of spirits and all flesh, having trampled down death and abolished the devil, and given life to Thy world! Himself, Lord, give rest to the souls of your departed servants: your most holy patriarchs, your eminence metropolitans, archbishops and bishops, who served you in the priestly, ecclesiastical and monastic ranks; the creators of this holy temple, the Orthodox forefathers, fathers, brothers and sisters, lying here and everywhere; leaders and warriors who laid down their lives for the faith and fatherland, the faithful, who were killed in internecine warfare, drowned, burned, frozen to death, torn to pieces by beasts, suddenly died without repentance and did not have time to reconcile with the Church and with their enemies; in the frenzy of the mind of those who committed suicide, those for whom we were commanded and asked to pray, for whom there is no one to pray and the faithful, Christian burials deprived of (the name of the rivers) in a bright place, in a green place, in a place of peace, from where sickness, sadness and sighing can escape. Every sin committed by them in word or deed or thought, as a good Lover of mankind, God forgives, as if there is no man who will live and not sin. For You are the only one besides sin, Your righteousness is truth forever, and Your word is truth. For You are the Resurrection, and the Life and Repose of Your departed servants (the name of the rivers), Christ our God, and to You we send glory with Your beginningless Father, and Your Most Holy, and Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen".
Prayer for the repose of the deceased before 40 days are more significant in their power than those said after this period. After all, the soul will cross the line, and its fate will already be decided.
In addition to praying at home, it is also worth visiting the temple. You can bring food with you so that the clergy can remember the deceased during the meal. Also, if the person has been baptized, you can submit notes. Then it will not be only you who will pray for the salvation of your soul. Such a panakhida (church service for the deceased) is held on the third, ninth and fortieth day after death.
Also read: Do they go to the cemetery for 9 days?
Prayers for the funeral meal
Time of performance: remembrance of the dead
Before starting the meal:
Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Ah min.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Tropari
Remember , Lord, that Thy servants are Good, and forgive me for sinning as much as I have done in life; No one is sinless except You, who can give peace to the departed.
With the depth of wisdom, humanely build everything and give it to everyone that is useful, O One Creator, rest, O Lord, the soul of Your departed servant (Your deceased servant), put your trust in You, Creator , and the Creator, and our God.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. With the saints, rest, O Christ, the soul of Your servant (Your handmaid), where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever. Ah min. You are the Wall, and the Refuge of the Imam, and the Prayer Book, favorable to God, Whom You gave birth to, Blessed Mother of God, salvation of the faithful.
And we read this prayer 3 times:
in peace, Lord, the soul of Your departed servant (Your deceased servant) (name) [bow], and, as a man in your life, sin, You, as a Lover of Mankind, forgive him ( her) and have mercy [bow] , and deliver eternal torment [bow], give [bow] to the Heavenly Kingdom of the participant (bow), and do something beneficial to our souls [bow].
O our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Ah min.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Ah min.
Lord have mercy. (3 times) Bless you.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, bless the food and drink of your servant, for you are holy always, now and forever, and to the ages of ages, amen.
At the beginning of the funeral meal, before other food, kutia is offered to everyone. Before the last sweet dish, which is how jelly is traditionally served (with or without milk), a sweet non-alcoholic drink is brought. Everyone stands up, and the eldest reads a prayer for repose:
Remember , Lord God, in faith and hope of eternal life, Your departed servant (Your deceased servant) (name), and, as you are Good and Lover of mankind, forgive sins and consume untruths, donkey bi, forgive, forgive all his (her) sins and involuntary, raising up that one (there) at Your Holy Second Coming, into the communion of Your eternal blessings, about them in You, the One, the Faithful, the True God and the Lover of Mankind. For You are the resurrection, and the life, and the rest of Your servant (Your servant), Christ our God, and to You we send glory, with Your Beginning Father, and with Your Most Holy, and Good, and Life-giving Spirit Hom, now, and ever, and in eyelids of centuries.
To the servant of God (name) who passed away (name), we create remembrance of him (her), eternal memory.
All: In eternal memory. (3 times)
They drink the funeral cup and eat the last dish (jelly with milk). The meal ends with the usual thanksgiving:
We thank You, Christ our God, for You have filled us with Your earthly blessings! Do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom, but as You came in the midst of Your disciples, O Savior, giving them peace, come to us and save us.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Ah min.
Lord have mercy. (3 times) Bless you.
Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Ah min.
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What to do after forty days
At the end of the period, the fate of the soul of the deceased is determined. She comes to earth to say goodbye to her family and friends and then leaves forever.
The prayer on the 40th day after death should be read in order to alleviate the suffering of the mourners. It is worth asking the Lord to take the soul of the deceased and give peace to his loved ones. During prayer, they light three candles for the repose of the soul, and then take them home with them. At home, a prayer is said for the deceased on the fortieth day. The cherished words can be read from the prayer book.
What is prepared for the 40 day funeral?
On the memorial day, you can prepare the following types of dishes:
- Kutia and butter pancakes (are a mandatory treat at funerals);
- Appetizer with eggplant, garlic and tomato;
- Sandwiches with fish (sprats are best);
- Beet salad with garlic;
- Various vegetable salads;
- Olivier or vinaigrette with herring;
- Crab salad with cabbage;
- Baked cutlets with cheese and mushrooms;
- Stuffed pepper;
- Fish jelly;
- Lenten vegetable cabbage rolls with mushrooms;
- Fish with vegetables and baked with mayonnaise;
- Pies with cabbage, fish, rice and mushrooms, potatoes, apples;
- Drinks that are perfect include: jelly (cranberry, apple, oatmeal, raspberry, currant, cherry, plum), fruit drink, kvass on bread, sbiten and lemonade.
Symbol of faith
Akathist for the one who died
Read daily for 40 days after death and the same amount before the anniversary of death.
Kontakion 1 Chosen Intercessor and High Priest, who laid down His soul for the salvation of the sinful world, giving us the power to be children of God and to dwell in the unfading days of Your Kingdom! Grant forgiveness and eternal joy to the deceased, for whom we pray to You: Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of Paradise to Your servant.
Ikos 1
Saint given by the Lord to the Guardian Angel, come and pray for your servant, whom you have accompanied, guarded and instructed on all the paths of life, and call with us to the All-Bountiful Savior. Jesus, destroy the handwriting of the sins of Your servant (name). Jesus, heal his spiritual ulcers. Jesus, may there be no bitter memories of him on earth. Jesus, for this sake have mercy on those who upset him and those who were offended by him. Jesus, cover his imperfections with the luminous robe of Your redemption. Jesus, make him glad with Your mercy. Jesus, ineffable, great and wonderful, appeared to him Himself. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 2
Like an inconsolable turtledove, the soul flies over the earthly vale, contemplating from the height of divine understanding the sins and temptations of the past journey, bitterly grieving over every irrevocable day that has passed without benefit, but have mercy on Your servant, Master, may he enter into Your peace, crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
If You suffered for the whole world, if You shed tears and bloody sweat for the living and the dead, then who can stop us from praying for the deceased? Imitating You, who descended even to hell, we pray for the salvation of Your servant. Jesus, Giver of life, illuminate him with Your light. Jesus, may he be one with You and the Father. Jesus, call everyone to Your vineyard, do not forget to illuminate it with Your light. Jesus, generous Dispenser of eternal rewards, show him as the light of Your palace. Jesus, return to his soul the grace-filled power of pristine purity. Jesus, may good deeds be multiplied in his name. Jesus, warm the orphaned with Your mysterious joy. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 3
Bound by the bonds of the flesh, Your servant fell sinfully, but his spirit yearned for Your eternal truth and holiness, now, when the weakness of the flesh is bound by the corruption of the grave, may his soul ascend above the sun to You, the All-Holy, and sing the song of deliverance: Alleluia.
Ikos Z
Your supreme apostle denied You three times on a cold night by the fire, and You saved him. The only one who knows the weakness of human nature, forgive Thy servant (name) for his many forms of falling away from Thy will. Jesus, place him where there is no error. Jesus, deliver him from the painful torment of his conscience. Jesus, let the memory of sins perish forever. Jesus, do not remember the temptations of his youth. Jesus, cleanse him from secret iniquities. Jesus, overshadow him with the quiet light of salvation. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 4
The storms of life have passed, earthly suffering is over, enemies with their malice are powerless, but love is strong, delivering from eternal darkness and saving everyone about whom the bold song rises to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
You are merciful to us without number. You are the only Savior, which we will add to the feat of Your saving love, but Simon of Cyrene helped to carry the Cross to You, the Almighty, so now Your goodness desires to accomplish the salvation of loved ones with our participation. Jesus, You commanded us to bear one another’s burdens. Jesus, the covenant of love established between the dead and the living. Jesus, may the deeds of those who love serve to save Your servant (name). Jesus, hear his heartfelt cry raised through our lips. Jesus, accept his repentance in our tears. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 5
God, may You accept his dying sigh of contrition, like the prayer of a prudent thief. He died on the cross of life, let him inherit Your promises, just as he did: “Amen, I say to you, you will be with Me in Paradise,” where hosts of repentant sinners joyfully sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Crucified for us, tormented for us, stretch out your hand from Your Cross, with drops of Your blood wash away without a trace his poured-out sins, with Your beautiful nakedness warm the naked, orphaned soul. Jesus, You knew his life before birth and You loved him. Jesus, You saw him from afar from the height of Your Cross. Jesus, You extended Your wounded embrace to him into the distance of the future. Jesus, You Cried for his forgiveness on bloody Calvary. Jesus, You meekly died for him in great agony. Jesus, having endured the situation in the tomb, sanctify his grave rest. Risen Jesus, lift up to the Father the soul embittered by the world and saved by You. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 6
He sleeps in the eternal sleep of the grave, but his soul does not sleep, it longs for You, Lord, it longs for You as the eternal Bridegroom. May Your words be fulfilled on the deceased: “Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood will have eternal life.” Give him food from the hidden manna and song at Your Throne: Alleluia.
Commemoration at the Divine Liturgy (Church note)
Health is commemorated for those who have Christian names, and repose is remembered only for those baptized in the Orthodox Church.
Notes can be submitted at the liturgy:
For proskomedia - the first part of the liturgy, when for each name indicated in the note, particles are taken out of special prosphoras, which are subsequently dipped into the Blood of Christ with a prayer for the forgiveness of sins
Order from the monastery in Jerusalem
Ikos 6
Death has separated you from all your neighbors, your soul has become farther away, your knowledge and yours are lamented, and only You alone have remained close. The barriers of the flesh were destroyed and You opened up in the unapproachable greatness of the Divine with the expectation of an answer. Jesus, Love that surpasses all understanding, have mercy on Your servant. Jesus, as he moved away from You, he suffered greatly. Jesus, forgive the unfaithfulness of his heart. Jesus, disappointed hopes gave rise to longing for You. Jesus, remember those hours when his soul trembled with Your delight. Jesus, give the deceased unearthly joy and peace. Jesus, the only faithful, unchangeable, accept him. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 7
We believe that our separation will not be long. We bury you like grain in a field; you will grow in another country. May the tares of your sins perish in the grave, and may your good deeds shine forth there, where the seeds of goodness bear imperishable fruit, where holy souls sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
When oblivion becomes the lot of the deceased, when his image fades in hearts and time erases the place with the grave and the zeal of prayer for him, then You do not leave him, give joy to the lonely soul. Jesus, Your love never grows cold. Jesus, Your mercy is inexhaustible. Jesus, in the incessant prayers of the Church, may his sins be washed away by the offering of the Bloodless Sacrifice. Jesus, through the intercession of all the saints, grant him the grace of prayer for the living. Jesus, in the days of our trials, accept his intercession for us. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 8
Let us pray with tears, when the memory of the deceased is painfully fresh, let us remember his name night and day, giving alms, feeding the hungry, crying out from the depths of our souls: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The seer John the Theologian contemplated at the Throne of the Lamb of God a great multitude of people clothed in white robes: these are those who came from the great tribulation. They joyfully serve God day and night, and God dwells with them, and no torment touches them. Jesus, number your servant (name) among them. Jesus, he suffered and languished much. Jesus, all his bitter hours and painful minutes are known to You. Jesus, he had sorrows and sorrows on earth, give him joy in heaven. Jesus, give him delight from the springs of living water. Jesus, take away every tear from his eyes. Jesus, place him where the sun of Your righteousness does not scorch, but lives. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 9
The earthly journey is over, what a grace-filled transition into the world of the Spirit, what a contemplation of new things unknown to the earthly world and heavenly beauties, the soul returns to its fatherland, where the bright sun, the truth of God, enlightens those who sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
If the reflection and trace of Yours puts radiance on the face of mortals, then what are You Yourself? If the fruits of Your hands are so beautiful, and the earth, reflecting only Your shadow, is full of inexpressible greatness, then what is Your invisible face? Reveal Your glory to Your departed servant (name). Jesus, sharpen his hearing to perceive Your Divinity. Jesus, sharpen his ears to the understanding of heavenly beings. Jesus, may his joy be full. Jesus, strengthen him with the hope of meeting in the abodes of the blessed. Jesus, let us feel the gracious power of funeral prayer. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 10
Our Father, accept Him who has passed away into Your Kingdom, where there is no sin and evil, where the Holy will is indestructible, where in the hosts of the purest souls and immaculate angels Your gracious name is hallowed and your praise is fragrant: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
On that day the angels will set up Your Throne, O Judge, and You will shine in the glory of Your Father, bringing reward to every person. Oh, then look mercifully on Your humble servant (name), say to him: “Come to My right hand.” Jesus, for God has the power to forgive sins. Jesus, forgive his sins forgotten or hidden in shame. Jesus, let go of the iniquities of weakness and ignorance. Jesus, deliver him from the unholy depths of hellish despair. Jesus, may he inherit Your life-giving promises. Jesus, count him among the blessed of Your Father. Jesus, give him endless bliss forever. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 11
All-Merciful Master, may the sun-shaped gates of paradise open to the deceased, may the councils of the righteous and saints, the hosts of his loved ones and those who love him, greet him with rejoicing, may Your luminous angels rejoice over him, may he see Your Ever-Blessed Mother where the victorious sound is: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Under Your breath, flowers come to life, nature is resurrected, hosts of the smallest creatures awaken, Your gaze is brighter than the spring skies, Your love, Jesus, is warmer than the rays of the sun. You raised mortal human flesh from the dust of the earth to the blossoming of the eternal, incorruptible life of spring, then illuminate Your servant (name) with the light of Your mercies. Jesus, at Your right hand is favor and life. Jesus, in Your gaze there is light and love. Jesus, deliver the deceased from eternal spiritual death. Jesus, he fell asleep with hope, like the Nile River before the cold winter. Jesus, awaken him when the thorns of the earth are clothed with the color of eternity. Jesus, may nothing earthly darken his last sleep. Jesus, Unchangeable Happiness and the purpose of our existence. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 12
Christ! You are the Kingdom of Heaven, You are the land of the meek, You are the abode of many, You are a completely new drink, You are the robe and crown of the saints, You are the resting place of the saints, You are the Sweetest Jesus! Praise is due to you: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Under the image of quiet gardens of unearthly beauty, and abodes as bright as the sun, and in the splendor of heavenly chants, You revealed to us the bliss of those who love You. Jesus, may Your servant enter into Your joy. Jesus, clothe him with the radiance of the Father's glory. Jesus, enlighten him with the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, may he ascend from glory to glory. Jesus, may he see You face to face. Jesus, All-Merciful Judge, vouchsafe the sweetness of paradise to Thy servant.
Kontakion 13
Oh, Zhenishe the Immortal, at midnight of sin and unbelief, coming from heaven with the angels to judge the whole world. Open the doors of Your glorious palace to Your servant (name), so that the countless hosts of saints may sing forever: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos, “Given by the Lord to the Angel...” and the 1st kontakion, “Chosen to the Intercessor.”
The everlasting psalter
The indefatigable Psalter is read not only about health, but also about peace. Since ancient times, ordering a commemoration on the Everlasting Psalter has been considered a great alms for a departed soul.
It is also good to order the Indestructible Psalter for yourself; you will feel the support. And one more important point, but far from the least important, there is eternal remembrance on the Undying Psalter. It seems expensive, but the result is more than millions of times more than the money spent. If this is still not possible, then you can order for a shorter period. It's also good to read for yourself.
Order from the monastery in Jerusalem
Requiem service following
After the usual beginning and the 90th psalm: “He who lives in the help of the Most High...” The great litany “Let us pray to the Lord in peace” with funeral petitions, then “Alleluia” with verses, then: Troparion, tone 8: Build all things with the depth of wisdom, and Give what is useful to everyone, O One Creator, give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servant: for I have placed my trust in Thee, Creator and Maker and our God. Glory: and now: To you and the wall and refuge of the imams, and the Prayer Book favorable to God, Whom you gave birth to, O Blessed Mother of God, the salvation of the faithful. Troparia for the Repose, Tone 5 Chorus: Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me by Thy justification. You have found the holy face of the source of life and the door of heaven, so that I may find the path of repentance, I am the lost sheep, call me, O Savior, and save me. Chorus: Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me by thy justification. The Lamb of God preached and was slain like lambs, and unto ageless, holy life; and the everlasting repose: So diligently, martyrs, pray for permission to grant us debts. Chorus: Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me by thy justification. Having walked the narrow and sorrowful path, having carried the cross with a yoke in your life and followed Me by faith, come and enjoy the honors and heavenly crowns that are in store for you. Chorus: Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me by thy justification. I am the image of Your ineffable glory, even if I bear the ulcers of sins, spare Your creation, Master, and cleanse with Your benevolence, and grant me the desired Fatherland, creating me again as an inhabitant of paradise. Chorus: Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me by thy justification. For in ancient times you created me from those who do not exist, and honor me in Your Divine image, but by transgressing the commandments, you returned me to the earth, from those who were not taken, but brought the hedgehog in the likeness of ancient goodness to be recreated. Chorus: Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me by thy justification. Rest, O God, Thy servants and bring me to heaven, where the faces of the saints, O Lord, and the righteous shine like lights; May Thy departed servants rest, despising all their sins. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Tri-radiant One of the Divinity, we piously sing crying out: Holy art thou, Father without beginning, Son without beginning, and Divine to the Soul; enlighten us, who serve You with faith, and snatch up the eternal fire. And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Rejoice, Pure One, who gave birth to God in the flesh for the salvation of all, through whom the human race has found salvation, may we find paradise through You, Pure and Blessed Mother of God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (Three times) Therefore, the litany: Packs and packs... We also pray for the repose of the souls of the departed servants of God (name), and for every sin, voluntary and involuntary, to be forgiven them. Chorus: Lord, have mercy. For may the Lord God grant their souls, where the righteous may rest. Chorus: Lord, have mercy. We ask for the mercy of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and forgiveness of their sins from Christ the Immortal King and our God. Choir: Grant it, Lord.
Prayer
God of spirits and all flesh, having trampled down death and abolished the devil, and given life to Thy world! Lord Himself, rest the souls of Your departed servants (name), in a brighter place, in a greener place, in a place of peace, from where sickness, sadness and sighing will escape. Every sin committed by them, in word, or deed, or thought, as the Good Lover of Mankind, God forgives, as there is no man who will live and will not sin, for You are the only one, besides sin, Your truth is righteousness forever, and Your word is truth. Exclamation: For You are the Resurrection, and the Life, and the rest of Your departed servants... Sedalen, voice 5th: Rest, our Savior, with the righteous Thy servants, and this they dwell in Thy courts, as it is written, despising, as Good, their sins , voluntary and involuntary, and everything that is in the knowledge and not in the knowledge, Lover of mankind. Glory: and now: You have shone forth from the Virgin to the world, O Christ God, who has shown the sons of light by You, have mercy on us. Irmos of the canon, tone 8: Song 1: As Israel walked across the dry land, with footsteps across the abyss, seeing the persecutor Pharaoh drowned, we sing a victorious song to God, crying out to God. Katavasia: Having passed through water like dry land, and having escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israeli cried out: Let us drink to our Deliverer and our God. Chorus: Rest, O Lord, to the souls of your departed servants. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Song 3: There is none holy like You, O Lord my God, Who has lifted up the horn of Your faithful, O Good One, and established us on the rock of Your confession. Katavasia: O Supreme Creator of the heavenly circle, O Lord, and the Creator of the Church, Thou strengthenest me in Thy love, the desires of the land, the faithful affirmation, O One Lover of Mankind. Song 6: The sea of life, raised in vain by misfortunes and storms, has flowed to Your quiet refuge, crying to You: lift up my belly from aphids, O Omni-merciful One. Katavasia: I will pour out a prayer to the Lord, and to Him I will proclaim my sorrows, for my soul is filled with evil, and my stomach is approaching hell, and I pray like Jonah: from aphids, O God, lift me up. Kontakion, tone 8: Rest with the saints, O Christ, the souls of Thy servant, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life. Ikos: Thou art the One Immortal One, who created and created man: on earth we were created from the earth, and to that earth we will go, as Thou didst command, Who created me and gave unto me: as Thou art the earth, and to the earth thou art gone, and even all men may go, creating funeral lamentations song: alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Priest: Let us magnify the Theotokos and Mother of Light in songs. Chorus: The spirits and souls of the righteous will praise You, Lord. Song 9: It is impossible for a man to see God, but the angels do not dare to look at Him: For by You, O All-Pure One, having appeared as a man, the Word incarnate, Who is magnified, with the heavenly howls we please You. Katavasia: The heavens were horrified at this, and the ends of the earth were amazed, for God had appeared as a carnal man, and Your womb was more spacious than the heavens. Thus Thea, the Mother of God, the angels and the people of the ranks are magnified. Trisagion, according to Our Father. Troparion, tone 4: Give rest to the spirits of the righteous departed souls of Your servant, O Savior, preserving them in the blessed life that belongs to You, O Lover of Mankind. In Thy chamber, O Lord, where all Thy saints rest, rest also the souls of Thy servant, for Thou art the only Lover of mankind. Glory: Thou art God, Who descended into hell and loosed the bonds of the bound, Who give rest to the souls of Thy servant. And now: One Pure and Immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without a seed, pray for their souls to be saved. Therefore, the litany: Have mercy on us, O God... Dismissal and the proclamation of the priest or deacon: In the blessed dormition, grant eternal rest, O Lord, to your departed servant (name) and create for them eternal memory. Choir: Eternal memory. (Thrice)
The rite of litia performed by a layman at home and in the cemetery
Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice) Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake. Lord have mercy. (Three times) Glory: and now: Our Father who art in heaven ! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Lord have mercy. (12 times) Glory even now: Come, let us worship our King God. Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God.
Psalm 90
Living in the help of the Most High, he will settle in the shelter of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: Thou art my intercessor, and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the snare of the trap and from rebellious words, His blanket will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not be afraid from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies during the day, from the thing that passes in darkness, from the cloak and demon of the midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will be at your right hand, but it will not come close to you: behold your eyes, and you will see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not come close to your body. As His angel commanded you, keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but not when you dash your foot against a stone. Tread on the asp and the basilisk, and cross the lion and the serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver; I will cover and because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in sorrow, I will destroy him and glorify him; I will fill him with long days, and show him My salvation. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (Three times) Troparion, tone 4: From the spirits of the righteous who have passed away, rest the soul of Your servant, O Savior, preserving it in the blessed life that belongs to You, O Lover of Mankind. In Thy chamber, O Lord, where all Thy saints rest, rest also the soul of Thy servant, for Thou art the only Lover of mankind. Glory: You are God, descended into hell, and the bonds of the bound can be broken, give rest to yourself and the soul of your servant. And now: One Pure and Immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without a seed, pray for his soul to be saved. Sedalen, voice 5th: Rest, our Savior, with the righteous Thy servant, and this one is brought into Thy courts, as it is written, despising, as Good, his sins, voluntary and involuntary, and all that is in the knowledge and not in the knowledge, Lover of mankind . Kontakion, tone 8: With the saints, rest, O Christ, the soul of Your servant, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life. Ikos: Thou art the One Immortal One, who created and created man, on earth we were created from the earth, and to that earth we will go, as you commanded, Who created me and gave me: as you are the earth, and you will go to the earth, and even all men will go, funeral lament creating a song: alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Most honorable Cherub... Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (Thrice), bless. Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers... In the blessed dormition, grant eternal peace, O Lord, to Thy departed servant (name), and create for him eternal memory. Everlasting memory. (Three times) His soul will dwell in good things, and his memory throughout generation and generation.
Prayer of permission, read at death, when there is no Orthodox priest (from the manuscripts of Hierom. Dolmat of the Gethsemane monastery)
Lord our God, Jesus Christ! By the grace and compassion of Your love for mankind, forgive me all my sins, and since I am now Your servant, who accepts my repentance, may Your invisible grace absolve me from all sins in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Ordering requirements in the Holy Land
· Commemoration at the Divine Liturgy · Blessing of the Water · Prayer for health · Prayer for repose · Prayer for health · Indestructible psalter · Candle for repose · Candle for health · Sorokoust for repose · Sorokoust for health · Requiem service
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Prayers for the repose of parents
A short prayer that should be said to see off the soul of the newly deceased for 40 days after his death: “Rest, Lord Almighty, the souls of your departed servants: my parents, benefactors (names), relatives and all Orthodox Christians, and forgive them all involuntary sins and free. Grant them the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen."
The most powerful prayers from enemies, evil and corruption
Prayer for the repose of the soul of a deceased mother or father for 9 days after death:
“Lord, God, Jesus Christ! You are the comforter of the weeping, the refuge of the grieving, and the keeper of the orphaned. I bow before your image, groaning and crying, and I pray to you: hear my prayers and do not turn your face away from the tears of my eyes and the sighs of my heart. I pray to You, merciful Lord, to satisfy my grief over separation from the parent who gave birth to me and raised me (the name of my mother or father), and his soul, as if it has gone to You with true faith and firm hope in Your mercy and love for mankind, to Your Kingdom of Heaven accept. I bow before Your holy will and ask: do not take away your mercy and mercy. With contrition I pray, merciful and Almighty God, do not punish with eternal punishment your unforgettable for me, Your servant, my parent (name), but forgive him all his sins, voluntary and involuntary, in deed and word, knowledge and ignorance, have mercy and forgive him, Lord Almighty and Almighty. Jesus Christ, accept this warm prayer of mine and reward Your servant for your care and labor in my upbringing and Christian piety and faith, Your servant, who taught me to pray and glorify our Christ, crucified for the sins of the earth. For his concern for my spiritual success, for warmth and kindness, and for all the gifts he asked me from You. Reward him with Your mercy, Your heavenly blessings, and joys in Your eternal Kingdom. Thou art the peace and grace of Thy faithful servants; we send glory to the Lord our God with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now, ever, unto ages of ages. Amen."
Prayer words for the repose of deceased relatives : “Rest, O Lord, the soul of Your departed servant (name) and no matter how much man has sinned in this life. But You, God, as a Lover of Mankind, forgive him and have mercy, deliver him from eternal torment, make a participant in the Kingdom of Heaven and do something useful for our souls.”
Rituals and prayers for Epiphany for all occasions
If a close relative died after a long illness , then the following prayer text is read: “Lord, you made my relative (name) serve You amidst illness and suffering, taking part in Christ’s Passion. We ask You to honor him with participation in the Glory of the Savior. Through God, our Heavenly Father. Amen."
A short prayer text for the 40th day after the death of a blood relative : “Lord, God, Jesus Christ, satisfy my heartfelt sorrow for your deceased servant (name of the deceased). Help me cope with this grave and irreparable loss and give me the strength to bear it. And on the fortieth day of sorrow, accept the soul of Your servant (name) into the Kingdom of Heaven. Let it be so forever and ever. Amen."
Prayer for the deceased grandmother: “Remember, our God, in the hope and faith of the eternal life of Your servant (grandmother’s name) and as a lover of mankind and goodness, consume untruths and forgive sins, forgive, weaken and forgive all the involuntary and voluntary sins of Your servant (name) , elevating her to the second holy coming and communion of Your eternal blessings, for their sake we believe in You, the One, Lover of mankind and our God. For You are the life and resurrection and rest of Your servant (name), our God Christ. We send glory to You, with the Father and with the Holy Spirit, now, ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."
Funeral lunch menu
All food present at a wake has a hidden meaning. Also of fundamental importance is the order of serving dishes on the table and their reception. The main dish of the funeral table is kutia made from wheat or rice cereals with honey. Kutya begins the wake, and ends it with it. The grains of this porridge mean the resurrection of the dead. Honey shows how sweet life will be in Paradise. Before the reception, the kutya is consecrated in the temple.
The funeral menu depends on the availability of fasting on that day. It is better not to serve alcohol on the table. Mandatory attributes of a funeral dinner are pancakes and jelly. Pancakes represent the daily cycle, when sunrise follows sunset. Likewise, the Orthodox believe that the immortal soul awaits its rebirth. In the past, pancakes were served with honey before other dishes.
The next dish served after kutya and pancakes is hot soup. There should definitely be steam rising from the bowl of soup. He supposedly helps the soul of the deceased rise to God. Borscht or cabbage soup is served first. Sometimes they are replaced with noodle soup.
The next dish in order is wheat/barley porridge. They mean strength. In addition, at the wake you need to eat eggs - they symbolize the rebirth of the soul and its immortality. If the wake does not fall during fasting, the following may serve as secondary dishes:
Memorial prayer
The death of a loved one is an immeasurably difficult moment for any person. At such moments, we ourselves need help and consolation, but we need to pull ourselves together and help the one on whose hands nothing now depends, the deceased. While we live, our posthumous fate is covered by good deeds, thoughts and prayers; when we die, all hope for our salvation rests on the shoulders of loved ones.
Realizing that we must help the deceased atone for his sins, we arrange a magnificent funeral, order an expensive tombstone, a luxurious wake, cry and complain about fate - but, in fact, we do all this for our own peace of mind. In reality, we can only help with memorial prayer, alms and all sorts of good deeds done on behalf of the deceased.
Prayer at the funeral meal
From time immemorial, funerals have been organized by Christians to honor the memory of the deceased and ask the Lord for forgiveness of his sins. Funeral services are held on the 3rd day after death (funeral), 9th day and 40th day. They are also held on other days that are memorable for the deceased - birthday, angel day, death anniversary. Of course, the key element at such meals should not be a sumptuous table and rivers of alcohol, but memorial prayers for the deceased.
Anyone who knew the deceased can come to the wake. There is also an ancient custom of inviting and seating those in need first. Then Orthodox commemorations and funeral prayers turned into alms, because these poor and infirm were given food, things, everything that they might need. Of course, all this should be done on behalf of the one who is being commemorated and each time, giving alms, one should say, “Lord, accept this alms on behalf of...”.
Before starting the meal, read 17 Kathismas from the Psalter. This should be done by someone close to you. Next, before eating, they read “Our Father”, and after finishing the meal, they read the prayer of gratitude “We thank You, Christ our God” and “It is worthy to eat.”
Between each dish, instead of saying “may he rest in peace,” we should read a short memorial prayer, which can be used on the anniversary of death, and on any day when we want to pray for the deceased - “Rest, O Lord, the soul of Your newly departed servant ( name), and forgive him all his sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant him the Kingdom of Heaven.”
40 days of remembrance
You should read funeral prayers most diligently for 40 days. The Lord is especially merciful to those souls for whom there is someone to pray, because this means that their life was not in vain and they were able to awaken and leave love in at least one heart.
If we pray for sinners, God will forgive them their sins and free them from torment. If we read funeral prayers for the righteous, in gratitude they will ask God for atonement for our sins.
In home prayer you can also remember those for whom you cannot pray in church - these are suicides and people who were not believers during their lifetime and were not baptized. Home prayer is called cell prayer (carried out according to the rules), and the Optina elders allowed prayer in this way for suicides and unbelievers.
Funeral prayers at the cemetery
Arriving at the cemetery, you should read the funeral prayer for 9 days. It is called litiya, which literally means intense prayer. You need to light a candle, pray, you can invite a priest for the rite of prayer, you need to clean up the grave, just be silent and remember the deceased.
Orthodoxy does not welcome the custom of eating, drinking, or leaving a glass of vodka and a piece of bread on a grave. All these are pagan traditions, you should not get carried away with them. Also, you should not place the device on the table at a wake for the deceased, do not pour it to him, even if during his lifetime he was prone to drinking alcohol.
Memorial prayer
How and when to pray for the dead?
When a person dies, he is deprived of the right to vote in the Kingdom of God and humbly awaits higher decisions. Therefore, it is very important to pray in the first 40 days after death for the repose of the soul. Children's prayers for deceased parents or other deceased relatives delight the soul and the memory of the newly deceased lives forever. You can pray at home and in the cemetery in the morning and evening. It is recommended to read the special Canon.
The following prayers should be ordered for the deceased in the first days after death:
- Funeral service.
- Sorokoust about the repose of the soul - in one church or several churches at the same time.
- The Undying Psalter.
It is believed that in the first three days after death, the spirit of the deceased is close to the body, so you should not mourn the deceased person too much, so as not to cause him suffering. Relatives need to read the Psalter for 40 days and light candles for the repose of the soul in the church. If it is not possible to read all the psalms, then the seventeenth funeral kathisma and the 118th psalm are read. You can only pray for unbaptized relatives and for suicides at home: such people are not buried or have a memorial liturgy held for them in church.
