Memorial

Memorial (mnemosynon, from mimneskein, to remember) is the general term for the liturgical commemoration of the departed. At every Divine Liturgy, a memorial is performed: the particles representing the departed are arranged on the diskos, and names submitted by the faithful are read aloud. Special memorial services (pannychida, parastas) are served on specific days — the third, ninth, and fortieth days after death, the anniversary, and the universal Soul Saturdays. The memorial is an act of faith in the resurrection: we remember those who will be raised.