Memorial service

A panikhida is a separate funeral service consisting of prayers for the forgiveness of sins and the repose of the deceased in the Kingdom of Heaven. It helps the soul to pass the path in the afterlife and continue its existence next to God.

It is customary to order a memorial service:

• on the day of death
  
• on the 9th day
  
• on the 40th day
  
• on the anniversary of death
  
• on the birthday of the deceased
  
• name day

But also, the Panikhida can be held on any day.

In the first days after the death of a loved one, the Church recommends ordering a Panikhida as often as possible, since a Panikhida is a lifeline for the soul continuing its journey in the afterlife. This journey continues until the 40th day, when the location of the soul at the Last Judgment is determined.