It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins. – 2 Maccabees 12:46

With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants, where sickness and sorrow are no more, nor sighing, but life everlasting – Orthodox Memorial Service

For millennia, Christians have not only asked for the intercessions of Christians who had transitioned from this life to the next, but have prayed for them in love and hope of the Resurrection.

The practice of praying for the intercessions of saints and for the souls of those departed has been integral to the life of the Church since its inception in 33 AD, and even before, during the 2nd Temple Judaic era.

Therefore, it is a good thing to pray for the dead and paramount to our identity as Christians. Not only are we encouraged to pray at home for the departed, but the Orthodox Church also serves funerals and memorials for them. These include 3rd day, 9th day, 40th day, 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year, and 3rd year memorials. On these days, it is customary to offer boiled wheat on their behalf. You can read more about the tradition on boiled wheat here.

If you would like to know more, please contact Fr Jean directly.