Memorials/mnimosina

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MEMORIAL SERVICES & Saturday of Souls

The Symbolism of Koliva

In the Orthodox Church, Koliva is much more than a dish; it is a profound symbol of our hope in the Resurrection. Consisting of boiled wheat, honey or sugar, raisins, and spices, it represents the cycle of life, death, and the promise of eternal life.

The use of wheat is rooted in the words of Christ:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies,

it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” (John 12:24)

Just as a seed is buried in the earth to rise as a new plant, the human body is committed to the earth in the hope of rising again in glory.

• Wheat: The promise of everlasting life and the resurrection of the body.
• Raisins & Sugar: The sweetness of Paradise and the joy of life eternal.
• Spices: Symbols of the "spices" used to anoint the body of Christ and the abundance of God’s blessings.
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When Memorials are Observed

Memorial services are a vital way for the living to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of our departed brothers and sisters. These are traditionally held on:

• The 40th Day: Following the example of Christ’s Ascension forty days after His Resurrection.
• The Six-Month & One-Year Anniversary: Marks the completion of the first year of mourning.
• Annual & Three-Year Anniversaries: Continued prayerful remembrance.
• Saturdays of Souls: Special days designated by the Church to pray for all departed Orthodox Christians.

Note: To ensure a tray of Koliva is prepared for your loved one, please contact the Church Office at least one week in advance.

Prohibited Dates for Memorial Services

Out of respect for the joy of the Resurrection or the significance of certain Feasts, Memorials with Koliva are not permitted on the following days:

1. All Holy Days of our Lord (Despotikai Eortai): Christmas, Epiphany, Pascha, Transfiguration, etc.
2. Holy Week & Bright Week: From the Saturday of Lazarus through St. Thomas Sunday.
3. Pentecost Sunday.
4. August 15: The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

The Saturdays of Souls

Throughout the liturgical year, the Church sets aside specific Saturdays to commemorate all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection. These "Saturdays of Souls" are a beautiful expression of our love, ensuring that no member of the Church is forgotten.

How to Participate

To have your loved ones remembered during these services, please follow these steps:

• Submit Your List: A "List of Deceased" form is available at the Narthex or the Church Office. Please print the first names of your departed Orthodox Christian loved ones clearly.
• The "First" Names: In the Orthodox tradition, we use the baptismal names of the deceased (e.g., Ioannis instead of John, Panagiota instead of Patty).
• Duration: Once you submit your list at the start of the Lenten period, those names are typically kept on the Altar and commemorated at every Saturday of Souls service through the Feast of Pentecost.
• Offerings: It is customary, though not required, to bring a small bowl of Koliva to the church on these Saturdays to be blessed during the service.

«Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη.» (May their memory be eternal.)

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall ever touch them

Wisdom of Solomon 3:1