Memorial Service

A Parastas is the Orthodox memorial service offered in prayer for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.

What to bring

Food, clothing, or other items may be distributed at church in memory of the departed after receiving the priest’s blessing. During a fasting season, all food should follow the fast.

Koliva
A loaf of bread
A bottle of wine
Candles
A list with the baptismal names of those being commemorated

When memorials are not celebrated

On Sundays, except with the bishop’s blessing
On the Great Feasts of the Church
On weekdays during Great Lent and on days when the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated
From Palm Sunday through the Sunday of Saint Thomas
From the Nativity of the Lord through Theophany (December 25–January 6)

Contribution

The current suggested contribution for a Memorial Service is $100. Members of at least six months receive services without charge. No one will be refused for financial reasons.