The celebration and participation at these memorial services is very much a part of the Orthodox spiritual tradition, and very valuable for spiritual formation. Praying for the departed is an important work of mercy in our spiritual tradition, and should not be forgotten, taken lightly, or ignored! What is a Panikhida? The Panikhida is a solemn memorial prayer service in the Orthodox Church for the repose of the souls of the departed. During the service, the faithful pray for God to forgive the sins of the deceased and grant them eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom. The word 'panikhida' is from Slavonic: панихида, panikhída, from Greek παννυχίς, pannychis, "vigil" (etymologically meaning … [Read more...]