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...]

On Saturday, November 1st 2025 the friend of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church, Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai was consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Maleotodis in the Patriarchate of Alexandria. Fr. Damaskinos was an integral support for ASONA in the beginning years, traveling to Arizona to help us find an initial location, helping us host the first Vicariate wide spiritual retreat, and visiting our satellite missions and for parish feasts. Please remember Bishop Damaskinos in your holy prayers! Axios! … [Read more...]