Memorial service (9 days) is the next obligatory stage after the burial. Although it originated in Christian religion, everyone adheres to this tradition. So how to spend 9 days of commemoration? What are the features of the ritual?
Memorial service
If the deceased was a Christian, then you must definitely go to the temple. It is considered that
at this time, the soul can still visit the places of its earthly dwelling. She completes the work that the person did not have time to do during his lifetime. He says goodbye to someone, asks someone for forgiveness. Prayer held at this time for all church traditions, contributes to the tranquility of the soul, its connection with God.
It is desirable that the commemoration (9 days) and relatives begin with an appeal to the Lord. In a short prayer, one should ask the Almighty for the forgiveness of all the sins of the deceased, placing him in the Kingdom of Heaven. This has always been part of the ritual. Candles are lit in the temple for the commemoration of the soul. For this there is special place... If you do not know, then consult with the minister of the temple. But usually you can define it yourself. Platform for has rectangular shape(all others are round). Nearby there is a printed text of the prayer. Take the time to read it.
What do 9 days of commemoration mean?
In Christianity, the path of the soul to the Lord is described in sufficient detail. So, the first days Angels show her what life in Paradise is. The ninth is the time, so to speak, of the exam. The soul appears before the Lord, who defines it further destiny... It is believed that sinners are afraid and tormented, finally realizing how mediocre they are
wasted their energy. The righteous can also suffer from ignorance, will they life path approved by the Lord. Help to the soul of the deceased is extremely necessary during this period. Relatives with their prayers can help her to purify herself and receive a "pass" to Paradise.
V Christian traditions commemoration of 9 days is considered very important, since this is the last duty, completing the stage of the earthly existence of the soul. After the Lord defines her in Heaven or Hell, the living will practically not be able to help her. The clergy say that 9 days is almost a holiday! Since at this time the soul finds its shelter. It is imperative to pray so that her stay in that world would be comfortable.
Memorial dinner
A trip to the cemetery is mainly for those closest to you. And those who want to express their respect to the deceased and his family members are invited to spend it modestly. Prepare the first, second and compote. V
Christianity does not accept any kind of snacks and salads, or alcohol. Traditions with a hundred grams and a slice of bread originated in very difficult times, when there was no other way to relieve tension. Now there is no need to drink alcohol at the commemoration, and it does not welcome.
Of the "excesses", only baking is allowed. So, usually pies or buns are made and served. Everything should be calm and modest. This is not an indicator of poverty. Rather, this demonstrates the recognition of the frailty of everything physical in front of the spiritual. At the table, everyone is given the floor to express their sorrow, to share the confidence that the soul will go to Paradise, just to remember a person who recently left this world.
Memorial treat
But not everyone is satisfied with dinner now. Some do not have enough time, others do not want unnecessary trouble. The Church does not insist on strict adherence to this particular tradition.
It is quite permissible to replace a joint meal with a treat. What it is? It is necessary to prepare such food, which is appropriate and convenient to treat people without an invitation to the house, and so to spend the commemoration for 9 days. What is being handed out? Usually cookies and candy. The easiest option is to buy what you need in the store. It is recommended to bake pies or cookies yourself. It is believed that by doing so you show greater respect for the deceased. You can distribute cooked food at work, in the yard to grandmothers and children.
How to calculate the required period?
People often get confused with this. It is best to contact Father, who will help you figure out the deadlines, tell you what day to celebrate. Due to the importance for the soul, you need to know exactly when to hold the commemoration for 9 days. How to count yourself? The first day is considered the day on which the person passed away. From him and need to count. From the moment of death, the soul begins its journey through the Kingdom of Angels. She needs help on the ninth day (and before that). Do not miss any deadlines, even if death came before midnight. The first day is the date of death. Important then are the third, ninth and fortieth days. You need to calculate them right away and write them down so as not to forget. These are the dates that must be celebrated.
Who is invited to the commemoration
Family members and friends are the kind of people who must participate in the sad meal. They know it themselves. Souls demand to meet and support
each other in grief. But the commemoration of 9 days after death is such an event that people come to without an invitation. It is unacceptable to drive away those who wanted to take part in it, even if they are completely strangers. The logic is as follows: the more people begin to pray for the salvation of the soul of the deceased, the easier it is for it to get to Paradise. Therefore, it is unacceptable to drive someone away, even sinful.
Try to treat as much as possible more people... And if it is not necessary to invite everyone to the memorial dinner, then sweets can be distributed to everyone you meet that day. Strictly speaking, it is not accepted to invite to the event. People themselves should ask when it will take place (and in general, is it planned or not). For convenience, the organizers most often take responsibility themselves and call everyone who has expressed a desire to remember the deceased.
Do I have to go to the cemetery
Strictly speaking, a 9-day commemoration does not include such a trip in the list of indispensable events. The church believes that mortal remains lie on the churchyard, which do not have of particular importance... A visit to the temple and prayers are encouraged. But usually people themselves want to visit the last refuge of a dear person. Flowers and sweets are brought there. Thus, as it were, a tribute is paid to the deceased. But this is more important for
alive than for the deceased.
In no case should you carry alcohol to the cemetery. This is strictly prohibited by the Church! If you decide that you definitely need to visit the cemetery that day, then take care of the appropriate clothing. The outfits should be modest, not flashy. The presence of mourning symbols is also desirable. Women tie mourning handkerchiefs. Men can wear dark jackets. If it's hot, then black scarves are tied on the left forearm.
How to prepare a house for commemoration?
On this day, icon lamps are lit, a photograph of the deceased with a mourning ribbon is placed in a prominent place. It is no longer worth closing the mirrors. This is done only while the body is in the house. Naturally, on this day it is not customary to turn on music, watch funny films and programs.
You can put a glass of water and bread in front of the icon as a sign of help to the soul, who is on a journey through a still unknown world. It is desirable that the atmosphere of severity reigns in the house. If you've invited people to dinner, then worry about their conveniences. Usually, carpets are removed from the floor so that you can walk around the house in shoes. It is also necessary to put a small vase or plate next to the photograph of the deceased. Money will be put there. This is done when a lot of people come, including strangers for household members. They may wish to donate some amount to the monument. And giving money to relatives is not always convenient.
In the Christian religion, it is customary to remember dead people. For this purpose there are special days: third, ninth and fortieth after death.
Where does this tradition originate? From 3 to 9 days, a deceased person sees a paradise in which grief for the abandoned body ceases and past life on the ground. On this day, they pay tribute to the nine angelic ranks, who represent the soul of the deceased to God and ask the Almighty to have mercy on the soul. On the ninth day, the soul is brought to God for worship. Close people and relatives gather to remember the deceased.
Nine days are counted, including the day the person died. This condition is adhered to even when a person left the earth late in the evening (before 12 o'clock at night).
Organization of commemoration on the 9th day after death
In the church, a candle is lit for the deceased, a prayer is read for the repose of the soul. It is advised to distribute alms and prosphora to people in need and ask them to read a prayer for the dead. It is customary to lay millet and crumbled eggs on the grave. Easter cakes or cookies and sweets are placed on the fence.
The covers are removed from the mirrors in the apartment of the deceased. The room of the deceased is not touched. Such a canon in Orthodox religion no. It is rather a pagan custom. People believed that the soul of the deceased would be lost in mirrors and would not find other world.
On the ninth day, it is customary to arrange a wake with pies. It is advisable not to put alcohol on the table. In a conversation, they must touch upon positive sides deceased, remember kind words... They will be counted in the other world.
The funeral feast is not abundant. It is not the feast itself that is important here, but the presence of people who respected the deceased person. The modesty of the dinner does not indicate the need of the organizers; rather, it is a symbol of the frailty of being in front of spirituality.
At the table you cannot joke, laugh, sing songs and use foul language. Backgammon with this one should not despair and cry. Sorrow and sorrow in Christianity are considered sins. The soul of the deceased leaves the earthly path. People remember the deceased, staying in good mood... Otherwise, the deceased will be tortured.
Appearance commemorating people is important. It is desirable for women to wear headscarves, and men without hats. At a commemoration, one cannot speak negatively about a departed person. Each in his speech expresses sorrow and hope that paradise awaits the deceased.
Key moments of the 9-day funeral dinner
- There is definitely kutia on the table. For cooking, wheat is boiled, to which honey and raisins are added. In the church, such porridge symbolizes eternity.
- The dishes include cabbage soup or noodles with chicken. If the commemoration is held during Lent, then the menu is lean borscht or noodles with mushrooms.
- For the second, fish, cutlets, chicken, cabbage rolls are served stuffed peppers... For a side dish they offer to taste buckwheat porridge, sometimes mashed peas or potatoes. Remember that some people do not fast. Therefore, the menu is supplemented fried fish, boiled meat and other snacks. The main thing is that the participants in the meal distinguish between lean and meat foods.
- At the end of the meal, jelly or compote is served. Pancakes, rolls and sweets are placed as an appetizer. Tea and coffee are optional.
- At the end of the meal, people are advised to offer to take with them fruits and sweets that have not been eaten.
It is not customary to invite anyone to the commemoration. Those people come who, with a pure heart, commemorate the deceased. It is unacceptable to drive unwanted people away from the commemoration. This is considered a sin. Many people will increase the number of prayers for the salvation of the soul of a deceased person. It is easier for the soul on the way to heaven. On this day, treats are distributed to the counter.
Life dictates new rules. People inquire in advance about the place of the memorial feast and the time of the event. Organization issues are taken over by a group of people who agree on the details of the commemoration with the participants.
On the ninth day, you don't have to go to the cemetery. For the church, the mortal remains on the grave do not symbolize anything. Visiting temples and reading prayers are encouraged. People themselves go to the grave, but this does not apply to religion. On this day, you can help the soul of the deceased, or you can harm it.
Additionally
What should be done to the loved ones of the deceased on the ninth day? How to calculate it? We will tell you about the rules and meaning of a memorial dinner, prayer and visiting a cemetery on this day.
Beginning of the articleWhy is 9 days after a person's death so important? Why is it necessary to arrange a commemoration and order a service in the church? We will tell you what needs to be considered when organizing a memorial dinner and how for all church canons spend the ninth day after the death of a loved one.
Remember that this particular day is "uninvited", so it is not customary to invite guests to it. The relatives and friends of the deceased, those who from the bottom of their hearts want to once again remember the person and honor his blessed memory, come to the memorial meal at will.
The commemoration begins with the prayer "Our Father", after which the first dish is served - kutia. It is usually made from wheat or rice with honey and raisins. It is desirable that kutia be consecrated in the church, however, if this is not possible, it is enough just to sprinkle it with holy water. This dish is very symbolic, it means eternal life: as a grain grows in the earth, so a person is reborn in Christ.
Despite the fact that 9 days have passed since the day of death, alcohol, fun, laughter, foul language and funny songs are still unacceptable at the table. Also, you can not remember not the most the best sides the deceased, his bad deeds and vices. The phrase "The kingdom of heaven to the departed" is more of a formality. Therefore, so that your requests for better destiny the souls of the deceased were actually heard, try to pray fully.
Don't make it a rule: more food is better than a funeral. It's good if the meal for 9 days after death is modest, without frills. After all, it is not the fact of food intake that is important, but the fact that people came for whom the deceased had more value, the important thing is that now they are together, support each other and are ready to help those who are grieving.
If the commemoration came to Great Lent on a weekday, you must wait for the weekend. The appearance of those present also plays a role. So, women should have their heads covered, their hair - gathered under headscarves. Men, on the other hand, must take off their hats.
During the commemoration, we must not forget about those in need. Especially if you have food left over. It's good to go out and give it to the beggars. In addition, you need to order a prayer service for the deceased. This can be done at the church kiosk by simply submitting a note with the name of the deceased. Also, if possible, it is necessary to go to the grave of a loved one. When visiting a cemetery, clean up the grave, light a candle. If there is an opportunity to invite a priest to perform a litiya, do it, if this is not possible, read the prayer yourself. Try to refrain from talking, it is much better if you just remember the deceased in your thoughts. In no case do not arrange a commemoration at the very place of burial. You cannot eat or drink anything in the cemetery. It is considered sacrilege to leave a glass of vodka with bread "for the deceased," and even more so to pour it on the grave mound.
Remember that it is necessary to arrange a commemoration immediately after the funeral, for 9 days, 40 days, and a year after death. Also arrange memorial dinners it is possible on the birthday of the deceased and on the day of his Angel.
A lot of people are wondering how to count the 9th day? Here you need to be very careful, because according to Orthodox canons, the account starts from the day of death of a person, even if he died at the end of the day, but no later than midnight. For example, a person passed away on May 12. According to mathematical calculations (12 + 9), it is necessary to celebrate the commemoration on May 21, but in fact this should be done on the 20th. In life, people also have situations when it was possible to bury a person not on the third day, but on the fifth or sixth. When, in this case, to celebrate the commemoration? 9 days and 40 days are counted from the day of death, but the first memorial meal is organized on the day of the funeral.
Don't treat Day 9 as a formality to be followed. Remember that it depends on you these days whether you harm the soul of the deceased or help her.
Canteen, cafe or restaurant for organization memorial table you will find in the section Conducting commemoration of our portal
Traditionally in Russia it is customary to celebrate the ninth and fortieth days from the day of death. A number of customs and prohibitions are associated with these commemorative dates.
Why are nine and forty days celebrated?
Orthodox canons assert that from the third to the ninth day from the day of death, the soul of the deceased is still in this world, but from the ninth to the fortieth day, it "goes" further and further, experiencing "ordeals" on the way to the next world. On these days, it is necessary to pray for the deceased so that he will find a place in paradise. That is why the Russians hold commemorations for nine and forty days. What is forbidden to do in connection with this?
You cannot "shift" the date
The ninth and fortieth days are celebrated from the day of death. That is, if a person died, for example, on the 8th, then this will be the first day. The ninth day will come on the 16th, and the fortieth day on the 16th or 17th of the next month.
Be sure to pray for the deceased in the temple on this day, to hold a panikhida. But you can arrange a feast earlier and later, if circumstances prevent you from spending it on that particular day.
You can not invite guests to the commemoration
The commemorations on the ninth and fortieth days are called "uninvited". People gather on them themselves. For nine days, mostly the closest ones - relatives and friends - gather. At forty, neighbors, colleagues, acquaintances can come. You can notify people about the time and place of the commemoration, but you should not say that you are inviting them.
You can't hold a commemoration directly at the cemetery
On the ninth and fortieth days, you can go to the cemetery and pray at the grave of the deceased. But to remember him right at the grave or to leave a glass of vodka covered with bread on it, as some do, against Christian canons.
If the ninth or fortieth day fell on weekdays during Great Lent, it is customary to postpone them to Saturday or Sunday. It is desirable that the table is also lean.
On the ninth day, the table should be modest.
It is not customary to put many dishes on the table for nine days: it is believed that this distracts loved ones from prayers and memories of the deceased. For forty days, the table can be made more abundant.
You can not come to the funeral smartly dressed
The church recommends dressing strictly for the commemoration and without unnecessary pretentiousness. It is advisable that women put their hair under the headscarves. By at least this applies to close relatives of the deceased. You should not buy a new dress for the sake of a commemoration, visit a hairdresser. These are secular matters that have nothing to do with the soul of the deceased person. If the deceased is your loved one, then until the fortieth day it is better to abstain from any social events or celebrations altogether. These are days of mourning.
Can't have fun
Even if a person died of old age and his death was generally expected, you should not laugh and sing songs during the commemoration. People gather to pray for the deceased and remember him.
Many people know that 9 days after death are important, but not everyone knows what they mean. Probably many people wondered why to order a service in the church and arrange a commemoration.
So, you need to remember that it is the 9th day after death that is called "uninvited", since guests are not invited to it. Only relatives and close friends of the deceased can come to the commemoration in order to honor his blessed memory.
What happens on the 9th day after death?
Gathering at the memorial meal, you need to read the prayer "Our Father", after which it is imperative to eat at least a spoonful of kutya (preferably consecrated in the church).
Despite the fact that after death, 9 days have already passed on the table, there should not be, and behind it - fun, laughter, funny songs and foul language. It is also forbidden to remember the "bad" qualities of the deceased.
Those who are convinced that the food on the table is playing the wrong way big role on the memorial day. This is wrong. It is best to have a modest meal without exquisite dishes... After all, it doesn't matter what dishes are on the table that day, but more importantly, people have come who respect and yearn for the deceased, and are ready at any time to lend a helping hand to his loved ones.
What does 9 days after death mean?
What happens to the soul on the 9th day after death worries many. As the Orthodox scriptures say, the soul after death leaves the human body and does not leave the world of the living, not for 9 days, but until 40 days are completed. But for 40 days, the soul is where it previously lived in the body. Some argue that after the funeral, relatives sense someone's presence in the house.
The first day after the death of a person, his soul is shocked, since it cannot understand how it can exist without a body. It is from these considerations that it is customary in India to destroy the body. If physical body will be dead for a long time, then the soul will be near him all the time. If the body is given to the earth, then the soul will see its decay.
On the third day, the soul gradually begins to come to its senses, get used to being without a body, walking around the neighborhood, after which it returns to the house. Relatives should not suffer hysterically for the deceased and sob loudly, since the soul hears everything and experiences all the torments of relatives on itself. At this time, it is necessary to pray all the time for the soul of the deceased, trying to send it out of this world. At this moment, she experiences psychological pain, worries and does not understand what to do next. Therefore, through the prayers of her relatives, I help her to calm down.
So what happens to the soul on the 9th day after death and what traditions are associated with this day? The deceased's funeral is held in honor of the nine angel ranks who serve the Almighty and ask him to have mercy on the deceased. After three days, the soul is accompanied by an Angel, who leads it into the gates of paradise and shows the abode of unearthly beauty. The soul is in this state for six days, forgetting about the grief that was felt during the period 
existence in the body and after leaving it. But if the soul is sinful, then seeing the delight of the saints in paradise, it begins to grieve and reproach itself for having sinned on earth. On the ninth day, the Almighty orders the Angels to again present the soul to him for worship. And here the soul again with trembling appears before the Lord. But during this period, relatives and friends pray for the deceased, and ask God to have mercy on the deceased and take him into their possession.
But the fate of the soul is decided only on the fortieth day, when it ascends to worship the Almighty for the third time. And then God will decide her fate, weighing her good and bad deeds in the scales.
Relatives should pray all this time, thereby atonement for the sins of the deceased - this will be the most important for him.
