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It is
extremely important part of Orthodox faith in Jesus Christ to pray for
the dead. Praying for those who died is a symbol of proclamation that
Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and an expression of our mourning.
It also shows that even death cannot separate us from one another.
It is
the custom of our Church to celebrate a prayer service forty days (or the
nearest Sunday to the 40 days) after the death of a love one in remembrance of the deceased known in
English as a Memorial Service. In this service we ask God to “grant
rest” to the deceased “in the bosom of Abraham” (Luke
16:22-23) and to place him/her “in a place of light, a place of
happiness, a place of refreshment, where there is no pain, no sorrow and
no suffering” (Revelation 21:4) as we did during the funeral
service.
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A tray of
boiled wheat berries with raisins and powdered sugar in a tray called
"Kolyva" in Greek
is prepared for the service and is later distributed to the community
during at the parish coffee hour. This tradition is based on the words
of the Lord Jesus used to describe His own death and resurrection.
“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)
The image of the grain of wheat
dying in order to bear fruit signifies that Christ's death will give
life to the world. In many Orthodox churches, "Kolyva", it is
boiled wheat that is sweetened and spiced is served at memorial
services for the departed faithful to affirm God's promise that those
who have died in Christ will rise again to life. And this Kolyva is
later distributed to the community during at the parish coffee hour
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Kolyva
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St. Nectarios is
a parish of Metropolis of San Francisco of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America
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Click Here to
Contact Us
Services:
Sunday Morning Liturgy
9:00 AM Orthros
10:00 AM Liturgy
Wednesday
Paraklesis (service)
to Saint Nectarios 7:00 PM
Church is open:
Monday thru Friday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Our services are in
Greek & English
Office Hours:
9:00 AM –
4:00 PM
Email Address:
stnectarioschurch@gmail.com
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In addition to
the 40th day, Memorial Services are normally held annually on or near the
anniversary of the loved one’s death. The parish office must be informed
of the family’s intention to offer a Memorial Service at least two weeks
prior to the desired date.
Important reminder
Memorial
Service may not be prayed on Saturday of Lazarus through the Sunday of
Thomas, on any Feast day of the Lord or any Feast day of the Virgin Mary.
Everyone is
also encouraged to remember their departed loved ones annually on the
Saturdays of Souls associated with Great Lent and the celebration of
Pentecost.
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