Commemorations
Commemorating our living and departed loved ones at the Divine Liturgy is one of the most powerful forms of prayer given to Orthodox Christians, and it is an extremely important element of the Orthodox life. The prayers of the Church are significant, and when reading the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Fathers, it is very evident that these commemorative prayers are an outpouring of love and mercy and availeth much to living and departed.
Fr. Justin, at our mission chapel here in Maine, is happy to take commemorations which may be submitted to be read at the Proskomedia (the first part of the Liturgy), at which particles are taken from prosphora for each of the names listed. Later, these particles are put into the Chalice containing the Blood of Christ, during which a prayer is read for the forgiveness of the sins of those commemorated.
Though often most utilized when someone is in desperate need or when a loved one has just departed, Fr. Justin is grateful to commemorate any particular person at any time. (Whether they reposed long ago, or if they are struggling with something simple). Names will kept on the Proskomedi until they have been commemorated at least 40 divine liturgies.
What if I would like to have a non-Orthodox loved one commemorated?
Fr. Justin has a separate prayer list to remember non-Orthodox living and departed that is read outside the context of liturgy. You are welcome to submit Non-Orthodox to be remembered outside the context of liturgy. Persons submitted for prayers will be remembered for at least 40 days.
Why is it necessary to commemorate the dead?
Quite simply, because the dead need our prayers as much and more than the living. St. John of Shanghai says that “each word of prayer for the reposed is like a drop of water to a thirsty man.” Though their bodies are dead, the departed can sense these prayers, and by this means we keep company and show our love for them. The Church has known many instances of people who while living failed to “bring forth fruit worthy of repentance,” but who have obtained blessed repose through prayers for them after their departure. For more information read the following pamphlet, containing excerpts from the writings of St. John of Shanghai, St. Mark of Ephesus, St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, and others:
Guideline for Submitting Names for Commemorations
For Orthodox Christians
Specify whether the name(s) submitted are of people living or departed.
Submit baptismal names—do not include last names/surnames.
Please do not use nicknames.
For Non-Orthodox
Always specify when submitting the names of non-Orthodox.
Non-Orthodox Christians are commemorated during the private prayers of the parish.
Specify whether the name(s) submitted are of people living or departed.
Please do not use nicknames.