The Saturday of Souls and the memorial services for the deceased, when performed in the right way, are the most essential manifestation of the mystery of the Church of Christ.
On the feast of the Pentecost, the Orthodox Church shows the virtuous way of life that we must follow. Christians pray for their brothers who have reposed in the Lord and experience the presence of Christ. The Church
prays through the Eucharist on the eve of the Pentecost, when humans have the possibility to change themselves, and asks the Lord of life and death, the Saviour Jesus Christ, to overlook the weaknesses of all people who stand before Him. The Church asks Him to forgive us for our mistakes, to forgive us for our ignorance, to give life, and to bring hope so as to rest in peace. The Church prays and begs the Lord humbly.
Even the day after the Pentecost, the Church prays for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord: “Lord, we pray for all our fellow human beings to rest in peace. They are now deep into the arms of Abraham, Isaak, and Jacob.” Let our Communication with the Holy Spirit do be better understood by us (purification-enlightenment). We can share His gifts that are given to the Church. Let us show our love for the Church i.e. for our brothers, the living ones and the ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord.
Source: Metropolis of Zambia
