In today's world, we are often told that death is the end of everything. Our culture teaches us to see it only as loss and heartbreak — something that cuts us off from those we love and leaves us with nothing but memories and grief. Even if we do hope for peace after our bereavement, we are often left with a sense that nothing more can be done.
But as Orthodox Christians, we know something different and far greater: death is not the end, but a passage. St Gregory of Nyssa reminds us that, although the soul leaves the body, it continues to exist, and so it is fitting for us to pray on their behalf. He teaches that through prayer, we ask God, who loves each person, to bring comfort and refreshment to departed souls. The love and connection with our departed family and friends are thus kept alive. Through prayer, they are made ever stronger.
One of the most powerful ways to help those who have gone before us is through commemoration at the reading of the Psalter. This is more than an ancient practice that has existed in our Church since the fourth century; it is an act of love that binds us together as one Church, those here and those in eternity.
At Saint Elisabeth Convent, the names of the departed are remembered day and night during the reading of the Psalms. When you request commemoration, your offering joins countless prayers before God. To Him, we entrust our departed; from Him, we ask comfort and mercy for them, and consolation for those who mourn.
If you wish to help your departed loved ones in this way, you can request ongoing commemoration by submitting their names through our online prayer request form. As St John Chrysostom exhorts, let us not grow weary in helping those who have fallen asleep — by prayers, almsgiving, and remembrance in the Church’s services.
