Litiya: Structure of the Servicetranslated

Litiya is the shortest prayer service for the departed, lasting 5-7 minutes. Litiya can be performed by a priest, or it can be read independently at home, in the church, or on the cemetery. This article discusses the structure and content of Litiya.

Olga Bogdanova Editor of the "Questions for the Priest" section

Texts of Litiya that can be read without a priest:

- During ordinary time: Litiya for Laypeople - During the Paschal period: Litiya for the Home and Cemetery

How is Litiya structured?

Litiya is performed when one needs to pray but does not have enough time for the Pannikhida. The service of Litiya is a significantly shortened Pannikhida: it consists of the main prayers of the Pannikhida and preserves its logical structure. The sequence of prayers forms a very delicate and psychologically balanced guide on how to act when a loved one has passed away. In the Pannikhida, this guide is presented in full, while in Litiya it is outlined in outline form.

Structure of Litiya:

- Beginning; - Psalm 90; - A series of short prayers, including the kontakion "With the saints, rest" and the ikos "Alone, Thou art, Immortal";...