Is it possible to celebrate birthdays immediately after 9 days with the mother-in-law?translated

Reader question:

October 28th was my mother-in-law's 9th birthday, and October 31st is my birthday. Is it possible? celebrate a birthday?

Margarita

Priest's answer:

Archpriest Andrey EFANOV

God bless you, dear Margarita! My condolences!

We have no prohibition on canceling any events during the period after death. Whether you celebrate your birthday or not will not in any way affect the posthumous fate of your deceased mother-in-law. The same applies to any other business and holidays. Only prayer for her has an effect. Therefore, the mother-in-law needs to be remembered in one’s own prayers and, if she has been baptized, a church commemoration should be given for her.

The question of whether to celebrate or not lies on another plane - your internal state and the traditions of the family and society in which you live.

If you feel so bad and sad that you don’t want any holidays, that’s your right. If you respect the traditions of the family, they are important to you and you understand that it is better to postpone the celebration of the Birthday than to go into conflict now, I would advise you to postpone it.

It is very important to take into account your husband’s condition and talk to him openly and honestly. Still, the man lost his mother. He might...