The Church has clarified whether it is possible to remember the dead on their birthdaytranslated

The Russian Orthodox Church has clarified its attitude to the dates of birth and death of a deceased person. As Kulik writes, the most important day for the memory of the deceased is the day of his death. Death in the church understanding is considered as the transition of the soul to eternal life and the moment of new birth.

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This attitude towards the date of death existed before. People tried to accurately record the day of a person’s death, while information about his birth could be recorded in less detail. For the ancestors, the spiritual path that a person walked during his earthly life was of greater importance.

At the same time, the birthday of the deceased can also become an occasion to remember a loved one. On this date, you can visit the church or pray at home. The Church believes that memories of the deceased can be associated with the bright memory of him and an appeal to God.

The first 40 days after a person’s death are of particular importance in the Orthodox tradition. During this period, believers are advised to attend church services more often and pray for the deceased. It is also customary to come to the cemetery and put the grave in order, thus expressing respect for the deceased.

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