Panikhida

Imagine that your loved one has passed away and you feel very sad about it. Your family and friends want to do something special to remember the person who passed away and show their love and respect. This is where panikhida comes in.

Panikhida is a special memorial service that is performed in the Orthodox Christian tradition. It is usually held on the third, ninth, and fortieth day after a person has died, and then again at the end of the first year. The word "panikhida" means "full of panic" in Greek, but don't worry - it's not a scary thing at all.

During the panikhida service, a priest or deacon will stand in front of a table which has candles, incense, and a special cloth covering it. This table is called the "tetrapod" and is seen as a symbolic altar. The priest or deacon will begin to sing prayers and hymns that ask for God to be merciful to the person who has died and to forgive any sins they may have committed.

The people who are attending the panikhida will also light candles as a symbol of their love for the person who has passed away. They will also bring food and drink which will be blessed by the priest or deacon and then shared amongst the attendees as a sign of unity and togetherness.

Overall, panikhida is a way for people to remember their loved ones and to show their respect and love for them. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and coming together as a community.