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Orthodox Memorial Service in Tampa Bay, Panakhyda at St. Michael

Memorial Services (Panakhyda)

A Panakhyda is a memorial service in which we pray for the repose of the souls of our loved ones. It is an expression of our love for those who have departed and our faith in the resurrection.

How to Request a Memorial Service

Contact Fr. Stephen at 727-777-4450.

A Panakhyda can be served:

  • After Sunday Liturgy
  • On a separate day by arrangement
  • On Memorial Saturdays (special days of remembrance)

When to Request a Memorial Service

Traditional memorial days

  • 3rd day after death
  • 9th day after death
  • 40th day after death (Sorokovyny)
  • Anniversary of death
  • Birthday of the departed
  • Name day of the departed

Memorial Saturdays

Special days throughout the year when the Church prays for all the departed:

  • Meatfare Saturday, before Great Lent
  • Saturdays of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks of Great Lent
  • Trinity Saturday, before Pentecost
  • Demetrius Saturday, before the feast of St. Demetrius (November)

The schedule is announced in the parish bulletin.

What to Prepare

Kolyvo (Kutia)

For the memorial service, bring kolyvo: boiled wheat with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts. It symbolizes faith in the resurrection, as a seed planted in the earth gives new life.

Recipe:

  • Wheat (or rice), boil until soft
  • Honey, mix with the wheat
  • Poppy seeds, add to taste
  • Walnuts, crush and add
  • Raisins, optional

Memorial Candle

Candles are available at the church and are lit during the service.

List of Names

Prepare a list of names for remembrance (baptismal names of the departed).

What Happens During a Panakhyda

  1. The priest reads prayers for the repose of the departed
  2. Names from your list are commemorated
  3. “Eternal Memory” (Vichna Pamyat) is sung
  4. The kolyvo is blessed
  5. Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Orthodox Funeral

To arrange an Orthodox funeral, contact Fr. Stephen as soon as possible. The church will help with:

  • The funeral service (Otpevannya) in the church
  • Graveside Panakhyda
  • Memorial meal after the funeral
  • Coordination with the funeral home

Submitting Names for Commemoration

You can submit names for remembrance:

  • At Proskomedia, during preparation for Liturgy (names are remembered every Sunday)
  • At a Panakhyda, a separate memorial service
  • On Memorial Saturdays, special general commemoration

Submit names to Fr. Stephen or the parish office.

Donation

The amount of the donation for memorial services is discussed with the priest. Financial circumstances are never a barrier.

Contact Us

Fr. Stephen Siniari Phone: 727-777-4450

St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church 9201 60th St, Pinellas Park, FL 33782