The memorial services during Great Lent not only pray for the deceased but also serve as a reminder to the living of the importance of repentance, prayer, and the hope of eternal life. The connection between prayer for the departed and the Lenten theme of repentance emphasizes the Church’s teachings about life after death, the need for humility, and the hope that all souls will find peace with God.
In this context, the Sorokouste is a vital part of the communal prayers, as it offers the faithful a chance to reflect on the transient nature of life while engaging in deep spiritual work. It also strengthens the bonds within the community, as they collectively pray for those who have passed and remember the shared hope of salvation.
In short, the Sorokouste / Parastas memorial service during Great Lent, with the Panakhyda, is a way of commemorating the dead, reflecting on mortality, and seeking God’s mercy for both the living and the departed.
