“Christ Our God, grant rest and mercy to the souls of those who are at rest; and to us, sinners, grant forgiveness of our transgressions.”
It is a tradition in the Armenian Church to offer special prayers for our loved ones who have fallen asleep in Christ. Prayers for those who have passed away is based on an understanding from the Holy Scriptures that just as Christ died and lived again, the faithful who have died are merely asleep in Christ.
We conduct a special Requiem Service for this occasion, and it is traditionally requested by family members for a loved one 40 days after passing (Karasoonk), on the 1 year anniversary of passing (Darelitz) and on all subsequent anniversaries, as well as any other occasion throughout the year with the exception of the 5 major feast days.
Arrangements for Sunday Requiem Service (Hokehankisd or the Repose of the Souls), Altar Flowers and Altar Candles should be made through the church office by Thursday at noon.
In accordance with the canons of the Armenian Church, Requiem Services may not be performed on Armenian Christmas, Easter, the Feast of the Transfiguration, the Feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God, and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
