On the day before the Sunday of the Last Judgement (Meatfare Sunday), and in close connection with the theme of this Sunday, there is a universal commemoration of the dead "from the ages". This is the First All Souls Saturday (Saturday, February 6th, 1999, for those Byzantine Christians following the Gregorian Calendar and Saturday, February 13th for those following the Julian Calendar). There are additional special commemorations of the dead on the second, third and fourth Saturdays during the Great Fast as well as on the Saturday before Pentecost Sunday.

Before we call to mind the Second Coming of Christ next Sunday, we commend to God all those departed before us, who are now awaiting the Last Judgement. In the liturgical celebrations for these Saturdays there is a strong sense of the continuing bond of mutual love that links together all the members of the Church, whether alive or dead. For those who believe in the risen Christ, death does not constitute an impassable barrier, since all are alive in Him; the departed are still our brothers and sisters, members of the same family with us, and so we are conscious of the need to pray insistently on their behalf.

At the local parish the commemoration of the dead takes the form of special prayers. These prayers include the reading of the names of all those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. As an extension of this custom, and taking advantage of the internet, http://www.byzcath.org would like to invite everyone to post the names of your family members and friends who have fallen asleep and for whom you would like us to pray for on the upcoming All Souls Saturdays. Posters should include at least the first names of each individual for whom they request prayer. Last names and relationships are optional. You may continue posting on this thread until the Saturday before Pentecost. Of course, you may always request prayer by posting a new topic in this forum.

We would like also extend a request for those priests who visit and participate in this forum to print out a copy of the names and remember them on these Saturdays. If you could let us know that you are praying for the intentions listed here by posting a message with your name and parish it would be appreciated.

O Creator, in the depth of Your wisdom, You lovingly govern all men and distribute to each what is for good. Now give rest to the souls of Your servants, for they have placed their hope in You, our Creator, Maker and our God. (Troparion of the Dead)

Memory Eternal!

Glory to Jesus Christ!

For the deceased of the Balgaard family, please pray for:

Alfred, Joseph, Cora, Loura, Mina, Ted, Louise, Obed, James, Caroline.

That their sins may be forgive. Eternal memory.

Joyce

MEMORY ETERNAL

Dear in Christ,

I will gladly add the names of the Deceased Family members of the members of this Forum to my Permanent Commemoration Books. They will be remembered at all Divine Liturgies at the Altar of the Nativity of the Theotokos Hermitage, by

the unworthy monk Kyrill

Please pray for

George Gather, Bob Rynearson, Rose Rynearson, Jack Nelson, Dana Nelson, Helen Nelson, Adeline Moore, Joel Moore, Virgil Olinger, Charles Nixon, Betty Burton, Russell Burton, Trudy Burton, Robert Thorpe, Don Nelson, Mary Louise Norpel, Vincent Jischke, Father Anthony Sancho, Joe Dunn

Thanks so much.

Please remember in your prayers all those unborn souls who were slaughtered in their mothers wombs and who's names are only known to God.

Joe Prokopchak
O' God, be merciful to me a sinner----The Publican

Please remember Brian Schwarz who died of AIDS on Friday. By God's grace, his family overcame their fears and were with him as he went home to God.

Also please remember those who died alone because their families were too frightened or ashamed. Their names are many.

Note to all:

The prayer requests listed above have been added to the Hramoty List and will be remembered in prayer at the Matins Service for the Third All Soul's Saturday which is part of the annual Archdiocese of Pittsburgh Byzantine Great Fast Retreat held at Antichian Village.