Part III. Practices: E. Commemorations

Commemorations

The Church, desirous to guide Her children towards spiritual summits, ordered the reading of the “lives” of saints and martyrs after reading the Acts of the Apostles. These “lives” are compiled in “The Synaxarium” which is considered the continuation of the Book of Acts — this book being the only in the New Testament which does not end with the word “Amen” — implying its continuousness. Each day of the year has its saint or (and) martyr. The Church named after the saint or martyr to be commemorated holds a Liturgy on the day of his (or her) remembrance. Certain commemorations are celebrated widely such as the day on which the Holy Family set foot on Egyptian soil when they fled from Herod’s wrath; or the day of St. Mark’s martyrdom.

In addition, should any family de ire to commemorate the departure of any of their members, they ask a priest to chant the Liturgy in his (or her) name. This Liturgy is sung when the church is free, and is attended only by this family and their friends, hence, it is called a “private” Liturgy. Such private Liturgies are also chanted for the bride and groom prior to their marriage ceremony that they may commune together and thus, give themselves the chance for receiving added Grace before embarking on their wedded life. They can also be chanted for those about to undergo examinations, operations, long journeys, new jobs, ... etc. Whenever anyone feels the need for specific spiritual sustenance, he has but to go to a priest and decide, with him, on the day and hour for a private Liturgy.