Panikhida (Panakhyda): the Orthodox Memorial Service, Explained

Svichka.org · 2026-09-03

A Panikhida, also called Panakhyda, is the Orthodox memorial service for the departed. It is a time to pray for the soul of a loved one, asking God for rest and peace. For many English speakers, especially Ukrainians abroad or converts, this service offers a meaningful way to honor those who have passed.

What a Panikhida Is

A Panikhida is a memorial service for the departed, served by a priest. The word comes from Greek and originally referred to an all-night vigil, reflecting the early Christian practice of praying through the night. Today, it is a shorter service, often held in a church near a memorial table called a kanun, where candles are lit for the repose of souls.

During the service, the priest prays for the forgiveness of sins and for the granting of rest in God's kingdom. Congregants hold lit candles, and kutia, a sweetened wheat dish, is blessed and shared. The service concludes with the singing of 'Eternal Memory', a hymn that carries the hope of resurrection.

When a Panikhida Is Served

Panikhidas are traditionally held on the third, ninth, and fortieth days after death, as well as at six months and on the anniversary. The fortieth day holds special significance in Orthodox tradition, as it is believed that the soul completes its journey through the heavenly realms and receives a preliminary judgment. Prayers on this day are thought to be especially powerful for the departed soul.

The Church also designates special days for remembering all the faithful departed, such as parental Saturdays, Radonitsa in spring, and Dimitri Saturday in autumn. These collective memorials allow families to honor their loved ones alongside the entire parish community.

Panikhida, Sorokoust, or a Memorial Candle

A Panikhida is a full memorial service with a priest, typically lasting about twenty minutes. It is a communal act of prayer and comfort for the grieving. In contrast, a Sorokoust is a series of memorial prayers offered daily for forty days after death, often requested to be read at the altar during the Divine Liturgy.

A memorial candle is a simple yet powerful gesture: it is lit at a kanun with a prayer for the departed, and you can light one at any time, even without a priest. Each of these has its place. A Panikhida for significant days, a Sorokoust for an extended period of prayer, a candle for a quiet, personal remembrance.

Who Can Be Commemorated

The Orthodox Church prays at services for baptized Orthodox Christians, as they are members of the Body of Christ. This includes men and women, clergy and laity, who have reposed in the faith. The Church also honors fallen soldiers, remembering their sacrifice and asking for their souls' rest.

However, the Church does not commemorate the unbaptized or those who have died by suicide at liturgical services. This is not a judgment on their eternal fate, but a pastoral practice based on the Church's understanding of her visible boundaries. For such individuals, private prayer and acts of charity are encouraged, and you may light a candle in your home as a sign of love.

Remembering a Loved One from Abroad

Living far from an Orthodox parish can make it hard to participate in memorial services. Yet distance need not stop you from honoring your loved one. Many churches offer online memorial requests: you can submit a name, and a candle is lit in the church with a prayer for repose. A photo of the lit candle is then sent to you, serving as a tangible reminder of the prayer offered.

Remember, such an online service is not a replacement for a full Panikhida, which requires a priest and a congregation. It is a visible sign of your prayer and a way to feel connected when you cannot be present. If possible, you may also contact a local Orthodox priest to arrange a Panikhida, but for those in remote places, this online remembrance can bring comfort.

Common Questions

What is a panikhida service?

A Panikhida is an Orthodox memorial service for the departed, led by a priest. It includes prayers, hymns, and the singing of 'Eternal Memory', and is a way to ask God for the repose of the soul.

When should I hold a panikhida?

Traditionally, a Panikhida is held on the third, ninth, and fortieth days after death, and on the anniversary. It is also appropriate on parental Saturdays and other designated memorial days.

How long does it last?

A typical Panikhida lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, though the duration can vary depending on the number of commemorations and the local practice.

Can I request a memorial from another country?

Yes, many churches accept online requests for memorial prayers. A candle is lit in the church, and a photo is sent to you. However, a full Panikhida requires a priest, so this online service is a supplement, not a substitute.

Sorokoust · Prayer for the Departed · For the Newly Departed · Prayer on the 40th Day · Prayer on the 9th Day · 40 Days After Death · Memorial Candle