Everything we do as alms for our dearly departed- every act of charity and kindness we offer on their behalf- is carefully noted by our most kind and merciful God. Whether we bring gifts to churches for the performance of the services, or give alms to the poor, or visit and comfort those who are suffering with illnesses, or assist the elderly and incapacitated, or dedicate our time to helping anyone in any way we can, offering our gift with prayers to God on behalf of the soul of our loved ones. It will also benefit our own soul both now and especially when the time comes for our own departure to the next life. Then the holy angels will have hour offerings as good works to hold up in our defense, in order to answer the demonic accusations we will have to face as we ourselves are passing through the toll-houses.
With the souls of the righteous
Departed, give rest to the soul
Of Thy servant, O Savior, preserving it
In the blessed life which is with Thee,
O Lover of Mankind.
“The Departure of the Soul – According to the teaching of the Orthodox Church”, p. 691 St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, 2020
