Prayer lists, services of supplication and memorial prayers
Pray for loved ones, give thanks to God and seek His blessing in the circumstances of life.
The priest offers prayers and blessings at a person’s request. Together with the Church, we turn to God: we ask for help for the living and pray for the departed. It is important to take part in the prayer ourselves, too.
Commemoration at the Liturgy
The Divine Liturgy is the central service of the Church and the highest form of liturgical commemoration. Here we pray for the living and the departed, joining our prayer to the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
How to submit names for prayer
Please arrive before the Liturgy begins. At the candle desk, you can write separate lists “For the living” and “For the departed”. Write baptismal names clearly, without surnames.
Names submitted for commemoration at the Proskomedia should be those of baptised Orthodox Christians. If you are unsure how to pray for a loved one who is unbaptised or not Orthodox, ask the priest.
Ways of commemorating loved ones
A prayer list for the altar. The names on the list are remembered in prayer during the service.
At the Proskomedia. During the preparation for the Liturgy, the priest removes particles from the prosphora, the offering loaves, for living and departed Orthodox Christians.
A special petition at the Liturgy. You can request prayer for health, for travellers, for help in a good undertaking, or in thanksgiving. The priest offers this prayer during the Litany of Fervent Supplication — a part of the service with special petitions, to which the congregation responds, “Lord, have mercy.”
The names of registered members of our parish are commemorated at every Liturgy. For a special petition or the commemoration of your loved ones, please submit a separate prayer list.
For the living: a service of supplication
A moleben is a short service in which we ask God for help or give thanks to Him. We may also ask for the prayerful intercession of the Mother of God and the saints.
- For health — for help and strength, especially in illness.
- For travellers — for a safe journey.
- Thanksgiving — to thank God for His help.
- For a good undertaking — for blessing and help when beginning something.
You can request a moleben at the candle desk or arrange it with the priest. Please agree on a time in advance and, if possible, attend and pray in person.
For the departed: a memorial service
A panikhida is a memorial service in which we ask God to forgive the sins of departed Orthodox Christians and grant them rest. Prayer for the departed expresses our love, which does not end with death.
Common commemorations of the departed take place several times a year, including on Saturdays of Souls. Dates and times of services at our church are listed in the service schedule.
A memorial service at your request may be held, for example, on a day of remembrance for a loved one. Please arrange it with the priest in advance: the date and time also depend on the Church’s liturgical order.
A memorial service complements prayer for the departed. Remember also to submit their names for commemoration at the Liturgy.
Blessing a home or vehicle
A house or flat. We ask God’s blessing on the home and those who live there. Please agree on the address, time and preparations for the visit with the priest in advance.
A vehicle. We pray for the protection of the driver and passengers on their journeys. A blessing goes together with faith and prayer; it does not remove the need for care and responsibility on the road.
If you would like another prayer or blessing, explain your situation to the priest. He will advise you on a suitable prayer and how to prepare.
About donations
Church commemoration and these services are accompanied by a voluntary offering to God. You give according to your means, ability and wishes. The amount does not determine the value of the prayer.
When submitting prayer lists, you may leave a donation at the candle desk. A personal gift of thanks to the priest for a service is given to him directly.
The parish bank account and PayPal are intended for membership contributions and donations towards parish needs.
How to arrange a service
Submit prayer lists at the candle desk before the service begins. Please arrange a personal prayer service, memorial service, or home or vehicle blessing with the priest in advance.
Contact the priest