Church

MNIMOSINA

A Mnimosino is a Greek Orthodox memorial service held to pray for the soul of a departed loved one, asking for mercy, forgiveness of sins, and eternal rest. These services are typically held on specific days—most commonly the 3rd, 9th, and 40th day, after the date of death, as well as 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and annually thereafter.

Key elements of a Mnimosino:

• The Service: It is a prayer service, often held at the end of the Divine Liturgy on Sundays, consisting of hymns, psalms, and prayers;
• Koliva (Boiled Wheat): Families bring koliva (boiled wheat mixed with spices, nuts, dried fruit) to the church;
• Koliva represents the hope of resurrection and eternal life;
• Customs: The koliva is blessed and distributed to the congregation, and sometimes a simple, meat-free meal is shared afterward; and
• Significance: It serves as an act of love, remembrance, and a way to maintain spiritual connection with the deceased.

Along with the koliva, offerings are made to the Church in the name of the departed. A bottle of Sacramental Wine for Holy Communion, and a bottle of olive oil to burn the kandilia (candles) of the Church. Prosphoro  (Holy bread) is also offered for the Holy Communion and andithero.
An envelope accompanies the prosphoro into the iero, with the name of the deceased on it so the Priest can read the name during the Mnimosino Service. You can give a gratuity to the Priest in this envelope.

On another envelope containing $25 please write the name of the deceased & the date of the Mnimosino on it, and hand it to the person on the front desk, as payment for Church costs. Sacramental wine can be purchased from our Church for $25.

Please bring cups & spoons for the distribution of the koliva to the congregation.

If you would like to make arrangements please contact us.