We conduct a special Requiem Service for this occasion, and it is traditionally requested by family members for a loved one 7 days after passing (Yotnorek) 40 days after passing (Karasoonk), on the
1 year anniversary of passing (Darelitz) and on all subsequent anniversaries, as well as any other occasion throughout the year with the exception of
the 5 major feast days – Armenian Christmas, Easter, the Feast of the Transfiguration, the Feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God, and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

According to the teachings of the Armenian Church, those who have died enter into a period of rest while awaiting our Lord’s glorious second coming at the end of time. But while separated from the Christian community, the souls that are at rest continue to be counted among the faithful, who “rest in the shadow of the church.” We therefore pray for them, as we pray for all of our earthly cares. Essentially, our prayer for the dead is that they rest in peace, that the Lord forgive them all of their sins and find them worthy of eternal life in the Father’s kingdom when Christ comes again.
To register Requiem service (Hokehankisd) for loved one, please contact the church office in order to register the names. It is also customary in the Armenian Church for the family to host memorial coffee service (Hokesurj) or memorial luncheon (Hokejash) in the memory of loved ones.