Fortieth Day of Matushka Nina

Today marks the 40th day of Matushka Nina. Forty days in the Orthodox Church is a period of mourning and prayer for the soul of the departed. Panikhida’s (Memorial Service’s) are usually served on the Third, Sixth, Ninth, fortieth days from the exact day of the falling asleep of the repose. It is believed during the forty days the soul of the departed roams the earth, traveling to places where the departed has lived, spent time, and even to their grave. The 40th day is related to the days of Christ’s Resurrection to His Ascension to heaven.