DEATH - Remember Me (Part 5)

In early Christian tradition, as described in the Apostolic Constitutions (circa 380 AD), several important commemoration days are mentioned.

THIRD DAY

'On the third day after someone's death, psalms, readings and prayers are spoken, in remembrance of Jesus's resurrection on the third day.' The number three has additional symbolic meanings beyond the resurrection on the third day, such as the divine trinity and humans consisting of three parts (spirit, soul and body).

NINTH DAY

'On the ninth day, a commemoration must be held in remembrance of both the living and the dead!' The number nine refers to the Christian belief that there are nine types of angels.

FORTIETH DAY

'On the fortieth day, the deceased are commemorated, according to ancient custom. This is how the Jewish people mourned Moses and held a commemoration for him.' The number forty refers to various Biblical periods of forty days, such as the ascension which took place forty days after Christ's Resurrection.

ANNUALLY

In early Christianity, the day of death was commemorated as a 'new birth' into a new and better life with God in heaven. That was worth celebrating!

GIVING TO THE POOR

'Give gifts to the poor from the possessions of the deceased, as a way to remember them.' A special practice in the early church was giving gifts to the poor from the deceased's possessions. A beautiful way to remember someone in a meaningful way.