What is a Parastas (Parastasis)?

A Parastas, or Parastasis, is specifically recognized as a vigil over the deceased in the Eastern Orthodox community. This service is an important ritual that honors the memory of the departed, allowing family and friends to gather together in a solemn, reflective atmosphere. During the Parastas, prayers are offered for the soul of the deceased, emphasizing the belief in the afterlife and the connection between the living and the deceased.

This vigil typically involves the chanting of hymns and the reading of Scripture, serving both as an expression of grief and a way to support the grieving family through communal prayer. The significance of the Parastas lies in its role within Eastern Orthodox funerary practices, as it fosters a sense of community and shared mourning, which is a crucial aspect of the bereavement process in this tradition.

While choices related to funeral processions, special prayer services, or services specifically for the grieving family might hold their own importance in various cultural or religious contexts, the Parastas is uniquely characterized as a vigil specifically focused on honoring and praying for the deceased in the Eastern Orthodox faith.