BERWICK, PA [DOEPA]

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Divine Liturgy at Holy Annunciation Church in Berwick, PA, an infant was churched, after which the faithful gathered for a panikhida and graveside prayers at the parish cemetery.

The infant, Michael, was churched and received into the life of the Church. Surrounded by family and the faithful, prayers were offered for his growth in faith, health, and salvation. May God grant him many years!

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful proceeded to the parish cemetery, where a Panikhida was served in prayerful remembrance of the departed. Graveside blessings were then offered, continuing the Church’s tradition of interceding for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. The Orthodox Church proclaims that life in Christ does not end with death, and therefore the faithful continue to offer prayers for the departed, asking the Lord to grant them rest, forgiveness of sins, and a place in His eternal Kingdom, as expressed in the prayers of the Panikhida service:

“O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the souls of Thy departed servants in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which they have committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth.

For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen.”

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office