Parish of St Sophia & Three Daughters

The Orthodox Church has a tradition of having a memorial service in memory of our deceased loves ones. During this service we commemorate the names of those passed and offer a plate of Kolyva (as shown). The Kolyva (boiled wheat) holds a significant symbolism which expresses our belief in everlasting life. Jesus Himself said that “…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). Just as new life rises from the buried kernel of wheat, so too does the Church believe that the one buried will rise one day to a new life in God. The wheat is then covered in sugar and sultanas to symbolise the bliss of eternal life in Heaven.