Why are they commemorated for 9 and 40 days?

Remembrance of the departed is a long tradition, which originated in the time of the rise of Christianity. According to religion, the soul of each person is immortal, she most in need of prayers in the afterlife. The duty of any living Christian is to pray to God for the repose of the spirit of a loved one who is dead. One of the most important religious duties is the organization of a wake-up with the participation of everyone who knew the deceased while still alive.

Why are they commemorated on day 9?

The Bible says that the human soul can not die. This is confirmed by the practice of commemoration of those who are no longer around in this world. In the Church Tradition it is told that after death the spirit of a person for three days is in those places that were dear to him even during life. After that, the soul appears before the Creator. God shows her all the bliss of paradise, in which there are souls of people leading a righteous lifestyle. Exactly six days the soul stays in this atmosphere, blissfully and admires with all the charms of paradise. On the 9th day the spirit again appears for the second time before the Lord. Memorial lunches are held in memory of this event by relatives and friends. On this day prayers are ordered in the Church.

Why are they mentioned for 40 days?

Fortieth day from the day of death is considered the most important for the afterlife. From the 9th to the 39th day, the soul is shown hell in which sinners are tormented. Exactly on the fortieth day the soul again appears before the Higher Force for a bow. During this period, a court takes place, at the end of which it will be known where the spirit will go - to hell or paradise . Therefore, it is very important in this decisive and important period to ask God for alms in relation to the deceased.

Why do Orthodox people commemorate six months after death?

Usually, funeral dinners six months after death are arranged in honor of the relatives' bright memories of the deceased. These wake ceremonies are not mandatory, neither the Bible nor the Church says anything about them. This is the first meal that is arranged in a family circle of relatives.