Post Easter Tradition ~ Remembering The Dead

It has been one week since Easter (Moldova celebrates Easter according to the Orthodox calendar) and the celebration of the Lord's resurrection.  Ironically enough there is another holiday or tradition that is honored after Easter (for most Moldovans, either today or yesterday).  This is a day to honor, remember and "pray" for one's dead parents/grandparents.  Pictured at the right is a typical gravesight that has a permanent picnic bench.  Most gravesights here have such a place that is used for this day and any other time they might feel the need to visit with their deceased loved ones.  

Someone who is Orthodox believes there is no way to be assured of entrance into heaven.  So the assumed way to get to heaven is to do the best one can and hope for the best.  According to the one of the Evangelical Christian believers here in MD, honoring those who have the same DNA and are already experiencing the afterlife is a way that Orthodox believers can merit the favor of a loving God.  I have included a web site that explains this tradition and it is written by a Moldovan.  Please keep in mind that it is written from a Moldovan's perspective, which is different from our and an Evangelical Christian's worldview.  However, it gives great insight into other aspects of this tradition besides the spiritual or religious perspective.  It is very interesting,  Here is the link.
http://ervit.blogspot.com/2007/04/remembering-dead.html

Please use this as an opportunity to pray specifically for the people of MD and especially those that are longing for spiritual direction and seeking it through tradition and rituals instead of in the person of Jesus Christ!