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Traditions

Memorial Days: The 9th and 40th Days After a Funeral

Memorial days are an important part of farewell for many families in southern Russia. The 9th and 40th days after a funeral are traditionally marked with prayer, a cemetery visit, and a memorial meal. Lazarevskoye Funeral Agency helps organize a panikhida, deliver wreaths to the cemetery, and advises on local customs — with respect for your chosen format.

3 min read · updated June 22, 2026

Memorial Days: The 9th and 40th Days After a Funeral

Memorial dates on the Black Sea coast

In Lazarevskoye, Dagomys, and Vardane many families honor the 9th and 40th days after death — in Orthodox tradition a time of prayer and support for the living.

This is not a legal requirement but a spiritual practice. The family may mark dates quietly, at church, or only at home — we respect any choice.

The agent helps arrange a panikhida, deliver flowers to Lazarevskoye Cemetery, and explain local customs of the resort district.

The 9th day: service and grave

On the 9th day relatives hold a panikhida — at a Lazarevskoye church or nearby chapel. Candles are lit, flowers placed on the grave, the deceased remembered with kind words.

If part of the family does not live at the resort, we can arrange wreath delivery to the cemetery and agree service time so guests can arrive.

After the panikhida many hold a modest memorial meal. The agent suggests where to gather in Lazarevskoye or Dagomys.

The 40th day: end of mourning

The 40th day symbolizes the end of the main period of grief. A panikhida is held, the grave visited, the plot put in order — leaves cleared, flowers refreshed.

By this date many replace a temporary cross and begin planning a monument. We advise on Lazarevskoye Cemetery rules and production timelines.

Full services for the 40th day or individual elements — service, wreaths, transport for elderly relatives — order in advance.

Memorial meal by the sea

After church or the cemetery relatives gather at table. On the coast kutya, pancakes, and simple dishes without excess are common — a sign of respect.

The family chooses the format: home meal at a dacha in Golubaya Dacha, a hall in Lazarevskoye, a modest repast among closest kin.

The agent recommends a venue based on guest count if you are unfamiliar with the resort and came only for the funeral.

Grave care between visits

Before memorial dates the grave is tidied: swept, wreaths replaced, cross checked. We supply ritual items with delivery to Lazarevskoye Cemetery.

If you do not live on the coast, we can arrange care by agreement — so the plot is maintained before your visit.

The anniversary of death is another occasion for panikhida and flowers. Order arrangements in advance, especially if you plan to visit in high season.

Частые вопросы

Must the 9th and 40th days be observed?
This is tradition, not a legal requirement. The family may observe these days as they choose or in another format — we respect any decision.
Can a panikhida be ordered through the agency?
Yes. We agree time and place of the service with a church and help with organization — in Lazarevskoye, Sochi, and suburbs.

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Contact us with any question about arranging and conducting a funeral or cremation. Our specialists will answer all your questions.

+7 (963) 161-29-00
+7 (963) 161-29-00