Penza explained what it means 3, 9 and 40 days after death

Priest Alexander Ermolin explained what the third, ninth and fortieth days after death mean for Orthodox believers. According to him, on these dates there are changes in body and soul, and they are especially important for those who are experiencing loss. He said this on the Zen channel “The Triumph of Orthodoxy”.

As the priest explained, on the third day the soul leaves the body, on the ninth it emits the spirit, and on the fortieth the body completely ceases to exist. These dates help relatives gradually get used to living in a new way after a loss. On such days, you need to remember the deceased not with alcohol, but with sincere prayer - in church or in front of a home icon. It is prayer that facilitates the soul of relatives and opens the way to salvation for the soul of the deceased.

The priests also noted that it is not necessary to put a glass covered with bread in front of a photograph of the deceased - this tradition has nothing to do with Christianity. Paganism also includes the custom of putting food, money or personal belongings in the coffin that “may be needed in the afterlife.” According to the Church, such actions do nothing but harm to the soul.