KOLIVA PROGRAMS

KOLIVA: A SYMBOL OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

Christ said, " Unless a wheat grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24)

When planted, the wheat is buried in the soil, but when the season is right a new plant will grow. So we believe that the Christian will be raised in a new body in the resurrection.

Q. What is in Koliva? A.  It is boiled kernels of wheat mixed with toasted sesame seeds, raisins, nuts, and parsley. It can be sweetened with sugar and spices - covered with powdered sugar.

Q. When is it prepared? A.  Preparation begins 2 days before the scheduled memorial service. Most services are at the end of the Sunday liturgy. Therefore, the wheat needs to be soaked, boiled and set to dry on Friday. Saturday family and friends gather to assemble the other ingredients, share stories and complete the preparation of the koliva which is decorated with a cross and the initials of the deceased in Greek letters made from Jordan almonds or icing.

Q. When are memorial services usually observed? A.  On the fortieth day after the death of a loved one and on the one year anniversary of the death are the most commonly observed memorials. Memorials may also be observed on the third, sixth, and ninth months as well as the yearly anniversary. The departed may also be remembered during the scheduled Soul Saturdays of the church calendar.

SPECIAL PROJECT: KOLIVA PROGRAM

The Koliva Program of the Ascension Church is a Philoptochos effort developed to recreate the fellowship experienced while preparing home made koliva for memorial services of loved ones. It is especially targeted for those who do not know how to make it or seek additional emotional support. When a parishioner calls the church office to schedule a memorial service, they are informed of their choices: to make their own, to purchase a tray of koliva from a local commercial store, or to call a Koliva Program volunteer to have one made. A free will donation is accepted if offered. When that person seeking the koliva calls a volunteer, they and their family and friends are invited to join in the assembling of the tray which makes up the koliva. All the ingredients are provided by the Philoptochos except the fresh parsley. We request that they bring the fresh parsley with them when they come to make the koliva the day before the memorial service.

History:
Rebecca Bremer, a parishioner from out of state shared her story of how her mother had past away and she did not know how to make the koliva. She found that ordering the koliva was so impersonal and meaningless. She explained that the bereaved will find the process cathartic and or therapeutic in the supportive environment of well-meaning volunteers along with family and friends if they are available.

Examples:
The first time we offered this service, it was to the three young adult children of a single mother who had lost her battle with cancer. They were clueless as to what to do. We invited the children, and their mother's closest friends to help make the koliva. Some people brought pictures of the deceased with her family and friends. Others told stories. It was a wonderful experience for every one involved. The children decorated the top of the tray. Additionally, the purpose and the symbolism of the koliva was explained. Two friends of the mother made generous donations to help cover not only the cost of the koliva, but our fixed costs as well.

A parishioner called to schedule a twenty year memorial for his father. He was nineteen years old when his father died, and continued to scheduled these annual memorial services after his mother past away. At first he indicated that his wife did not know his father and that she was too busy to attend the koliva making. He was reassured that this was not something for women only, but that it was all bereaved individuals. He gladly joined the volunteers to assemble the koliva: he brought breakfast rolls and an old photo album of family pictures and stories to share with us as well. Again, everyone left with a refreshed renewed outlook on life.