I had a brief chat with my younger half brother Jo, who is a priest, the other day. It’s been decades since I last saw him. I think, I was finishing a college degree while he is pursuing a priestly vocation that time. I have a family of my own now. He is a full-fledged priest.

The chat was about his invitation for me to attend the 40th day after death mass for our father. I wasn’t able to go because I was recuperating from a health condition. He said he will just send me pictures of the mass. He did send me photos of the small gathering attended by family members, my other half siblings and cousins, aunts and uncle from my dad’s side of the family. The mass was held at the memorial park. It was decorated by a tarpaulin bearing dad’s photo and a bible verse wall decals attach to it.

Jo said he wish to meet me to talk about our dad and maybe resolve some issues involving me and our father. He knows that I didn’t experience living with our dad since I was born. He said he wish to rekindle our relationship as brother and sister and someday heal the wounds of the past. It was a good gesture on his part to reach out to me which I really appreciate. I also wish to meet them soon.

The 40th Day after death is a traditional memorial service, family gathering, ceremonies and rituals in memory of the departed on the 40th day after his/her death. The 40th Day concludes the 40 day memorial period and has a major significance in traditions of Orthodox Slavs. It is believed that the soul of the departed remains wandering on Earth during the 40 day period, coming back home, visiting places the departed has lived in as well as his fresh grave. The soul also completes the journey through the Aerial toll house finally leaving this world. The rituals during the period aim to let the soul go in order to keep it from returning and bothering the living. – wikipedia