What is pomană and what does it mean?
Pomană is an act of charity performed for the soul of the departed. In Orthodox tradition, the good done in his name — a gift, a meal, a helping hand — is counted as a benefit to the soul and to its repose.
Pomană accompanies every commemoration, from the burial to the annual services. It is not about wealth: what matters is the thought and the prayer with which it is given, not the value of the gift.
What is given as pomană?
Pomană takes several forms, according to the occasion and to what is possible. The most common are:
- Food — the memorial meal or food parcels for those present
- Koliva and colaci — distributed at church and at the meal
- Clothing and belongings of the departed — given at 40 days as charitable alms
- Household items, towels, candles — given together with food
- Money or assistance — for those in need, in the name of the departed
- Candles and flowers — brought to church and to the grave
To whom and when is pomană given?
Pomană is given to those present at the service and at the meal, to people at church, and especially to those in need. Tradition places emphasis on charity towards the poor — they pray for the departed.
The principal occasions are the burial, the 40-day parastas, the first-year and annual commemorations. At 40 days it is customary to distribute the departed's clothing. At every Saturday of the Dead, koliva and food parcels are taken to church.
Food parcels and the memorial meal
For those present, pomană is given either as a memorial meal — a shared lunch after the service — or as food parcels, which are easier to offer when there are many guests or they come from far away.
A pomană parcel typically contains colaci, koliva, fruit, sweets, a candle, and sometimes a vessel or a towel. At parastase și pomeni we prepare the parcels according to the number of guests and local tradition.
How we help with pomană
We prepare everything related to pomană: the koliva, colaci, food parcels, and the meal, delivered to the church or the chosen location. We spare the family from organising during a difficult time.
The family chooses the number of parcels or guests; we handle the rest. Call us for an estimate — the consultation is free.
Pomană at the Moșii and the Saturdays of the Dead
Beyond individual commemorations, Orthodox tradition has general days of remembrance — the Winter, Summer, and Autumn Moșii. On these days, pomană is given for all the departed of the family.
Koliva, colaci, and food parcels are taken to church, and at home a meal is prepared for close relatives and for those in need. The 2026 dates are in the commemorations calendar.
What is good to know about pomană
Pomană is not about fasting but about a pure thought and prayer. A small gift offered from the heart has the same worth as a large one. What matters is that the gift reaches those who need it.
A few practical points help the family:
- Food given as pomană is blessed at church or by the priest
- The departed's clothing is given clean, usually at 40 days
- Pomană can also be given by others, in the name of the departed
- Charity towards those in need is the most valued form