The answer
Grief is a natural part of life. The Marys at tomb of Christ and Mary and Martha mourning their brother Lazarus depict a normal grieving period. The third day after the repose of an individual is a reminder of Christ's glorious resurrection. The joy of Christ's resurrection on the third day dispersed all mourning. Thus, symbolically, the custom has been signified by prayers to disperse the spirit of grief on the third day, so that solace and God's comfort fills the hearts and turns the mind to await and "look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the coming age."
Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)