DING DING DING! Give this man a lifetime supply of varenyky.
You are correct. Parastas originally derived from Jerusalem Matins and a monastic Matins for the dead and was extended later to times besides morning prayer in parishes.
We can see clearly in the Parastas structure with the stasis, lamentations at the tomb, canon, etc. strong parallels to the Jerusalem Matins service.
I also love Parastas. As a cantor it is one of the few services when you get to sing all eight tones samohlasni at the same service.
