Ch 2c. Orthodox

Question 1

What are the two types of Orthodox Churches?

Answer 1

Eastern and Greek

But they have different names (Serbian, Russia, etc)

Question 2

Are they liturgical or non liturgical?

Answer 2

Liturgical

Question 3

How does one address the clergy?

Answer 3

Father or Monk or could be Bishop

Question 4

Why would the Father be with the deceased by the death bed or with the family?

Answer 4

To give last communion or confession

Question 5

Is there anything to know when it comes to the removal of the remains?

Answer 5

No mandates
May have to delay removal to await priest

Question 6

What is there to know when it comes to the preparation of the remains?

Answer 6

No official church position
Family preferences prevail
Embalming (and cosmetics) discouraged

Question 7

Why is cremation traditionally unallowed?

Answer 7

Because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
(Church can give permission though)

Question 8

What is there to know when it comes to the dressing of the deceased?

Answer 8

Family decides on clothes

Question 9

What is there to know when it comes to casketing?

Answer 9

Wood if family is very traditional
But it’s the family’s choice

Question 10

Is viewing and visitation common?

Answer 10

Yes but never on Sunday or Holy Saturday

Question 11

Where may the viewing and visitation take place?

Answer 11

The worship place, not the funeral home

Question 12

What may you need to provide / display?

Answer 12

An icon (oil painted on wood)

Question 13

When is service done?

Answer 13

Evening prior to burial

Question 14

What is a Trisagion?

Answer 14

3 short blessings (stated beginning and end of service)

Evening service prior to burial service

Question 15

What’s the deal with food?

Answer 15

It’s prohibited until after service

Question 16

When at the funeral, what must be covered?

Answer 16

Arms and legs
For women: hair must be covered

Question 17

Where does the priest meet the remains and family?

Answer 17

At the Narthex
Cantor and acolytes may accompany

Question 18

What is the casket placement?

Answer 18

Feet first
On solea perpendicular (T) to iconstation

Question 19

Where exactly is the casket placed?

Answer 19

In front of the royal doors

Question 20

Why may attendees be asked to view for last time? (We must be prepared to help)

Answer 20

To kiss the icon at the head of casket, and the deceased
This is called the Last Kiss

Question 21

What happens when the body is blessed during the Funeral Service?

Answer 21

The Trisagion is said again

Question 22

What must the funeral director provide during the body blessing during the FS?

Answer 22

Oil and fine sand

Question 23

Who leads the recessional?

Answer 23

Priest and acolytes

Question 24

What is put everywhere it can be seen during the FS?

Answer 24

Wheat and honey

Question 25

What do wheat and honey represent?

Answer 25

Life and Heaven

Question 26

What may be requested during the disposition?

Answer 26

Witnessing lowering

Question 27

Is cremation permitted?

Answer 27

No

Question 28

Where is the cross placed during the disposition?

Answer 28

At the feet, not head

Question 29

What is given to each mourner at the disposition?

Answer 29

Flowers

Question 30

Why is it very important to be prepared in advance for an Orthodox liturgy?

Answer 30

Because in many cases, the entire service won’t be in English