Orthodox Funeral Rites Flashcards
Frequently named according to the location or make-up of its members. A family of independent, flexible, auto-cephalus (self-governing) Churches.
- Agree on doctrinal matters
- Members are free to participate in the ritual of communion in any Orthodox Church.
- Approximately 15 groups
The Orthodox Church (Greek Orthodox Church, Russian Orthodox Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Orthodox Catholic Church)
An independent Council of Bishops that governs each Orthodox Church.
Synod
Has the double meaning of “right belief” and “right worship”. The claim by the Orthodox Church that they teach the true belief about God and gloify him with right worship.
Orthodoxy
- No “last rites” are administered to members of the Orthodox church when death is imminent.
- It is not necessary that the funeral director notify the priest unless requested to do so by a family member of the deceased.
Notification of the Clergy
- No restrictions by the Orthodox church
- Only restrictions are from civil law (unrelated to the church)
Removal of Remains
- No restrictions
- Embalming will usually be the method (Majority of people in the Orthodox church will have a funeral)
Prepartion of the Remains
- Deceased is usually dressed in their own clothing or clothing purchased specifically for the funeral service.
- Casket choice is up to the family- any style
- Church is not involved in these decisions
Dressing and Casketing the Remains
- Most rites of the Orthodox church begins with Trisagion.
- Normally candles will be placed at each end of the casket
- A cross behind the casket
- Icon at the food end of the casket.
Pre-Service Considerations
- Usually held in the funeral home the evening before the funeral service and again the following day immediately prior to the funeral service.
- Funeral director should determine what religious equipment will be necessary.
- Members of the family and pallbearers will often be the only ones in attendance in the morning just before the funeral.
Trisagion
- Procession
- Casket placement
- Parastas (Great Panachida)
- Annointing
- Last Viewing and Ceremony of the last kissing
- Guidelines
The Funeral Service
The casket and the family will move into the church where they will be met by the Priest. The Priest will bless the casket with holy water before leading the procession down the aisle of the church.
- If there is a cantor, he will also accompany the Priest.
Procession
- Led into church feet first
- Placed in the Solea with the foot end of the casket nearest the altar.
- Casket is usually left open during the funeral service.
Placement of the Casket
- Liturgical order
- Readings and prayers and hymns are in this special booklet.
- The final portion of the service may include an eulogy.
- After the eulogy, the casket is turned so that it is parallel to the Iconostasis.
Parastas (Great Panachida)
- Performed by the Priest with earth or sand and olive oil.
Annointing the Body
- An Icon is placed at the foot end of the casket
- Those seated on the right side of the church may pass the casket, stopping to kiss the Icon on their way.
- The Icon is then moved to the head end of the casket
- Those seated on the left side of the church may stop and kiss the Icon before passing the casket
- After friends exit the church the family has an opportunity for a final viewing before the casket is closed.
Final Viewing and Ceremony of the Last Kissing
