Orthodox funerals

Orthodox beliefs about death

Orthodox Christians understand death as unnatural – not a punishment for inherited guilt, but the consequence of humanity’s separation from God. The liturgy celebrates Christ who tramples down death by death, and the faithful are liberated through his death and resurrection.

The body matters. Orthodoxy affirms the sacred worth of the human body and material creation, and rejects any idea that the body is merely a shell. That conviction is the root of the tradition’s strong preference for burial.

The Church is understood to span both the living and the departed, who remain members of the one body. Praying for the dead is therefore an expression of love rather than a formality.

Orthodox funeral ceremonies

A priest serves the rites. The funeral service, while not counted among the sacraments, belongs to the special liturgical rites of the Church, and the vigil beforehand takes the basic form of Matins.

The sequence begins earlier than families often expect. A brief service called the Trisagion may be served at the place of death, again the evening before the funeral, and again at the cemetery afterwards. Two customs – a paper band placed on the forehead signifying a crown of victory, and a prayer of absolution read at the end of the funeral – are observed in some parishes and not in others, depending on their origins.

An Orthodox funeral may be unfamiliar if you have not attended one. Here's what to expect:

• Trisagion: A brief service chanted for the person who has died, opening ‘Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us’. Served at the place of death, before the funeral, at the cemetery and at memorials.
• Panikhida, Parastas, Pomen: The three regional names for the Orthodox memorial service.
• Koliva: Boiled wheat with honey, signifying new life, brought to church at commemorations.
• Saturdays of the Souls: Five Saturdays in the year dedicated to the departed, when the Divine Liturgy is followed by a memorial service.
• Eternal Memory: The final hymn of the funeral, sung as the people are dismissed.
• Final kiss: The congregation’s farewell to the person who has died, at the close of the rite.
• Prayer of absolution: A prayer read by the priest at the end of the funeral in some parishes, proclaiming forgiveness.
• Economia: The principle of pastoral flexibility, under which a bishop or priest may permit something the canons would not normally allow.
• Holy Unction: The sacrament of anointing for healing of the sick. It is not the last rites.

The cost of an Orthodox funeral in the UK depends on the funeral director, the church, and the cemetery you choose. Most Orthodox families choose burial, with a Trisagion beforehand and a further Trisagion at the graveside. Cemetery fees vary by location and tend to be higher in or near major cities. Remember that the memorial services on the third, ninth and fortieth days and each anniversary are part of the tradition, and worth planning for. Your local Dignity funeral director can talk you through everything that is included, and the costs.

At Dignity, we’re here to support people of all religions and none. We can arrange Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Quaker, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Sikh funerals. Call your local funeral director today to talk about your needs.