Eastern Orthodox Funeral

The Holy Icon

A picture of Christ, is a symbol which can be seen throughout the Orthodox Church. It is common for those entering the Orthodox Church to kiss the Icon and light a candle to them

Trisagion

A series of *three* prayers are usually offered at the end of the evening

Iconostasion

A solid screen covered with Icons, which separates the sanctuary of the church from the remainder of the building

Solea

An open area of the church, immediately in from of the alter

Kollyva

Boiled wheat prepared with sugar, walnuts, cinnamon and other spices. Using icing sugar and almonds, the kollyva are decorated with a cross and the deceased person's name and placed on a table with candles at the front of the church.

Synod

Council of Bishops that govern each individual church

Dessing and casketing

Normal procedures with one exception, the clergy, these steps would be similar to those of most individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation. The difference being that members of the preisthood of the Orthodox Church would be buried in their vestments of office. The three orders of ministry in the Orthodox Church being: Deacon, Priest and Bishop

Cantor

Person who accompanies priest in chanting hymns pertaining to the liturgical service

Great Panachida

The Greek word for Panachida translated to "all night service" from the early days when funeral services were all night vigils of prayer.

Mourning Customs

The church's officially designated period of mourning is forty days. Brandy, wine, coffee, and dry biscuits — paximathia, purchased from Greek cake shops or home-made — are the food and drinks most commonly associated with the period of mourning. -traditionally wear black clothing for at least forty days.

Narthex

The entryway into the church (or entrance)

Commital Service

The graveside service will consist of a reading and short prayer. In some ethnic groups, the oil and ashes are placed on top of the casket during the graveside service. Incense may be used by some priests

Mnimosyno

The most widely observed memorial service is held on the Sunday closest to the fortieth day after the death.

Who officiates the funeral

The officiants at a funeral include a bishop and/or priest, and the deacon, subdeacon, and altar server, all of whom assist the bishop or priest.

Preparation

The preparation would be routine with embalming, unless the family requests otherwise

Funeral Service

The proper name given to the Orthodox church service conducted for the dead

What does the Kollyva represent

The soul of the deceased and symbolize everlasting life. -Wheat represents the life cycle of death and regeneration. -At the end of the service the kollyva are distributed to the congregation and people attending the memorial service are invited to join the family for a meal. -The meal shared on this occasion is similar to the one served at the time of the funeral.

Making the removal

There are no restrictions on the part of the Orthodox Church which would call for special measures to be taken by the funeral director when making the removal. Except for unique circumstances: manner of death, location

Visitation

There are several items of consideration: IT is customary for the family's priest to be the present with them during the first viewing (Prayer is offered during this time.) In addition to the first prayers, the trisagion. Similar to a Rosary or Christian Prayer Service. Visitation and services are to be held in the funeral home, several pieces of equipment should be placed in the chapel; *The Holy Icon (end of the casket), Candles as well as a crucifix*

Food at the wake

They share a meal, usually of bread, fish, olives, cheese, salads, savoury pastries (spanakopita and tyropita) and wine. The dishes vary according to the traditions of a family's particular homeland regions. On arrival at the wake all guests are offered brandy, and either before or after the meal Greek coffee and paximathia (dry biscuits) are served.

Memorial

This and funerals are equally significant in Greek culture. Memorial services enact the belief that prayer can intercede in the granting of forgiveness, thereby providing rest to the soul of the deceased.

Syllypitiria

My condolences (said only at the funeral).

Funeral notices

Neos Kosmos

Funeral

Held on any day *except Sunday*. Gather for Trisagion. Following the short prayer service, the priest will lead the processional to the church, followed by the casket which is moved *feet first down the aisle*. The Cantor will assist the priest, he will generally accompany the priest down the aisle. The casket will be closed in the Solea. *The foot end will be closest to the alter*, with the head nearer to the congregation. The funeral service is called the Parastas or Great Panachida. Following the service, the casket may be turned so that it is parallel to the Iconostasion. The casket is opened at this point, if at all possible, and left open for the remainder of the service. The priest will make the sign of the cross first with olive oil and then with ashes or sand on the chest of the deceased. If the family and friends are going to view the deceased, they can file past the casket, once again kissing the Icon, which is placed at either the head or foot end of the casket before filing out of the church -A wreath (with the Trisagion printed on it) is placed on the forehead of the departed. -The hand-cross is placed in the coffin near the head of the departed.

Notification of Death

In the case of the Orthodox church, there are no "last rites" such as seen in the Roman Catholic Church. However, the priests may prefer to be notified. Contact the priest prior to the death occurring

Cremation

Is forbidden by the Orthodox Christians because of the deliberate destruction which would take place on the body. The body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit and the church mindful of this fact, refuses to deliberately destroy the body. *A church funeral is denied by anyone who will be cremated*

O Theos na ton/tin synghoresi

May God forgive him/her (said to family members at the funeral and at memorial services).

Zoi se sas

May life be granted to you (said to family members at the funeral)

Parastas

Means "a standing service" denoting the ancient custom of standing to pray.