Funeral Directing: Types of Funeral Services & Ceremonies: Chapter 5: The Eastern Orthodox (Christian) Funeral Rite - Quarter Four

Orthodox

"Right belief" or "right worship".

Orthodox Church

A family of independent, flexible, self-governing churches. Each church is governed by an independent Council of Bishops (synod). The members of the church are free to participate in the ritual of communion in any church of this type.

Cantor

A person who accompanies the priest in chanting hymns pertaining to the liturgical service.

Panachida

A rubric for the funeral service; a pamphlet containing the Small Panachida, for the vigil service at the funeral home, and the Great Panachida, the service held at the church; also includes the interment service.

Iconostasis

A solid screen, covered with icons, at the front of the church, dividing the sanctuary from the body of the building (nave).

Taper

A wax candle lit in the narthex of the Orthodox Church, signifying prayers and petitions being offered up to God.

Eulogy

After the _______, the casket is turned parallel to the Iconostasis and anointed by the priest with earth or sand, and olive oil. An icon is placed on the foot end, those seated on the right side being able to walk up and kiss the incon on their way. When the icon is moved to the head end, those seated on the left side of the church may come forward.

Final

After the __________ viewing and kissing of the icon, the friends exit the church. The family then has an opportunity for final viewing and closing of the casket.

Open

Caskets are left _______ during the funeral services.

Objectionable

Cremation is seen as ____________ (offensive; arousing disapproval) in the Orthodox Church.

Feet

During the final Trisagion in the church, the casket is led ______-first down the aisle and placed in the Solea with the foot end nearest to the altar.

Icon

Holy picture, usually of Christ, the Mother of Christ, and the Saints.

Parastasis

The "watch" or "all-night vigil" over the lifeless body. A historical practice followed in Orthodox Churches.

Solea

The open area before the altar in an Orthodox Church.

Notify

Orthodox communities do not practice "last rites". Therefore, the funeral director does not need to _______ the clergy at the time of death.

Visitation

The ______ begins with the Trisagion. It is usually held in the funeral home before the service and again the following day immediately prior to the funeral service. Candles are usually placed at each end of the casket, a cross behind the casket, and an icon at the foot end.

Committal

The _______ service involves a litany of readings and prayers by the priest, before the burial or entombment.

Services

The final Trisagion _________ will include: - Readings. - Prayers. - Hymns. All from the Panachida. A eulogy following if wanted.

Church

The final Trisagion can be held at the funeral home or the ______. The members of the family and pallbearers will more often than not be the only ones in attendance at this service, which lasts 5-10 minutes.

Priest

The head clergyman of the Orthodox Church.

Embalming

The practice of _________ is accepted and encouraged. There will be a public viewing and final anointing of the body later.

Funeral Service

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

Sees

The seat (sedes) of episcopal or religious authority.

Restrictions

There are no religious __________ regarding the removal of the deceased. However, members tend to say, "fallen asleep in the Lord" instead of "they have died".

Trisagion

Three short services or blessings conducted at the funeral home: 1.) The evening before the funeral service. 2.) On the day of the funeral service before leaving the funeral home for the church. 3.) At the cemetery following the funeral service.

Shroud

While the European Orthodox custom is to _______ the body, United States deceased's are casketed and dressed in clothing both chosen by the family,