Orthodox Church (Eastern Orthodox) Funeral Rites

Deacon

A subordinate officer in a Christian church.

Altar

An elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are performed; in the Christian faith, a table on which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered.

Royal Doors

Doors in the center of the Iconostasis leading directly to the alter: only ordained clergy are to go through these doors; never cross on the solea in front of the Royal Doors.

Cantor

A religious singer who assists the clergy; assists the Rabbi in the Jewish faith; assists the Priest in the Eastern Orthodox faith. A person who accompanies the priest in chanting hymns pertaining to the liturgical church.

Solea

In the Eastern Orthodox church the open area (sometimes raised) before the altar.

Trisagion

In the Eastern Orthodox faith, three short services or blessings that are part of the funeral rite. Three short services or blessings, conducted at the funeral home the evening before the funeral service, on the day of the funeral service before leaving the funeral home for the church and at the cemetery, following the funeral service.

Icon

In the Eastern orthodox faith, a holy picture; usually mosaic or painted on wood.

Casket is placed perpendicular to the altar and opened for the service.

Following the service the casket is turned so that it is parallel to the altar.

Parastas

Vigil service associated with Eastern Orthodox funerals.

Anointing of the body

Following the service, the last kissing is carried out: Kissing the Icon while filing past the casket.

Officiant

Priest: A title conferred by ordination

Procession/Processional

The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginning of the service.

Recession/Recessional

The movement, in orderly fashion, at the end of a service.

Iconostasis (Iconostas/Iconostation)

In the Eastern Orthodox church, the partition that extends across the front of the church separating the sanctuary from the solea. A solid screen covered with Icons, at the front of the church, dividing the sanctuary from the body of the building.

Divine Liturgy

Liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in Eastern Orthodox churches.