ORTHODOX FUNERAL RITES

Trisagion

3 short services or blessing Two at the funeral home -One the evening before -One the day of the funeral before leaving for the church -One at the cemetery following funeral service.

Sanctuary

Area surrounding the Altar

After Eulogy

Casket turned clockwise parallel to the altar Open casket for congregation Priest anoints the body with olive oil and either soil or sand. Makes a cross on deceased clothes

Royal Doors

Doors in the center of the Iconostasis Lead directly to the altar Only ordained clergy may walk through these doors Never cross the solea in front of the Royal doors- Royal Gates.

Solea

Elevated open area before the altar

Pre-Service Considerations

Evening before funeral Starting with first Trisagion *Equipment at funeral home -candles -Orthodox cross behind casket -Icon at foot end.

Other considerations

Funeral Service in church No services on Sunday or Holy Days Flowers okay Burial or Entombment only No cremation.

Orthodox Church

Great schism of 1054 AD Split from Catholic church Centered in Constantinople Byzantine city founded by the Romans Emperor Constantine the great (330 AD) Istanbul Turkey

Orthodox Churches

Greek, Eastern,Russian,Serbian, and Orthodox Catholic Church. 4.5 millions in the US 1.5 millions Greek Orthodox

Priest

Ordained Clergy Married or Celibate Officiant at religious services "FATHER"

Cantor

Religious singer who assists the Priest Chants hymns pertaining the Liturgical Service "CHANTER"

Day of Funeral Service

Second Trisagion (short service) at funeral home before going to church. Family and Casket bearers

Iconostasis

Solid screen or partition covered with icons Extends across the front of the church Separated the sanctuary from the solea Iconostas-Iconostation

Deacon

Subordinate church officer May be married If married within one year prior to be ordained

Altar

Table on which the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is offered.

Icon

Holy pictures of Christ, Mother of God and Saints. On wall, shrines and the Iconostasis Mosaic or painted on wood Story about Jesus and churches Originated before people could read

Last kissing

Icon placed at foot end of casket Family has final viewing Casket closed by Funeral Director

Placement of Casket

In the Solea Perpendicular to the altar Foot end towards the altar * for Priest head end towards the altar* Casket open for funeral service

Divine Liturgy

Liturgical celebration of the Eucharist or Holy Communion Occurs during most worship services Never during a funeral service

Orthodox Church

Means: "Right Belief" or "Right Worship" Self Governing Independent council of Bishops (SYNOD)

Tapers

Wax candles lit in the narthex of the church Signifying prayers and petitions Offered up to God.

Funeral Services

Will follow the Parastas (reading, prayers and hymns) GREAT PANACHIDA