Funeral and Religious Customs of Eastern Orthodox Churches

Published: 12/11/2009 by Funeral Home Resource Team

Traditional funeral custom for Eastern Orthodox Churches consists of holding a funeral service in the Church three days after the death occurred. Services may also be offered in the church on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days after death. Many members of this group are still very much against the practice of cremation. The Eastern Orthodox Church forbids cremation and will not allow a religious ceremony for a member who chooses cremation without extenuating circumstances and church approval. Those who commit suicide are considered to have died outside the Church and are not granted Church funeral rites.

Orthodox Christians believe the body of the Christian is sacred, since it was the temple of the Holy Spirit and will be restored at the Resurrection. The Orthodox funeral consists of three services:

• The vigil, or Trisagion, after death, is usually conducted by a
priest at the wake. The people pray to Christ to give rest with the
Saints to the soul of Your servant where there is neither pain, grief,
nor sighing but life everlasting. While the people pray for the soul
of the deceased, great respect is paid to the body.

• The funeral service is continued at the church, where the body is
brought on the day of burial. Normally, the divine liturgy (Mass) is
celebrated. After the funeral service, the congregation offers its
farewell to the deceased.

• The Trisagion is repeated at the graveside.
Calling hours at the funeral home generally last for one to two days depending upon the circumstances and are arranged to allow friends and relatives to pay respect to the departed and to console the family. Each day before burial the priest conducts the Trisagion Prayers of mercy at the wake.
After the funeral and final Trisagion at the cemetery, a Meal of Mercy is prepared and offered at the Church or at a nearby restaurant for the family and friends. During this period flowers may be sent to the funeral home, and/or donations made to the Church, and/or donations made in the deceased person's name to a designated charity.
It has become customary that mourners wear black or somber clothes to the wake and funeral and that the priest wears white during the funeral service.