Funeral

The Theology of the Funeral

While not a sacrament in the strict sense, the funeral is a vital liturgical rite of the "People of God." It is traditionally a vigil (parastasis or panikhida) structured like the Matins service.

  • Realism and Hope: The service does not hide the tragedy of death. Hymns by St. John of Damascus are blunt about the "horrid reality" of the body's decay and the severance of the soul. However, this realism is the necessary backdrop for the Christian Gospel: that Christ has trampled down death. Death is no longer a permanent end, but a temporary passage.

  • Psalm 119: A central part of the service is the chanting of Psalm 119 (the longest psalm). It is the "verbal icon" of Christ—a song of total trust in God's law and the victory of righteousness over the pit of death.

  • "Eternal Memory": The famous final hymn, Eternal Memory, is often misunderstood. It is not a plea for humans to remember the deceased, but a prayer that God remembers them. In the Bible, to be remembered by God is to be kept in existence; to be forgotten by Him is non-existence (Sheol).

Burial vs. Cremation

The Orthodox Faith views the human person as psychosomatic—an integral unity of body and soul.

  • Sanctification of the Body: Because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and participates in sanctification, the Church believes in the physical resurrection of the body.

  • Prohibition of Cremation: Consequently, the Church does not normally condone burning the body. In exceptional cases, the Archdiocese may grant permission for a funeral before cremation, but the priest will not accompany the deceased to the crematorium.

Practical Guidelines

1. Arranging the Service

  • Booking: Do not contact the church directly to book a time. All arrangements must be made through Funeral Directors, who will then liaise with the church.

  • Cemetery: The church cannot book cemetery slots; this is the Funeral Director's responsibility.

  • Kollyva: Kollyva (boiled wheat sweetened with sugar/fruit, symbolising the resurrection)

2. Service Details

  • Duration: Approximately one hour.

  • Music: Only the appointed liturgical hymns are permitted. No recorded music.

  • Eulogies: Speakers are welcome to say a few words at the end of the service.

3. What to Provide

If your Funeral Director is not experienced with Orthodox customs, you must ensure they provide the following graveside items:

  • A bottle of olive oil.

  • Water.

  • Soil.