February 2, 7534
“In the Holy Liturgy […] the entire Church, and Christ Himself as its Head, touches the soul of the departed. And there can be no ‘touch’ more powerful, one that stirs the soul with longing to ascend into the mountains of the Lord, and thereby to be drawn forth from the ‘mines of the devil’…
Commemorating the departed is an important aspect of a Christian’s prayer life. Each day during prayer, we recite the Creed, where we profess our hope in the resurrection of the dead and life in the world to come. Our faith in the resurrection of the dead is based on Christ’s actions: He not only died…
The Order of Confession states: “If a Christian dies without repentance, the priest must neither chant over him (burial service) nor offer the oblation (commemoration during the liturgy) for him, as he has not fulfilled the Law of God and the Christian faith.” In the same text, the priest admonishes his spiritual children: “If, through the action…
It is permitted to give alms to the poor on behalf of non-Orthodox — this brings them some consolation, for God is pleased when we help one another.— St. John Chrysostom Church burial and commemoration are performed only for those who have died in the faith of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ and in…
We must always prepare for our own death, but in the event of the death of a loved one, we are called to show the final mercy to the deceased. This applies not only to relatives and close friends but to any Old-Rite Christian. Providing this last act of kindness is a great virtue before…
Before the dressing and placement of the body in the coffin, it is customary to wash the body of the deceased with water. According to ancient Church tradition, women are to wash a woman, and men—a man. The deceased is freed from all clothing, the jaw is bound with a cloth, and the body is…
The hour is coming when all who are in the graves will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who have done good will come forth to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.Gospel of John, Reading 16 (5:28) The burial service in the…
“As we commit him to the grave, let us pray the Lord grant him rest forever.”— Stikheron from the Funeral Service Our love for departed loved ones is not expressed by lavish memorial meals or ornate gravestones. What the departed need most of all is prayer. In Rus’, the dead were traditionally buried in hollowed-out,…
“Blessed is the way, wherein thou shalt walk, O soul, for there hath been prepared for thee a place of rest.”— Prokeimenon at the burial On the third day after death, the body of the Christian is committed to the earth. If the church is nearby and other circumstances allow, the clergy come to the house…
“Come, let us give the final kiss, brethren, to the departed…”— Stikheron from the Funeral Service For many, their turning to God begins precisely with the funeral of a loved one. The prayers of the funeral service illuminate souls that have become calloused. The rite concludes with the final kiss. Looking for the last time upon…