The Funeral Service

«Ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ἀνάστασις καὶ ἡ ζωή· ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ κἂν ἀποθάνῃ ζήσεται.» 

                                                     (Ἰωάννην 11:25)

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

                                                                                                                (John 11:25)

Funeral services are conducted only for those people who are Orthodox Christians in regular Canonical and Spiritual standing with the Church. In other words, only those people who have been Baptized and Chrismated in the Orthodox Church and have had their marriage blessed in the Orthodox Church are eligible for an Orthodox Christian Funeral.

Should there be a death in the family, the following steps should be taken:

1. Immediately notify the family doctor or the County Medical Examiner if the death occurs at home. He must examine the deceased and sign the death certificate. The body cannot be removed otherwise.
2. Call the priest.
3. Call the funeral director of your choice.

Funeral Arrangements

1. Arrangements for the funeral service should be made with the priest in conjunction with the funeral director.
2. No funerals are permitted on Sunday, the day of the Resurrection of our Lord.
3. The priest will conduct a Trisagion at the funeral home on the evening before the funeral.
4. No lay person is permitted to deliver a funeral oration in the Church. The Archdiocese explicitly prohibits lay people speaking in Church unless they are lay preachers designated by the Archdiocese.
5. Funeral services conducted by lay organizations, although discouraged, may be held the evening before the funeral and prior to the Trisagion conducted by the priest. However, from the time of the evening Trisagion to the committal at the cemetery, no other services may be held.

On the Sanctity of Life (Suicide)

The Orthodox Church views life as a sacred gift from God. As we are not permitted to take the life of another, we are likewise not permitted to take our own. While suicide is traditionally viewed as a grave departure from God’s will, the Church also recognizes the complexity of mental health.  A Church funeral may be granted if a medical professional certifies that the individual was not in possession of their mental faculties. In such cases, the permission of the Bishop is required to proceed with the service.

Regarding Cremation

The body of a Christian is considered "the temple of the Holy Spirit" and is destined for resurrection. For this reason, cremation is contrary to the faith and Holy Tradition of the Church.    A Church funeral is denied to any individual who has chosen, or whose family chooses, cremation. The Church remains committed to the traditional burial of the body in the earth, following the example of Christ’s own burial.

Makaria – Funeral Luncheon

The Makaria (Meal of Blessing) is an ancient tradition of hospitality and comfort. It provides an opportunity for the community to support the bereaved and offer thanks to those who have gathered in prayer. It is a time for shared memories and the "blessing" of the life of the departed.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, may their soul rest in peace.

ΑΙΩΝΙΑ Η ΜΝΗΜΗ.