Eastern Orthodox Funeral Rites

Wheat and honey

Used in the Eastern Orthodox faith to symbolize the cyclical nature of life and the sweetness of heaven.

Paper with trisagion prayers on forehead or wreath

Symbolizes a crown and marks the achievement of having completed the cycle of life.

Independent council of bishops (synod)

Who is the Orthodox Church governed by?

Right belief and right worship

What does the word Orthodoxy mean?

15

How many Orthodox groups are there with a total population of between 4 and 5 million members in the US today?

Trisagion

The Orthodox rites begin with the what?

When is the Trisagion held?

Square

What is the shape of a typical Orthodox Church?

Iconostasis

Separates the nave and altar in an Orthodox church.

Candle bearers

Who leads the procession in an Orthodox service?

Perpendicular to altar, parallel at end of service

How is the casket positioned at an Orthodox service?

Narthex

Where does the Orthodox funeral service begin?

Open

Does the casket remain open or closed during an Orthodox funeral?

Anoint body with oil

What might the priest do immediately before closing the casket?

40 days

What is the traditional mourning period in the Orthodox faith?

Memory eternal

What do guests say to greet the family at visitation?

Wake, funeral service, committal service

When is the Trisagion said?

Sunday, holy Saturdays, other religious holidays

Funeral services are never held on which days?

Candle bearers, crucifer, cantor, priest, casket and pallbearers, family, friends

What is the processional order?