Eastern Orthodox Funeral Rites & Customs

Eastern Orthodoxy

Sees Jesus as simultaneously human and divine

Oriental Orthodoxy

Holds the belief that Jesus is only divine.

Bishop

Within the Orthodox denomination, leader of multiple churches.

Cantor (Eastern Orthodox)

A person who accompanies the priest in chanting hymns pertaining to the liturgical service.

Censer (incense burner)

The container in which incense is burned during ceremonies.

Deacon (Eastern Orthodox)

An officer in a Christian church.

Divine Liturgy

Liturgical Eucharist

Eucharist

The consecrated elements of Holy Communion.

Icon

Holy pictures, usually of Christ, the Mother of God, and the Saints, found covering the walls, iconostasis, and special shrines around the church.

Iconostasis

A solid screen, covered with icons, at the front of the church, dividing the sanctuary from the solea and the main body of the church.

Last Kiss

Physical contact with the deceased or kissing of the Icon at the foot or head end during the final pass by the casket.

Panachida

Rubric for the funeral service containing rubrics for the vigil, church service, and interment.

Pasastas

Watch/all-night vigil over the decedent.

Royal Doors

Doors in the center of the Iconostasis that go to the altar and must only be entered by ordained clergy.

Solea

The open area before the altar which sometimes can be raised; the open area of platform before the altar.

Priest Casket (slip panel)

A casket opening style in which the cap/lid at the head end of the casket is removed entirely for the viewing. Remains are viewed from either side of the casket.

Theotokos

“Mother of God” (or “God-bearer”); the preferred and dogmatic term for Mary in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox communities after the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Trisagion

Three short services or blessings, conducted at the funeral home the evening before the funeral service, on the day of the funeral service before leaving the funeral home for the church, and at the cemetery following the funeral service.

Narthex

The entryway of the church.

Nave

The main church/worship area (derived from Latin ‘arc/ship’).

Transept

The side arms or wings of the church which form the cross.

Sanctuary/Altar

Located behind the iconostasis; entry not permitted for laypersons.

1st Icon Panel to the Left of the Altar

Always depicts the Theotokos (Virgin Mary with Christ child).

1st Icon Panel to the Right of Altar

Always depicts Jesus Christ.

2nd Icon Panel on the Left

Varies from church to church, depicting the patron saint of that specific parish.

Arch Above Royal Doors

Displays an icon of the Last Supper.

Final Rite

Priest performs the final rite and anoints the body with the sign of the cross using olive oil and sand/ashes.

Recessional Prep

Casket is closed; Trisagion is repeated (2nd time); casket turned so feet face the narthex for recessional.