Funerals

Orthodox Funerals

The death of a loved one is a difficult and painful time.

The Orthodox Church responds to death through prayer, entrusting the departed to the mercy of God and proclaiming the hope of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If someone close to you is seriously ill or has died, please contact the parish priest as soon as possible.

If Someone Is Seriously Ill

If a family member is seriously ill or approaching the end of their life, please contact the priest.

Where appropriate, the priest may offer prayers, confession, Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

The priest can also provide pastoral support to the person who is ill and to their family.

If Someone Has Died

If the person who has died was an Orthodox Christian, please tell the funeral director that they were Orthodox and ask them to contact the parish priest.

Please contact the priest as soon as possible, preferably before funeral arrangements are finalised.

The priest will guide the family through the arrangements and liaise with the funeral director where appropriate.

Orthodox Funeral Services

The Orthodox Church has a number of prayers and services for the departed, including:

• Prayers at the time of death

• The Trisagion Service

• The Funeral Service

• The Divine Liturgy

• Prayers at the graveside

• Memorial services, or Panikhidas

The exact arrangements depend on the circumstances of the death, the wishes of the family, the Church calendar and the guidance of the parish priest.

Memorial Services — Panikhidas

The Church offers prayers for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.

A Panikhida is a memorial service in which we pray for the repose of the departed and ask God to forgive their sins and grant them rest.

Traditionally, memorial prayers are offered on particular days following death, including the third, ninth and fortieth days, and on anniversaries of the death.

The Church also has particular days throughout the year when the departed are commemorated together. These include:

• Meatfare Saturday

• The second, third and fourth Saturdays of Great Lent

• The Saturday before Pentecost

• Saint Demetrius Saturday

In addition to these occasions, the names of the departed may be commemorated at the Proskomedia and during the Divine Liturgy.

The timing of memorial services can depend on the Church calendar. Please speak with the priest when arranging a Panikhida.

Funerals for Non-Orthodox Christians

Many Orthodox Christians have family members who are not Orthodox.

In certain circumstances, the Church may be able to offer prayers or a service for a non-Orthodox person who has died. Such arrangements require the blessing of the diocesan bishop.

If a non-Orthodox family member has died and you would like to discuss what prayers or services may be possible, please contact the parish priest as soon as possible.

Suicide

The death of a person through suicide is a profound tragedy and can bring particular pain and distress to family members and friends.

The Orthodox Church treats such circumstances with pastoral care and compassion.

A Church funeral following suicide requires the guidance and blessing of the diocesan hierarch. The priest will discuss the circumstances with the family and seek the guidance of the hierarch.

Families should therefore contact the priest as soon as possible. Each case is considered individually.

Cremation

The Orthodox Church traditionally regards burial as the normal Christian practice and does not encourage cremation.

However, where cremation is being considered, families should speak with the parish priest before making arrangements.

The priest will explain the current practice of the Church and what prayers or services may be possible in the circumstances.

Autopsy and Organ Donation

Questions concerning autopsy, organ donation and the care of the body after death can be difficult for families.

The Church asks that the human body be treated with dignity and respect, recognising it as having been created by God and destined for the resurrection.

Families should discuss any particular circumstances with the parish priest, who can offer pastoral guidance.

Traditional Days for Memorials

Traditionally, prayers for the departed are offered particularly on the:

• Third day after death

• Ninth day

• Fortieth day

• First anniversary of death

• Subsequent anniversaries

The Church also observes particular Soul Saturdays and other days of general commemoration for the departed throughout the year.

Because the Church calendar varies from year to year, families should speak with the priest about the appropriate date for a memorial service.

Memorial services are not celebrated on certain major feast days and other solemn occasions. The priest can advise on the appropriate timing.

Fees and Parish Contributions

There is no fee for the funeral service, and the parish priest does not receive payment for celebrating the services of the Church.

Saint Anne’s does, however, have ongoing costs involved in maintaining and operating the church, including heating, lighting, candles, maintenance and other parish expenses.

If the deceased or an immediate member of their family is a subscribing member of Saint Anne’s, no parish contribution is requested.

Families who are not subscribing members are asked either to become subscribing members of the parish or to make a gift of £300 towards the life and work of the parish.

This gift is not a charge for the funeral service or prayers for the departed.

Additional costs may apply for arrangements such as a choir, flowers, photography or reception, and these should be discussed with the parish priest.

If you have any questions about these arrangements, or if you are unable to meet the suggested contribution, please speak with the parish priest. We would be happy to discuss your circumstances with you.