Orthodox Funerals

Orthodox funerals and Eastern Orthodox funerals are common amongst the Greek, Macedonian, Russian and Serbian communities, and although there are many funeral traditions that are similar, there are many traditions that are different between an Orthodox and an Eastern Orthodox funeral service. Orthodox funerals and Eastern Orthodox funerals usually consist of the following four services:

Vigil Service: Traditionally, Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox funeral services are preceded by a separate prayer service for the deceased, and traditionally, it is conducted in the church by the Priest with the deceased present on the evening prior the funeral. It is also repeated in the church, or at the graveside, on the third day, ninth day, fortieth day, six months and one year anniversaries of the death of the deceased.

Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox Funeral Mass: An Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox funeral mass begins when the church bells ring the funeral tune, and the mourners stand as the coffin or casket bearers follow the Priest into the church carrying the coffin or casket on their shoulders. An Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox funeral mass consists of the Greek Orthodox funeral rites or the Macedonian, Russian or Serbian Eastern Orthodox funeral rites, as well as many other aspects that must always take place, such as the mourners walking towards the front of the church to walk past either the opened or closed coffin or casket before proceeding towards the deceased’s family members to offer them their condolences. The coffin or casket opened whilst the mourners walk past at the end of the mass is one of the Orthodox funeral customs, and the coffin or casket at an Eastern Orthodox funeral is usually closed when the mourners walk past it before proceeding towards the deceased’s family members to offer them their condolences. Photo presentations and c.d played music are never allowed at Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox funerals.

Committal Service: The committal service consists of a brief prayer ceremony at the graveside which is usually held in the Orthodox section consisting of concrete lined graves, which allow for the future construction of full monuments. An Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox funeral is never followed by a cremation. and when the coffin or casket is lowered into the grave, the Priest pours vinegar and wine on top of the coffin or casket, which is the vinegar and wine that was near the coffin or casket during the funeral mass.

The Wake: Following the burial service of Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox funerals, the mourners share a meal between themselves to celebrate the life of the deceased. Families who belong to the Orthodox church usually hold the wake gathering back in the church hall after the burial, and families who belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church usually hold the last meal gathering at the rotunda in the Orthodox section at the cemetery, or back at the family home.