Orthodox Christian Funeral Traditions

Orthodox Christianity — including Greek, Russian, Antiochian, and other Orthodox traditions — maintains a distinct and specific approach to death and mourning. Practices vary by Orthodox jurisdiction and parish. This article gives general guidance. Families should ask their own priest what applies.

What happens during the funeral service?

Parish guidelines describe a Trisagion service (“Thrice-Holy”) at the wake, usually the night before the funeral, at the church or the funeral home. The funeral service follows, in the church, and a Trisagion is repeated at the graveside. A Greek Orthodox parish says funerals may be held on any day except Sundays and Holy Saturday. According to the Orthodox Church in America, as summarized by Funeral.com, the service ends with the faithful offering a “final kiss,” followed by the singing of “Memory Eternal.” An Orthodox parish bulletin describes the service as the chanting of psalms and hymns about man’s final destiny and the mystery of death.

Why is the casket typically open?

For Orthodox Christians this is the tradition, not just a family preference. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s 2020 Yearbook guidance, as quoted by the Orthodox Christian Network, says the tradition of the Orthodox Church is that a casket be open at a funeral service, to honor the remains and to confirm the finality of death. An Orthodox diocese says the coffin stays open until the “Last Kiss” at the end of the service. Exceptions exist, such as a health hazard. See Open Casket Traditions: How Christian Denominations Differ.

Is cremation accepted in Orthodox Christianity?

Generally no. The Orthodox Church in America says cremation is not permitted under Byzantine canon law, according to a Funeral.com summary of its guidance. An Orthodox educational site says the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese teaches that the funeral presumes the body is present and so is not served where a body has been cremated. Parish guidelines say that Orthodox Christians who expressed a wish in their wills to be cremated may not have a church funeral, and that memorial services with koliva (boiled wheat) are not allowed in those cases.

These are general positions, and the details differ by jurisdiction and circumstances, such as when a family, not the person, chose cremation. If cremation might be relevant, speak with a priest in advance.

What is the 40-day memorial, and what follows it?

The Orthodox Church in America says a memorial service (Panikhida) is generally celebrated on the third, ninth, and fortieth days after death, according to Funeral.com’s summary. Greek Orthodox parish guidelines list the same days and add three, six, and nine months and one year, and any time the family feels the need. The 40th-day memorial is the longer service, and it may be scheduled on the Sunday closest to the fortieth day in some Greek Orthodox settings.

Koliva, boiled wheat, is prepared for the memorial. A Greek Orthodox parish explains that it symbolizes the seed of the body placed in the earth to sprout new, resurrected life. Another parish’s guidelines say koliva is restricted to those who had an Orthodox funeral.

What should a non-Orthodox guest expect?

The service is liturgical and tends to include chanting and set prayers. Modest dress is appropriate, and following the lead of those around you for standing and other postures is fine if you’re unfamiliar with Orthodox worship. If Communion is offered, non-Orthodox guests should not take part, according to FuneralWise. Many mourners kiss a cross or icon at the casket, and you don’t have to if you belong to another faith.

What should I tell my family?

Because Orthodox parishes generally don’t hold a church funeral for someone who chose cremation, your preference between burial and cremation is worth confirming with your own priest in advance, not left for your family to discover after the fact.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: your preference for burial, and confirmation from your priest that your parish will perform the service you’re expecting - this avoids a genuinely difficult surprise for your family during an already hard time.

Practices vary by specific Orthodox jurisdiction and parish. Everendium provides general guidance and encourages families to consult their priest for specifics.