Orthodox Christianity: Beliefs and Practices

• Orthodox Christianity split from the Roman Catholic Church
• The religion is centered in Constantinople
• Constantinople is a Byzantine city founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD
• Constantinople in modern day Turkey is Istanbul
• Classified as liturgical
• The Eastern Orthodox church is self-governing, also known as Autocephalous
• The Greek Orthodox church is subject to the Patriarch of Constantinople
• It is governed by an independent Council of Bishops (called a Synod)
• There are a variety of National Orthodox churches
• Greek Orthodox Church
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• American Orthodox Church
• Russian Orthodox Church
• Serbian Orthodox Church
• In the United States are 4 to 5 million members
• 1.5 million are Greek Orthodox

Terminology

• Cantor accompanies the priest in liturgical service by chanting hymns
• Deacon is a subordinate officer in the Christian church
• Divine Liturgy is a liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the Eastern Orthodox communities of faith
• Icons are holy pictures found covering the walls (iconostasis) around the church
• Iconostasis is a solid screen, covered with icons, at the front of the church, dividing the sanctuary from the nave
• Last Kiss is a final physical contact with the deceased and the Icon during the final pass by the casket
• The Icon is placed at the foot end of casket for those on the right side to view and kiss
• The Icon is moved to the head end of casket for those on the left to pass and kiss
• Parastas (Parastasis) is the watch or all-night vigil over the deceased in the Eastern Orthodox community
• Panachida is a rubric for the Eastern Orthodox service
• Priest refers to a title conferred to clergy upon ordination in various religions
• Royal Doors refer to the doors in the center of the Iconostasis leading directly to the altar
• Only ordained clergy may go through these doors
• The solea should never be crossed in front of the Royal Doors
• Solea is the open area, sometimes raised, before the altar in the Eastern Orthodox Church
• Trisagion are three shore services or blessings that are part of the funeral rite

Funeral Customs

• The Trisagion is three short services or blessings
• Two occur at the funeral home
• One happens the evening before
• One is the day of the service before leaving for the church
• One occurs at the cemetery following the funeral service
• During the processional upon arrival at the church, the priest blesses the casket with Holy Water
• Cantor & Acolytes accompany the Priest during processional
• The casket is carried feet first down the aisle into the church
• The family follows the casket down the aisle
• The casket is placed perpendicular to the Altar, and opened for the service
• A Parastas is formed, in which the Priest recites readings, prayers, and hymns
• Following the service, the casket is turned parallel to the altar
• A eulogy may be given during the final portion of the service
• After the eulogy, the casket is turned clockwise parallel to the altar
• The open casket faces the congregation
• The Priest anoints the body with olive oil and either soil or sand
• A cross is placed on the decedent's clothing
• The Icon is placed at the foot end of the casket during the Ceremony of Last Kissing
• Those seated on the right-side pass by the casket and kiss the icon
• The Icon is then placed at the head end of the casket
• Those seated on the left-side pass by the casket and kiss the icon
• The family has a final viewing
• The casket is closed by the funeral director
• During the recessional the order is:
• Priest and Cantor
• Casket
• Family
• The casket is removed and placed in the funeral coach for transport to burial

Committal Service

• The procession is led by the priest and cantor
• A Litany including readings and prayers is recited
• The service ends with a closing prayer
• Eulogies may be permitted by some priests after the completion of the committal service

Other Considerations

• Funeral service is held in the church
• Services are not held on Sunday or Holy Days
• Flowers are usually permitted
• Always, always check with the priest
• Burial or entombment only are permitted
• Cremation is considered objectionable and not permitted in the Orthodox Church
• The custom of cremation is viewed as being introduced by atheists and enemies of the Church

Explore the history, practices, and structure of Orthodox Christianity, including its split from the Roman Catholic Church and its presence in various national churches. Learn about key terminology within the faith, such as the roles of cantors and deacons during liturgical services. Understand the self governing nature of the church.