Funerals
The passing of a loved one is always a difficult time for the family and friends that they leave behind. The Church is here to provide prayer for the departed, for the family, and to ensure that the person receives a fitting end to their journey in this world.
If at all possible, it is best to have an Orthodox priest visit your loved one in the days before their passing. At that visit, depending on the person's condition, the priest will hear their confession, give them Communion and unction, and offer prayers for a peaceful departure.
In order to schedule a funeral, you will want to contact both the Church and a funeral home. The funeral home that we prefer to work with is Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. They are very familiar with Orthodox Christian funeral practices, and can help guide you through the process. Please do not schedule a date for the funeral until you have confirmed that date with the Church. Funerals may be served on any day other than Sundays.
The evening before the funeral, the priest will come to the funeral home to serve the Trisagion prayers. This will typically coincide with the viewing. On the morning of the funeral, the funeral home personnel will bring the remains to the Church one hour before the service begins. Orthodox funeral services are typically served open-casket.
After the funeral service, the family will process to the cemetery for the burial. At the cemetery, the Trisagion prayers will be offered once more. The remains will be buried so that the person is facing east in expectation of our Lord's return.
Traditionally, the family offers a luncheon called a makaria following the burial. Fish is the most traditional choice for this meal. This is at the family's discretion, and is not required.
Due to the respect that we have for our bodies, and the special role that the body will play in our future resurrection, a funeral service may not be offered if the person's remains are to be cremated.