Short answer: An Orthodox Christian funeral usually includes prayers the evening before, a funeral service in the church, and burial. Memorial prayers continue on later days. The Church holds burial to be the norm. Practices vary by jurisdiction, so please speak with your priest first.
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What generally happens between death and burial in the Eastern Orthodox tradition?
Practices vary
The Eastern Orthodox Church includes Greek, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian, Romanian, Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and other jurisdictions. Customs differ in detail. This page describes general practice only. Your parish priest is the best guide.
When an Orthodox Christian is dying or has passed away, families often call their priest right away. The priest can pray with the family and explain the next steps.
A common custom is a short service of prayers for the departed, called the Trisagion, held the evening before the funeral or at the start of the viewing. Family and parish members gather, and it is often the first chance for the community to pray together.
The funeral is usually held within a few days. Many Orthodox families keep the casket open during the funeral service, so people can say goodbye.
Who leads a funeral in the Eastern Orthodox tradition?
The parish priest leads the funeral service, often with a deacon and a choir or chanter. Family members usually take part by attending, praying and placing flowers. Eulogies are often given at a meal after the burial rather than during the service, though practice differs.
If your family has no home parish, a nearby Orthodox church may help. Contact the church office and explain your situation.
What are the typical service elements in the Eastern Orthodox tradition?
- Trisagion prayers: a short service of prayers for the departed, often the evening before.
- Funeral service: hymns, scripture readings and prayers, often with the casket open.
- Final farewell: mourners may come forward to bow, kiss an icon or the casket's cross, and say goodbye. Guests may simply file past.
- The prayer of absolution and the singing of Memory Eternal, a hymn asking for the person to be remembered by God.
- Burial: a short service at the grave, often with a sprinkling of earth in the shape of a cross.
- Mercy meal: a meal after the burial, often with a traditional dish of boiled wheat, called kollyva or koliva, in some communities.
What does the Eastern Orthodox tradition say about cremation, embalming, autopsy and organ donation?
| Topic | General approach |
|---|---|
| Cremation | The Orthodox Church holds burial to be the norm. Whether a funeral service can be served for a person who chose cremation is decided by the priest and bishop. Please ask your priest. |
| Embalming | Not generally prohibited. It is often chosen when a viewing will take place. |
| Autopsy | Generally accepted when there is a medical or legal need. |
| Organ donation | Generally permitted as a loving act. Ask your priest. |
If cremation was already chosen, or if the death was sudden and the family is unsure, please talk with your priest. Many priests handle hard situations with compassion.
What are the mourning customs in the Eastern Orthodox tradition?
Orthodox Christians keep praying for the person who has passed. Memorial services, called panikhida in some traditions, are commonly held at certain intervals after the death. Customs in many parishes mark the third, ninth and fortieth days, and then the first anniversary. Other times may be marked too.
Families often bring the memorial offering of boiled wheat and sweets to the church. Parish members may light candles and pray at the grave. Dates and details vary by jurisdiction.
During Lent and some other times in the church year, schedules may shift. Your priest can explain what applies.
What can guests expect, and what should they wear?
Guests of any faith are generally welcome. You do not need to take part in the veneration or make the sign of the cross. Standing quietly is respectful.
Many Orthodox churches have few or no pews, and the service may last an hour or more, so wear comfortable shoes. Dress modestly in dark or subdued clothing. In some parishes, women cover their heads, but this is not required of guests in most places.
In some parishes you may be offered a candle to hold during part of the service. Take your cue from those around you.
At the meal afterward, guests may be invited to share a word of remembrance and to say "Memory Eternal." A short, kind word to the family is welcome.
How do I tell a funeral home about the Eastern Orthodox tradition needs?
Orthodox customs are specific, so a clear conversation with the funeral director saves time. Share these points.
- Give the priest's name and parishAsk the priest to speak with the funeral director.
- Ask about the Trisagion serviceWhere it will be held and when.
- Plan for an open casket during the service if that is your custom
- Arrange the cemeteryMany families prefer an Orthodox or consecrated section.
- Share the language of the serviceSome parishes use Greek, Slavonic, Arabic or English.
- Ask about the mercy mealMany parishes can help with the location and food.
How do I prepare when I am not sure what my parish expects?
Call the priest before you finalize any plans with a funeral home. The church calendar, including fasting periods and feast days, can affect timing, and the priest knows the parish's customs. Many priests are glad to be called at any hour when there is a death.
Ask about music. Orthodox services are usually chanted or sung by a choir or chanter, and the priest can tell you if other music is welcome. Ask also about flowers, photographs and whether a family member may say a few words at the meal instead of during the service.
If some family members are not Orthodox, tell the priest. Many parishes are used to families with mixed backgrounds and can explain how everyone may take part, or simply attend.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Orthodox Christian be cremated?
The Church holds burial to be the norm, and whether a funeral service can be served after cremation is decided by the priest and bishop. Please ask your priest.
What is Memory Eternal?
It is a hymn sung near the end of the funeral service, asking that the person be remembered by God forever.
Is the casket open at an Orthodox funeral?
In many parishes it is open during the service so mourners can say farewell. Practice varies.
What is koliva?
It is a dish of boiled wheat, often sweetened, that many Orthodox communities bring to memorial services as a sign of hope in resurrection.
How do I plan an interfaith funeral or memorial service?
An interfaith service blends elements from more than one tradition, and the key is open conversation with family and the people leading the service. Decide what matters most to your loved one and to each family member, such as readings, prayers, music, or rituals. Some officiants are experienced at interfaith ceremonies, and some venues are open to guest clergy. What to do: speak with one or two officiants about their approach, share a draft program with family before the day, and keep the service simple and respectful of each tradition represented.
Can a funeral home arrange clergy or a place of worship?
Funeral homes can often help you contact clergy or celebrants and may host services in their own chapel, but they do not replace a place of worship. If your family belongs to a congregation, contact the clergy early to learn about their policies, scheduling, and any fees. Some places of worship hold funerals for members only, while others welcome families who are not regular attendees but share the faith. What to ask: ask your clergy about available dates and requirements, and ask the funeral home whether they coordinate with the place of worship, music, and cemetery on the day.
Do all religions allow cremation?
No single answer applies to every religion, and practices vary by tradition and by community. Some faiths accept cremation, some discourage or limit it, and others leave the choice to the family. Different branches or congregations within the same religion may also hold different views. Because of this variation, it is best not to assume, and a respectful question to a faith leader is almost always welcome. What to do: ask your clergy member, faith leader, or a trusted elder about your tradition's guidance, and tell the funeral provider about any religious requirements so arrangements can respect them.
How soon after a death are funeral services held in different traditions?
Timing varies widely by tradition, family, and logistics, and there is no single rule. Some communities hold services within a day or two, while others wait several days to allow relatives to travel. Local laws, medical examiner involvement, and cemetery schedules can also affect timing. Because customs differ, check with your own community, and remember that many families adjust timing to fit travel and the availability of the officiant, the venue, and the cemetery. What to ask: ask your clergy or community leader about customary timing, tell the funeral provider early about any time preferences, and confirm what flexibility the provider and cemetery have.
Who can officiate a funeral if our family is not religious?
A funeral can be led by a clergy member, a celebrant, a funeral director, or a trusted family member or friend, depending on your wishes. Many families without a specific faith choose a professional celebrant who writes and leads a personal ceremony. Some funeral homes can recommend officiants, and some states have rules about who may sign legal documents. What to ask: ask the funeral home about officiant options and fees, ask each candidate about their approach and experience, and share stories about your loved one so the ceremony reflects their life.
What if family members hold different beliefs about the funeral?
When family members hold different beliefs, the most helpful approach is to listen to each person and look for elements everyone can accept. Start by identifying what your loved one wished, if known, and which parts of the service matter most to each relative. A neutral officiant, a private family moment, or two separate gatherings can sometimes help, and there is rarely only one right way to honor a person. What to do: hold a calm conversation before the funeral director meeting, write down shared priorities, and consider asking a trusted clergy member or family counselor to help find common ground.