Why do Orthodox pray for the departed?

Why do Orthodox pray for the departed?

Eastern Orthodox praxis. The various prayers for the departed have as their purpose to pray for the repose of the departed, to comfort the living, and to remind those who remain of their own mortality. For this reason, memorial services have an air of penitence about them.

What do Orthodox Christians do when someone dies?

Mourners and worshipers should stand throughout the funeral service, during which the priest will lead the Divine Liturgy, say prayers, lead the Dismissal, and recite “Memory Eternal.” Holy Communion may also be offered.

Does Eastern Orthodox pray to saints?

Intercession of the Saints is a Christian doctrine held by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic churches. The practice of praying through saints can be found in Christian writings from the 3rd century onward.

What are Trisagion prayers?

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy God, visit and heal us for thy Name’s sake.

What is a good prayer for someone who has passed away?

O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow, that You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships.

How do you pray for the departed soul?

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Like the seed buried in the ground, you have produced the harvest of eternal life for us; make us always dead to sin and alive to God.

Why do Orthodox Christians not believe in cremation?

For decades the Greek Orthodox Church had strongly opposed cremation, saying the body is God’s creation and cannot be burned.

Do Greek Orthodox have last rites?

In the Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Rite of Constantinople, the last rites consist of the Sacred Mysteries (sacraments) of Confession and the reception of Holy Communion.

What is a patron saint Orthodox?

A patron saint, patroness saint, patron hallow or heavenly protector is a saint who in Catholicism, Anglicanism, or Eastern Orthodoxy is regarded as the heavenly advocate of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or person.

What are the main Orthodox prayers?

Prayer Before Meals

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Do Greek Orthodox believe in cremation?

According to the law, Orthodox Greeks can choose cremation as long as they have stated this in writing before their death or their immediate relatives wish it. “A pre-condition for the cremation is the clear, unequivocal statement of the deceased, or their relatives,” that they wish to be cremated, the law said.

What do Greek Orthodox believe about death?

Greek Orthodox Church members believe that death – what they refer to as “falling asleep” – isn’t the end. They believe life is everlasting, and that the soul is reunited with the body and with Christ. This provides hope in the midst of loss.

What is better to say than rest in peace?

Rest in Heaven Alternative Messages
Peace in heaven. Rest with angels. May the heavenly host guide you in peace. Rest in heaven’s glory.

What is a good Bible verse for someone that has passed away?

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

What is the eternal rest prayer?

Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord. R: And let perpetual light shine upon him/her. May he/she rest in peace. R: Amen.

How do you honor someone who has passed away?

9 Ways to Honor a Loved One Who Has Passed

  1. Keep something of theirs with you.
  2. Support a cause close to their heart, and yours.
  3. Make a tribute donation to a nonprofit.
  4. Create a living reminder.
  5. Dedicate an event to their memory.
  6. Start a new tradition.
  7. Share their stories and photos.
  8. Live your best life.

Does the Greek Orthodox faith allow cremation?

“The Church does not accept the incineration of the body for its members.” The clerics released a message on Tuesday which states that the choice of cremation “indicates a lack of faith and hope as it means the complete annihilation and obliteration of man.”

Is it a sin to keep ashes at home?

Overall, unless your religion bans cremation, or you are Catholic, you are fine to keep your loved one’s ashes at home with you.

What do you say in Greek when someone passes away?

Traditional Greek Orthodox greetings to the bereaved family are: “May you have an abundant life,” “Memory eternal,” and “May their memory be eternal.” Antiochian Orthodox expressions of sympathy include “May God give you the strength to bear your loss,” and “May his [or her] memory be eternal.”

Do the Orthodox have patron saints?

The veneration or “commemoration” and recognition of patron saints or saints in general is found in Catholicism, Eastern Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, and among some Lutherans and Anglicans.

Do Greek Orthodox use rosary beads?

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “The rosary is conferred upon the Greek Orthodox monk as a part of his investiture with the mandyas or full monastic habit, as the second step in monastic life, and is called his ‘spiritual sword’.”

How do Orthodox pray to saints?

What Do You Mean, ‘Pray to the Saints?’ – YouTube

What is the Greek Orthodox Jesus Prayer?

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. (a very common form) (Sometimes “τον αμαρτωλόν” is translated “a sinner” but in Greek the article “τον” is a definite article, so it could be translated “the sinner”.) Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. (a very common form in the Greek tradition)

What do Greeks say when someone passes away?

Greek Funeral Etiquette
Guests at the funeral service often greet the families of the deceased and provide their condolences by saying the phrase “memory eternal” or “may their memory be eternal” or “may you have an abundant life”.

What is the best remembrance message?

“Death is never an end, but a To Be Continued…” – Renée Chae. “The life of the dead is placed in the heart of the living” – Cicero. “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die” – Hazel Gaynor. “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil” – John Taylor.

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