Guide to Orthodox Funeral Services
At Unity Funerals, we understand the deep significance of Orthodox funeral services as sacred rituals that symbolise the soul’s departure from the body and its reunion with God. Our dedicated Funeral Specialists are here to assist you in planning a funeral that not only respects your Orthodox faith but also honours the memory of your loved one.
Overview of Orthodox Funeral Services
Orthodox funeral services are rich in tradition and spiritual meaning, deeply rooted in nearly two millennia of practice. Our team at Unity Funerals is familiar with the diverse customs across various Orthodox denominations in Australia, including Greek, Russian, Serbian, Macedonian, and Ukrainian Orthodox communities. This knowledge allows us to provide a respectful and appropriate service tailored to the specific practices of your faith.
Key Elements of an Orthodox Funeral
- The Wake: Typically held the day before the funeral, the wake is a time for family and close friends to gather, offer eulogies, and participate in the Trisagion service led by a priest.
- The Procession and Service: On the day of the funeral, the priest leads a procession into the church, with hymns such as the Trisagion sung as the coffin is carried in. The service includes the Divine Liturgy, prayers, the Dismissal, and the chanting of Memory Eternal. Holy Communion may be offered as part of the ceremony.
- Final Farewells: Attendees may have the opportunity to pass by the coffin for a last moment with the deceased, often accompanied by the singing of the Trisagion.
- Interment: The funeral procession moves to the gravesite for a brief burial service, where final prayers are offered and the body is committed to the earth.
- The Mercy Meal: After the burial, a “mercy meal” is held, where family and friends come together to share memories and reflect on the life of the departed.
Memorial Services
It is common for additional memorial services to be held, such as on the 40th day after death in the Greek Orthodox tradition, which provides further opportunity to honour the deceased and offer prayers for their journey.
Venues for Orthodox Funerals
Orthodox funerals typically take place in the deceased’s place of worship or any other church of the same faith and denomination, providing a meaningful backdrop that was significant to the deceased.
Duration of Orthodox Funerals
The formal proceedings of an Orthodox funeral can vary but generally last between 45–90 minutes, followed by the mercy meal or reception with family and close friends.
Planning Your Orthodox Funeral with Unity Funerals
Our experienced Funeral Specialists at Unity Funerals have spent decades assisting families across Sydney in their time of need. We work closely with your local Orthodox community and places of worship to ensure the funeral service is both meaningful and comforting, providing a fitting tribute to your loved one.
Contact Unity Funerals today to discuss how we can support you in planning an Orthodox funeral service that truly reflects the faith and life of your loved one.
Testimonials
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Mark and Patrick were lovely to deal with. Sorted out our concerns quietly and efficiently. They managed every detail so we were free to take care of family.
Liz
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Patrick and Mark helped us navigate a very difficult time, they were accommodating with last minute changes, were efficient and so pleasant to deal with. Every aspect of the funeral was attended to with professionalism and care.
Jen
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…provided outstanding service throughout the entire process. We were very impressed and grateful for the genuine care and attention to detail, while meeting our needs and wishes perfectly.
Kate
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Every aspect of the funeral was attended to with professionalism and care.
Tony
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We're very grateful for the kindness and professionalism shown to us by Mark in organising our mother's funeral. It went without a hitch and we'd highly recommend Unity. Thank you so much.
Catherine
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I always will be grateful for organised my father funeral. It was most beautiful day thanks to Unity Funerals. Thanks to Funeral Director from all of my family, we appreciate the service from our hearts.
Grace
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Thank you for all that you have done in organising Xavier’s funeral. You were so caring and professional in this difficult time.
Jacinta, Gabriel & Leala
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I wanted to acknowledge and thank you for your compassion that you showed my family at the time of Uncle Harry's death, and for your care and attention to detail in all aspects of the planning and the conduct on the day of his funeral. We are all very grateful.
Peter Salisbury
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It is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life – with gratitude and contentment at a job well done.
Steph Monahan