The Russian Orthodox Funeral and Its Traditions

Russian Orthodox funerals are not only held in Russia. There are also Russian Orthodox cemeteries and Orthodox burials in Germany.

In this article, we will explain what an Orthodox funeral looks like and why Orthodox believers commemorate their deceased again 9 days after their passing.

Procedure of a Russian Orthodox Funeral

What are the Russian mourning rituals?

Both the Russian Orthodox funerals and the gravesites are significantly different from the ceremonies of other religions. For Russian Orthodox Christians, burial is the typical form of interment. They firmly believe in the principle “From dust you came and to dust you shall return.” Therefore, other forms of burial, such as cremation, are not considered by Russian Orthodox Christians.

There are special rituals and traditions, as in many other religions. This includes, among other things, the washing of the body immediately after death and dressing the deceased in light-colored clothing for the burial ceremony, as a symbol of light.

In the Orthodox Church, it is also customary to remember the deceased especially on the third, ninth, and 40th day after death. Orthodox Christians believe that the departed stays in their earthly home for three days and is then shown paradise by angels for six days. The first mourning phase officially ends after 40 days.

Russian Orthodox communities are somewhat limited in number in Germany, meaning that a priest is often responsible for larger areas. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your local priest as soon as possible after a death, to facilitate the burial as quickly as possible.

What Happens During a Russian Funeral?

Two days before the burial, family members are allowed to visit the deceased one last time. The Orthodox funeral typically follows these stages: 

• The sacred service
• Farewell
• Graveside ceremony

The farewell takes place at an open casket, which is something that, due to legal regulations, only happens in exceptional cases in many Western countries. 

Only priests are permitted exceptions, allowing them to conduct prayers at the open casket. This can occur either in the sanctuary or in the chamber where the body is kept. After the prayers, the casket is closed.

Another ritual of the Russian Orthodox Church involves placing a paper band on the forehead of the deceased. This band has a prayer written on it, in which God is praised three times and the deceased asks for mercy: 'Holy God – Holy Mighty – Holy Immortal, have mercy on us!'

Family members can kiss the paper band to bid their final farewells. Additionally, the bereaved place a figure in the deceased's hand, depicting God, the holy Mother of God, or the deceased's patron saint. The shroud in which the body is wrapped is also given by close family members. 

If family members do not have these items, they are provided by the church or the priest. Throughout the entire funeral service, small candles burn, which the family members hold in their left hands. Furthermore, after the ceremony, the casket is censed with incense from all sides: back, front, left, right, top, and bottom. 

Plenty of space is required for this ritual. In addition, only choral singing is allowed as musical accompaniment during the Russian Orthodox funeral. Other musical instruments are not used. 

The final phase of the Russian Orthodox funeral is the graveside ceremony, accompanied by choral singing. The entire funeral procession marches to the open grave. The casket is then lowered into the ground, with the deceased being buried facing east. 

As a symbol of the Last Supper, the priest pours wine in the form of a cross over the casket. To symbolize resurrection after death, bread is then broken. Afterwards, farewell and mourning speeches are given.

After the burial, a memorial meal follows, where condolences and support are expressed to the bereaved. In the weeks following, additional prayers take place at the grave in a specific timeframe. 

Common Questions About Russian Funerals 

If you're attending a Russian Orthodox funeral for the first time and aren't familiar with the customs, you probably have many questions.

What kind of gift should you bring to a Russian funeral? 

If you wish to bring a gift to a Russian Orthodox funeral, flowers are a good choice, just like in many other parts of the world. However, there's something important you should know. Many Russians are still quite superstitious. 

An even number of flowers in a bouquet symbolizes death and mourning, making it suitable for funerals. If you're giving flowers outside of a funeral context to make someone happy, the bouquet should contain an odd number of flowers. 

How long does an Orthodox funeral last?

Orthodox funerals, much like Catholic or Protestant ones, typically last about an hour. They are accompanied by prayers and intercessions and traditionally conclude with a memorial meal, where mourners share stories about the deceased and remember them. 

What should you wear to a Russian funeral? 

At a Russian Orthodox ceremony, mourners generally wear black clothing. It is also customary to expose as little skin as possible. 

Conclusion

Orthodox funerals differ in some aspects from other Christian funerals. Throughout the country, you'll find Orthodox priests and funeral homes that offer this type of service. If you are invited to an Orthodox funeral, you should choose white clothing. In Orthodox belief, death signifies a new beginning and represents love and hope.