Orthodox Funeral as a Guest | ChristianOccasions

Local variation

An Orthodox funeral includes a wake with the open casket present, the Funeral Service at the church, and the burial. The specifics on this page describe what is typical for a guest at a US Orthodox funeral; the family is the right source for the particular service.

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Orthodox funeral practice is distinctive: the open casket is normally present at both the wake and the Funeral Service; cremation is generally not permitted; and the Panikhida memorial cycle (9 days, 40 days, 1 year) extends the family's active remembrance over a longer period.

The family or the funeral home can confirm:

The time and location of the wake, the Funeral Service, and the burial
The language of the service (often partly in Greek, Slavonic, Arabic, or Romanian)
Dress code (dark mourning attire is traditional; covered shoulders common)
Flowers, donations, or other tributes
Whether the guest is invited to the post-burial meal (sometimes called the makaria in Greek practice)

01 Before the day

An Orthodox funeral typically includes a wake the evening before (either at the funeral home or the church, with the open casket present), the Funeral Service at the church the following day, and burial at the cemetery. The family or the funeral home indicates which rites the guest is invited to attend.

The Funeral Service is conducted in the language of the parish, which may be English, Greek, Slavonic, Arabic, Romanian, or a mix. Many US parishes provide a printed English program where parts of the service are in another language.

02 Attire

Dark formal mourning attire is traditional: a dark suit and tie for men; a dark dress for women, with covered shoulders. Some Orthodox parishes maintain a tradition of head coverings for women, particularly in Russian Orthodox practice. The family or the parish can confirm specific expectations.

03 At the service

Guests typically arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the start. The open casket is present at the front of the church. The Funeral Service includes chanted hymns and prayers led by the priest, scripture readings, the funeral hymns of the Orthodox tradition (including the well-known "With the Saints give rest, O Christ..."), and (toward the end) the singing of "Memory Eternal" three times for the deceased.

A distinctive moment in the Orthodox funeral is the final farewell: at the end of the service, the immediate family and then the gathered guests approach the casket to kiss the icon placed on the body or the brow of the deceased. Non-Orthodox guests are welcome to participate in the final farewell or to bow respectfully without kissing the icon; both are appropriate.

Guests stand for most of the service, sitting briefly during the priest's prayers. Following along with the printed program (where provided) is welcome.

04 After the service

The casket is processed out of the church to the hearse, which leads the procession to the cemetery. The burial includes brief Orthodox prayers led by the priest as the casket is lowered. The post-burial meal (called the makaria in Greek practice) often follows; the family typically hosts at a restaurant or at the church hall.

The Orthodox memorial cycle continues beyond the funeral: a Panikhida memorial service at 9 days, 40 days, and one year after the death. Close friends are sometimes invited to the 40-day Panikhida in particular; immediate family is normally present at all three.

Last reviewed against primary sources: May 17, 2026