Orthodox Funeral as a Non-Christian Guest

Local variation

An Orthodox funeral is distinctive in its ritual form: the open casket is present throughout, the service is largely chanted, and the language is often partly in Greek, Slavonic, Arabic, or Romanian. The specifics on this page describe how a non-Christian guest can be present; the family is the right source for the particular funeral.

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Orthodox funeral practice includes a wake the evening before with chanted prayers, the Funeral Service at the church the next day, and the burial. Cremation is generally not permitted in the Orthodox tradition. The Memorial Eternal is sung three times for the deceased at the close of the service; the open casket is present.

The family can confirm:

Which rites the guest is invited to attend
The expected attire (dark formal dress; covered shoulders common)
The language of the service and whether a printed English program will be available

01 What kind of rite this is

An Orthodox funeral comprises a wake the evening before with chanted prayers (often at the funeral home or church with the open casket present), the Funeral Service at the church the next day, and the burial at the cemetery. The Orthodox tradition generally does not permit cremation; the body is normally present in an open casket throughout.

The service is conducted in the language of the parish, often partly in Greek, Slavonic, Arabic, or Romanian. Most US Orthodox parishes provide a printed English program where parts of the service are in another language.

02 Attire

Dark formal mourning attire: a dark suit and tie for men; a dark dress for women, with covered shoulders. Some Russian Orthodox parishes maintain a tradition of head coverings for women.

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 is largely chanted by the priest and any cantor; there are no spoken responses for the gathered congregation. Guests stand and sit as the rite proceeds, following the surrounding congregation.

At the end of the service, the immediate family and the gathered congregation approach the casket for the final farewell. The Orthodox practice is to kiss the icon placed on the body or the brow of the deceased. Non-Christian guests are welcome to participate in the final farewell, to bow respectfully without kissing the icon, or to remain in their seats. All are appropriate.

04 Specific moments

Where the Funeral Service is combined with the Divine Liturgy (uncommon in US Orthodox practice but possible), Communion is offered to Orthodox Christians in good standing. Non-Christian guests are not invited to receive; there is no come-forward-for-a-blessing alternative. Guests remain in their seats.

Many US Orthodox parishes have icon stands at the entrance and along the walls; the customary Orthodox practice is to venerate the principal icons on entering. Non-Christian guests are welcome to skip this without explanation.

05 After the service

The casket is processed out to the hearse and led to the cemetery. The post-burial meal (called the makaria in Greek practice) often follows; the family typically hosts at a restaurant or at the church hall.

Last reviewed against primary sources: May 17, 2026