What is placing the pall?
What is placing the pall?
The pall is placed on the casket or coffin as soon as it arrives at the church and will remain on the coffin during all of proceedings in the church. Since Orthodox funerals are normally open casket, the pall comes up only to the chest of the deceased.
What does the pall represent at a funeral?
A pall is a white sheet of fabric about 6 feet by 10 feet that is designed to cover a casket during a funeral Mass in the Catholic Church. It serves as a reminder of the white baptismal garments a new Christian wears as he or she is welcomed into the fellowship of believers within the church.
Why do Orthodox eat fish after funeral?
Eating fish as part of the mercy meal is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. While other side dishes might be served, these are usually also classic Greek dishes.
Why do Orthodox wear black after death?
One generally finds that at funerals, the clergy wear white rather than black, as our mourning is observed in the hope we hold in the resurrection and the eternal life God promises those who place their faith and hope in His love—hope that is best signified by white, rather than black.
Why do they put netting over a casket?
CLASS. A casket veil, also called a pall or mortcloth, is a veil that is placed over the corpse inside the coffin. These embellish the display of the body itself during a wake or before a burial, and also grant dignity and respect to the deceased by covering the body with a beautiful garment.
Can you be cremated if you are Greek Orthodox?
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. For decades the Greek Orthodox Church had strongly opposed cremation, saying the body is God’s creation and cannot be burned.
Are tattoos permitted in the Orthodox Church?
Orthodox Jews, in application of Halakha (Jewish Law), reveal Leviticus 19:28 prohibits getting tattoos: “Do not make gashes in your skin for the dead. Do not make any marks on your skin.
What happens at a Russian Orthodox funeral?
The Russian Orthodox funeral service observes quite a strict structure. It contains readings from scripture, hymns and the Psalms. During the funeral service, the mourners circle the open coffin in an anti-clockwise direction, taking the time to kiss the person who has died, or lay flowers upon them.
Do Russian Orthodox believe in cremation?
Cremation — the practice of burning the body after death — is considered inconsistent with Orthodox doctrine. The Orthodox Church looks to the origins of Christianity and early burial practices among the faithful in this position.
Why are people buried without shoes?
In some historic eras, much like today, people were buried without shoes because it seemed wasteful. In the Middle Ages specifically, shoes were very expensive. It made more sense to pass on shoes to people who were still alive.
What do funeral homes do with the blood from dead bodies?
The blood and bodily fluids just drain down the table, into the sink, and down the drain. This goes into the sewer, like every other sink and toilet, and (usually) goes to a water treatment plant. Now any items that are soiled with blood—those cannot be thrown away in the regular trash.
What happens at a Russian Orthodox funeral service?
The Russian Orthodox funeral service observes quite a strict structure. It contains readings from scripture, hymns and the Psalms. During the funeral service, the mourners circle the open coffin in an anti-clockwise direction, taking the time to kiss the person who has died, or lay flowers upon them.
What are some traditions in Russia when someone dies?
Russian Burial Customs In Russian Orthodox tradition, a procession brings the body to its final resting place. Mourners throw sticks behind them as they proceed to the cemetery, helping to block evil spirits from following them. In both Orthodox and Jewish traditions, mourners throw or shovel dirt onto the casket.
Is embalming necessary for an Orthodox funeral?
Embalming is not the preferred way to treat a body in the Orthodox Church, but it would not be considered a hinderance to an Orthodox funeral. Funeral Home regulations will often prevent having an open casket funeral if the body is not embalmed, but it should be noted clearly that there is no federal or state law that requires embalming.
What is the Orthodox Church’s view on cremation?
Out of deep respect for the creation of God, as that body was created by God Himself, and was the “temple of the Holy Spirit” by Holy Chrismation, the Orthodox Church is not allowing cremation. A funeral with cremains is not possible, and neither is a funeral where it is known that the body will be cremated afterwards.
