Orthodox Funerals in Canada — Trisagion, Funeral Service, and Burial
Eastern Orthodox Christianity — Greek, Russian, Serbian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Antiochian, and other traditions — has one of the most ancient and structured funeral rites in Christian practice. In Canada, the parish priest is the central coordinator, and the service is held at the parish church. This guide covers the sequence of an Orthodox funeral and what families can expect. (Oriental Orthodox churches — Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopian, Syriac — share a similar gravity of practice but have their own distinct rites; those families should consult their own parish.)
The sequence of an Orthodox funeral
1. Soon after death
The family notifies the parish priest, who comes to pray for the departed — often a first Trisagion or Panikhida. The body is traditionally washed and dressed by the family or the funeral home. Orthodox custom favours burial within a few days rather than a long delay.
2. The wake or vigil
Before the funeral, the body is brought to the church or funeral home for a vigil. The Psalter (the Book of Psalms) is read aloud over the body, and Panikhida memorial services are served. Traditionally the vigil lasted three days; in Canada it is now commonly a single evening. An open casket is typical.
3. The funeral service
The central rite — the Order for the Burial of the Dead — is held at the parish church and is fully chanted. It usually includes:
- Psalms and the funeral canon
- The hymns (Idiomela) of St John of Damascus
- The Beatitudes
- An Epistle reading (commonly 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17) and a Gospel reading (commonly John 5:24–30)
- The final farewell, or last kiss, when mourners come forward to venerate an icon or cross and bid the departed goodbye
Length: about 60–90 minutes. Open to all.
4. Procession and burial
The Trisagion is sung as the body is carried out. Burial in the ground is the Orthodox tradition. The priest leads a short committal service at the graveside.
Cremation in Orthodox practice
Eastern Orthodox practice traditionally does not permit cremation; the body is buried. In many jurisdictions a priest will not serve a church funeral when cremation has been chosen, although pastoral practice and exceptions vary. Any question about cremation should be discussed directly with the parish priest before arrangements are made.
Memorial services
Orthodox remembrance continues after the funeral. Panikhida memorial services are traditionally served on the:
- 3rd day
- 9th day
- 40th day
and then at three, six, and nine months and on annual anniversaries. Koliva — boiled wheat sweetened with honey and often decorated — is blessed at these services as a symbol of the resurrection.
Practical planning
- Contact the parish priest as soon as possible
- Choose a funeral home experienced with Orthodox services
- Schedule the vigil and funeral service around the parish's liturgical calendar (the priest advises on permitted days)
- Confirm burial plans and the cemetery
- Discuss any cremation question with the priest directly
- Plan the memorial services (3rd, 9th, 40th day) and the post-funeral meal
The priest guides families through each step. First-time arrangers do not need to know the whole service in advance.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures religious tradition preferences. For Orthodox families, recording the parish, preferred priest, burial wishes, and memorial expectations gives the family clear direction during a short planning window.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Orthodox Church in America — The Funeral — Orthodox Church in America
- [2]Orthodox Church in America — Trisagion Service — Orthodox Church in America
- [3]Orthodox Church in America — Cremation — Orthodox Church in America
- [4]Orthodox Church in America — Prayers for the Departed — Orthodox Church in America
Frequently asked questions
What happens right after an Orthodox death?
The family notifies the parish priest, who leads prayers for the departed — often a first Trisagion or Panikhida at the home, hospital, or funeral home. The body is washed and dressed, and arrangements are made with a funeral home and the parish. Orthodox tradition favours burial within a few days rather than a long delay.
What are the Trisagion and Panikhida?
Both are Orthodox prayer services for the departed. The Trisagion (Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us) is a short memorial often served the evening before the funeral and on anniversaries. The Panikhida, also called Parastas, is a fuller memorial service of psalms, litanies, and hymns of mercy and resurrection hope.
Does the Orthodox Church allow cremation?
Traditionally no. Eastern Orthodox practice expects burial of the body, and many jurisdictions do not permit a church funeral when cremation has been chosen — a priest may decline to serve the service. Practice and pastoral exceptions vary by jurisdiction and circumstance, so discuss any cremation question directly with the parish priest.
What is the last kiss or final farewell?
Near the end of the funeral service, mourners come forward to bid a final farewell to the departed, venerating an icon or cross placed with the body and paying their respects. Orthodox funerals commonly use an open casket. The priest guides attendees on what to do.
When are Orthodox memorial services held?
Memorials are traditionally served on the 3rd, 9th, and 40th days after death, and then at three, six, and nine months and on annual anniversaries. Koliva — boiled wheat sweetened with honey — is often blessed at these services as a symbol of the resurrection.
Can non-Orthodox attend an Orthodox funeral?
Yes. Orthodox funerals are open to all who wish to pay their respects. Non-Orthodox attendees are welcome to be present, and venerating icons or the cross is optional. The priest typically explains the parts of the service.