What happens at an Eastern Orthodox funeral in Australia?
Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox funerals in Australia are formal church rites centred on the resurrection, the dignity of the body and burial. Russian, Serbian, Antiochian, Romanian, Ukrainian and other Eastern Orthodox churches have their own languages and customs. Coptic, Armenian, Syriac and Ethiopian churches belong to the Oriental Orthodox family and have different liturgies, though they share many burial customs.
What should be arranged early?
Contact the parish priest before booking the funeral time. The priest will confirm the service order, whether the coffin is open, whether the body is brought to the church, and whether a graveside service is needed. The funeral director should also confirm cemetery requirements, because burial is the usual practice.
If the person or family is Coptic, Serbian, Russian, Antiochian or from another Orthodox community, use the priest from that community where possible. Language, music and memorial customs may differ.
The church service
An Orthodox funeral usually includes psalms, litanies, hymns, incense and prayers for the person who has passed away. The coffin may be placed near the front of the church, often open if the family and priest agree. The priest may bless the body and coffin.
The final kiss may be included. Mourners approach the coffin to say farewell, often kissing an icon, cross or the person's hand. Some guests may find this unfamiliar, but it is a normal part of many Orthodox services.
The hymn Memory Eternal is common in Eastern Orthodox funerals. It is a prayer that the person be remembered before God.
Burial, cremation and memorials
Burial is the normal Orthodox practice. Cremation is generally not accepted because the body is treated with continuing dignity and hope of resurrection. Families should not book a cremation before speaking with the priest.
A graveside service usually follows the church funeral. The priest says prayers as the coffin is lowered or placed for burial. Earth may be placed on the coffin.
Memorial prayers may be held on set days after burial. The timing varies by tradition, but the third, ninth and 40th days are common in several Orthodox communities, followed by later anniversaries.
What guests should know
Dress conservatively in dark or muted colours. Stand when others stand. You are not expected to know the prayers. If the final kiss is offered and you are not comfortable participating, you may simply stand aside respectfully.
Flowers are common in many Orthodox funerals, though family custom varies. A wake or meal after the burial is also common.
Further reading
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
- Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions
- ABS: Religious affiliation in Australia
Frequently asked questions
Is cremation allowed in Orthodox funerals?
Is the casket always open?
How long is the service?
Can non-Orthodox guests attend?
What is Memory Eternal?
When you are ready
This guide is general information to help Australian families, editorially reviewed by the Funerals Direct team from publicly available sources. It is not legal or financial advice. Funeral prices change and vary by provider and region, so always ask for an itemised written quote. For prepaid funerals, bonds, or insurance, consider speaking with an independent financial adviser or a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007.
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