Funerals and Memorial Services

The Orthodox Funeral rites are patterned after the Holy Saturday services, fulfilling the work begun in baptism: “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Rom. 6.5, RSV). See below for resources related to funerals, burial, and memorial services at St Basil.

Memorial Services (Panikhida)

If you would like to schedule a Memorial Service for a loved one, please contact the priest. These are generally offered Saturdays before Vespers.

A Gift for my Loved Ones

The Orthodox Church in America offers this document to assist Orthodox Christians prepare for their death. It is never too soon to plan: we do so at every service (we pray for a “Christian ending to our life”), not morbidly but with hope. Having such a document is of great help to families in the midst of the grief and confusion that accompany the loss of a loved one. Here is the link to the document on OCA.org and a video guide.