How to Write an Orthodox Obituary and Funeral Program

Writing an obituary for an Orthodox Christian follows conventions that are different from standard secular or Protestant obituaries. The language reflects the Church's theology of death as a temporary separation rather than a final ending, and the practical details need to account for the specific structure of Orthodox funeral services.

The Obituary

Opening

Orthodox obituaries typically use the phrase "fell asleep in the Lord" or "departed this life" rather than "passed away" or "died." The theological language is deliberate: Orthodox Christianity views death as a sleep from which the person will awaken at the resurrection.

Standard opening: "[Full name], age [age], fell asleep in the Lord on [date] in [city, state]."

If the deceased held a specific role in the Church (choir director, altar server, Philoptochos president), mention it early.

Biographical Information

Include the standard biographical elements — birthplace, parents, education, career, marriage, children — but frame the life through its parish connections:

• The parish where the deceased was a member
• Years of active membership
• Church organizations served (Philoptochos, choir, parish council, Sunday school)
• The baptismal/chrismation date, if known and significant

Service Details

This section follows a specific structure because Orthodox funerals have multiple services across multiple days:

"Trisagion will be offered on [day, date] at [time] at [location]."

"Funeral services will be held on [day, date] at [time] at [church name and address], with Father [priest name] officiating."

"Interment will follow at [cemetery name and address]."

"The Makaria (mercy meal) will be held immediately following the interment at [venue]."

The Donation Line

This is where you redirect guests from flowers to charitable giving:

"In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to [organization name and address] in memory of [deceased's name]."

Common recipients: the parish general fund, Philoptochos, a theological seminary, or International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

Closing

Orthodox obituaries close with a spiritual petition rather than a secular sentiment:

"May his/her memory be eternal."

This is a traditional Orthodox closing phrase, though families may choose other wording.

The Funeral Program

A funeral program (service booklet) is not liturgically required, but it is helpful for guests — especially non-Orthodox attendees — who want to follow along with the service.

What to Include

Cover: The deceased's full name, dates of birth and repose, a small cross or icon, and the parish name.

Inside left panel: A brief biographical summary (shorter than the obituary).

Inside right panel: The order of service in simplified form:

• Opening prayers and Trisagion
• Psalm 90 (91)
• The Beatitudes
• Epistle reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17
• Gospel reading: John 5:24–30
• Hymns of St. John of Damascus
• The Kontakion of the Departed
• The Last Kiss
• Sealing of the body
• "Memory Eternal"

Back panel: Acknowledgments, pallbearer names, and the mercy meal details.

What Not to Include

• Song lyrics or secular poetry — the funeral service is entirely liturgical; secular content does not belong in the program
• Photographs of the deceased at secular events — a baptismal photo or an icon is appropriate; a vacation photo is not
• Directions for personal eulogies — there are no eulogies during the church service

The Death Notice

A death notice is the shorter, paid announcement published in newspapers and online obituary platforms. It includes only the essential facts:

• Full name and age
• Date and place of repose
• Surviving family members
• Service date, time, and location
• Donation instructions

Keep it factual and brief. The obituary (published separately and at greater length) carries the biographical detail.

For customizable obituary templates, funeral program layouts, and memorial announcement drafts that follow Orthodox conventions, the Eastern Orthodox Funeral Guide provides ready-to-use documents.