Archeparchy of Winnipeg Crowning

UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC ARCHEPARCHY OF WINNIPEG
Українська Католицька Архиєпархія в Вінніпеґу

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Funeral

The Funeral Service of the Ukrainian Catholic Church

from the Malyj Trebnyk of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, Rome, 1973.

(Before the Funeral, right after death (reposing), the first Panakhyda should have already been served)

THE ORDER OF BURIAL

Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

Rx: Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.

All: Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord,

Jesus Christ,

All: our King and God.

PSALM 90: (Reader alone, or sung antiphonally. The priest incenses & the deacon precedes him with candle.)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,/ abides in the shadow of God of Heaven.* He will say to the Lord, "My Wall, my Refuge,/ my God in Whom I trust!"* He it is Who will save you from the hunter's snare,/ and from the deadly pestilence.* With His pinions, He will overshadow you:/ and beneath His wings you shall rest secure.

As a shield, His truth shall cover you./ You shall not fear the terror of the night,/ nor the arrow that flies by day,/ Nor the thing that lurks about in darkness,/ nor the pestilence or demon of the noon.* Though a thousand may be falling at your side/ and ten thousand at your right, no harm will come to you.* But you with your eyes shall observe,/ and see the retribution of the wicked.* Because you have said: "O Lord, You are my hope!"/ and you have taken the Most High as your refuge,/ no evil shall come close to you,/ nor shall any scourge approach your dwelling.* For He will command the Angels to watch over all your ways./ In their hands they shall carry you/ lest you stumble with your foot against a stone.* Upon the asp and viper you shall tread;/ the lion and the dragon you shall trample.*

Because he trusted in Me, I will save him;/ I will protect him, for he knew My Name.* He will call on Me, and I will answer him,/ I am with him at the time of distress;* I will deliver him and give him glory./ With length of days I will feed him,/ and My salvation I will let him see.

Then the Reader: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

All now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia; glory be to You, O God! (3x)

The EKTENY OF PEACE

Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Rx: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: --For the servant(s) of God, name, and for his/her/their blessed repose, let us pray to the Lord.

--That all his/her/their transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, be forgiven, let us pray to the Lord.

--That he/she/they be numbered with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, let us pray to the Lord.

--That his/her/their soul be placed in the region of the living, in the place of light, where all the saints and the righteous repose, let us pray to the Lord.

--That he,she,they may stand without condemnation before the awe-some judgement seat of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

--That he/she may be an heir (That they may be heirs) of the immortal kingdom in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.

--That he,she may be a participant / they may be participants of the constant and eternal joy of the saints, let us pray to the Lord.

--That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath and mis-fortune, let us pray to the Lord.

--Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

--Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

Rx: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For you are the resurrection, life and repose of Your departed servant(s), name, Christ our God, and to You we send up glory, with your eternal Father, and Your all-holy, gracious and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and ever.

Rx: Amen.

The ALLELUIA:

Cantor: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (in the 8^th Tone)

Rx: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and taken to Yourself, O Lord.

Verse: And let their memory be from generation to generation.

The TROPAR: (Tone 8 - "You came down from on high, O merciful One.”)

All: With profound wisdom, and love for mankind, You arrange all things* and bestow beneficial things upon all, O only Creator and Lord.* Grant rest to the soul(s) of your servant(s),* for he/she/they has/have placed his/her/their hope in You,* our God who made and shaped us.

Cantor: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

All: now and for ever and ever. Amen. In you we have a rampart and a haven,* and an intercessor most acceptable to God,* whom you bore, O virgin Mother of God,* salvation of the faithful.

The 1st STASIS: (verses from Kathisma 17 - Psalm 118)

Clergy/Cantors:

Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!

Rx: Remember, O Lord, the soul(s) of your servant(s)

Verse: Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,

who seek Him with their whole heart....

Verse: The law of Your mouth is better to me *

than thousands of silver and gold....

Verse: Your hands have made and fashioned me....

Then the Cantor, three times to another melody:

If Your law had not been my delight * I should have perished in my affliction.

Rx: I will never forget Your precepts,* for by them You have given me life.

Like this twice. The third time, all conclude at a higher pitch.

The Little Litany for the Reposed:

Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: We also pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, (N.) who has fallen asleep, and for the forgiveness of his offenses, voluntary and involuntary.

People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That the Lord God may place his soul where all the just repose.

People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Let us ask Christ our immortal King and our God, for the mercy of God, for the kingdom of heaven, and for the forgiveness of his sins.

People: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For You, O Christ our God, are the resurrection, the life and the repose of Your servant, (N.), who has fallen asleep; and we give glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your most holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

People: Amen.

The 2nd STASIS: (verses from Kathisma 17 - Psalm 118)

verses from Kathisma 17 - Psalm 118

Clergy/Cantors: I am yours,* save me!

Rx: Saviour,* save the soul of Your servant(s)

Verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet, * and a light to my path....

Verse: I opened my lips and sighed, * for I have sought your precepts....

Verse: Look upon me and be merciful to me,

as is your good pleasure towards those who love your name....

Verse: Let my cry come before you, O Lord;

give me understanding according to your word....

Then the Cantor, three times to another melody:

Give life to my soul that I may praise You, * let Your decrees give me help.

Rx: I have gone astray like a lost sheep,

seek Your servant for I have not forgotten Your commandments.

Like this twice. The third time, all conclude at a higher pitch.

The BLESSED ARE YOU, O LORD: The priest incenses the entire church. All sing this refrain together:

Rx: Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

The choir of saints have found the fountain of life and the door of paradise,* May I also find the way through repentance.* I am a lost sheep,* call me, O Saviour, and save me. (Refrain)

Of old out of nothingness you created me,* and with your divine image you honoured me.* For transgressing your commandment* you returned me to the earth from which I was taken,* but restore in me your likeness,* that I might receive again the beautiful image of old. (Refrain)

I am the image of Your ineffable glory,* though I bear the brands of transgressions.* Pity Your creature, O Master,* and purify me by Your loving-kindness.* Grant me the homeland of my heart's desire,* making me again a citizen of paradise. (Refrain)

You that have walked the narrow way of grief,* you that have borne the Cross as your yoke in life,* you that have followed me in faith,* receive the heavenly crowns that I have prepared for you. (Refrain)

For preaching the Lamb of God,* you holy martyrs were led as lambs to the slaughter.* You have been received into unfading and everlasting life.* Now entreat the Lord to grant us forgiveness of sins. (Refrain)

Give rest to the soul(s) of your servant(s), O God,* and establish him/her/them in paradise,* where the choirs of the saints and of the just, O Lord,* shine like the stars of heaven.* Give rest to your servant(s) who has/have fallen asleep,* overlooking all his/her/their transgressions. (Refrain)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son,* and to the Holy Spirit;

Let us praise the threefold splendour of the one Godhead, crying:* Holy are You, O Father without beginning,* Co-eternal Son* and Divine Spirit.* Enlighten us who serve You in faith,* and deliver us from eternal fire.

now and for ever,* and ever. Amen.

Rejoice, O exalted Lady!* You gave birth to God in the flesh for the salvation of all.* Through you the human race has found salvation,* and we have found paradise,* O pure, most blessed* Theotokos.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia; glory be to You, O God! (3x)

The Little Litany for the Reposed: (The responses as before. The priest incenses.)

The TROPARS: (Irmologion Melody or in Tone 8)

Give rest with the just * O Saviour, to Your servant(s) * Establish him/her/them in Your courts * as it is written.

Disregard his/her/their transgressions * both voluntary and involuntary. * committed in knowledge or in ignorance. * O only Lover of mankind!

Glory….now…..

From a virgin You did shine forth to the world * O Christ our God. * Through her making us children of light, * have mercy on us!

If appointed, in Ukrainian the Kondak from the Canon may be taken instead, Tone 8:

Зі святими упокой, Христе, * душу раба Твого або душу раби Твоєї або душі рабів Твоїх, * де немає болізні ні печалі * ні зідхання, * але життя безконечне!

Psalm 50: (usually Reader alone)

Canon of Teofan

Ode 1.

Irmos: When Israel passed on foot over the deep as if it were dry land and beheld their pursuer Pharaoh drowning in the sea, they cried aloud: let us sing to God a song of victory.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: In their heavenly mansions the noble martyrs pray to You, O Christ, and beseech You without cease that Your departed servant(s) may participate in Your eternal blessing.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)

Reader: O Savior, after You had made all things in perfection, You fashioned me as a man and put me in the world a being made of grandeur and weakness. Wherefore give rest to the soul(s) of Your servant(s).

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Reader: O Creator, You created me at the beginning to be a citizen of paradise and a tiller of the earth. But when I transgressed Your commandment You expelled me. Wherefore give rest to the soul of Your servant.

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Reader: O most immaculate Mother of God, He Who from the beginning formed Eve, our first mother, from the rib of Adam, in your very womb took flesh through which He overcame the power of death.

Ode 3.

Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, O Lord my God, Who hast exalted the power of Thy faithful, O Blessed One, and hast established us upon the rock of Thy confession.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: O Giver of Life, Your martyrs have fought the good fight and are now adorned with the crowns of victory. By their prayers may they obtain everlasting deliverance for our faithful departed

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)

Reader: O Lord, from old You have instructed me through many signs and wonders; yet I erred and was lost. But You were again moved by compassion for me, and emptied Yourself that You might seek me, find me and save me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Reader: O Good Lord, purify by faith and Your grace this Your departed servant who left the transient and corruptible things of this world and make him/her/them worthy to dwell in the joy of Your eternal tabernacle in heaven

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Reader: O Most immaculate Mother of God, no one is free from blemish like you, for you alone did bear your womb Him Who is God from all eternity and who destroyed the power of death.

Ekteny for the Reposed

Sessional Hymn: (Tone 6)
Truly all things are vanity. Life is but a shadow and a dream. For in vain does everyone born on earth trouble himself, as the Scriptures say. When we have gained the world, we take up our abode in the grave, where kings and beggars lie down together. Give rest, therefore, to Your servant(s) departed this life, O Christ our God, for You are the Lover of Mankind.

Cantor: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen

O most-holy Theotokos, throughout my life do not forsake me, do not leave me at the mercy of others, but yourself intercede and have mercy on me.

Ode 4.

Irmos: Christ is my strength, my God and my Lord, the Sacred Church sings in a manner befitting God, with a pure mind keeping festival unto the Lord

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: O Lord, You have displayed supreme wisdom and great love in the distribution of Your graces, when You placed the martyrs among the choirs of angels

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)

Reader: Grant, O Christ, that he/she/they who has/have gone from this life to You, may be received in Your unspeakable glory where happiness reigns and the sound of pure joy is always heard

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Reader: O Most-merciful Christ, receive Your departed servant(s) whom You have removed from this world. Make him/her/them a child/children of light and dispel the darkness of his/her/their sins for he/she/they sing(s) a hymn of praise to Your divine power.

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Reader: The Lord has chosen you, O Beauty of Jacob, as a pure vessel, a temple undefiled, a most holy ark, a Virgin of perfection.

Ode 5.

Irmos: With Thy light divine, O Good One, illumine, I ask Thee, the souls of those who in love keep vigil that they may know Thee, O Word of God, as the true God, who recalls them from the darkness of sin.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: The martyrs were offered to our glorious God as a holy sacrifice and as first-fruits of our human nature. They are interceding for our salvation constantly.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)

Reader: O Lord, bring Your departed servant(s) to the heavenly abodes, to Your mansion of grace and grant him/her/them forgiveness of his/her/their sins

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Reader: O You, our Lord, who alone are the author of life, merciful and immortal, the unsearchable depth of goodness; make of Your departed servant(s) a partaker/partakers of Your Kingdom

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Reader: O Sovereign Lady, you are the Mother of God. Christ, the power and glory of the world, was born of you and became the salvation of those who perished. He also delivered from the gates of Hades all those who sing to you a hymn of praise.

Ode 6.

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging high with the storm of temptations, I have fled to Thy tranquil haven and cry out to Thee: “Raise up my life from corruption, O greatly merciful One!”

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: O Christ, by your crucifixion, You joined to Yourself the holy martyrs who are imitators of Your passion. Wherefore we pray to You to give rest to the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s)

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)

Reader: O Savior, when You will come back in the clouds of heaven, terrible in the glory of Your unspeakable power to judge the world, deign that this/these Your faithful departed servant(s) whom You have taken from this world may meet Your coming with a radiant face/radiant faces.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Reader: O Master, You are the fountain of life, You are the divine and mighty deliverer of those who are bound in Hades. Make Your faithful servant(s) who has/have left this life to dwell in the delight of paradise.

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Reader: O Virgin Mother of God, when we transgressed the commandments of God, we were returned to dust. But through You, we have shaken off the corruption of death and have been raised from earth to heaven.

Ekteny for the Reposed

Kondak: (Tone 8)
With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul(s) of Thy servant(s) where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor signing, but life everlasting.

Ikos: (Reader alone, or according to custom)
You alone are immortal, who have created and fashioned man. For out of earth were we mortals made, and unto the same earth shall we return again, as You did command when You fashioned me, saying to me: For earth you are, and to the earth shall you return, whither we mortals all shall go

(All sing)
Our funeral lamenting, forming the song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Ode 7. Irmos

An angel made the furnace moist with dew for the godly children, and the command of God consuming the Chaldeans made the tyrant cry out: “Blessed Art Thou, O God of our Fathers!”

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: The martyrs who were redeemed from the first transgression by your blood, and later were cleansed of their sins in their own, clearly represented your sacrifice, O Christ. Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of your servant(s)

Reader: O Word of God and principle of life, You have destroyed the terror of death. Receive now, O Christ, your departed servant(s) who passed away in the faith and who sing(s) to You a hymn of praise saying: “Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.”

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

Reader: O Master, who gave a spirit to man by your divine breath, O our very God; make your departed servant(s) worthy of your heavenly Kingdom that he/she/they may sing to You: “Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.”

Now and forever and ever. Amen

Reader: O Most immaculate Mother of God, you became more exalted than all beings when you conceived in your womb God who broke the gates of Hades and destroyed its very foundation. Therefore we faithful, sing to you a hymn of praise, O most pure Mother of God.

Ode 8.

Irmos: Out of the flames Thou didst drop dew on the godly ones, and with water didst kindle the sacrifice of the Righteous one for Thou doest all things as Thou willest, O Christ, we exalt Thee throughout all ages.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: O martyrs, victorious in Christ, valiant in battle and adorned with the crown of victory, you cried out: “We exalt You, O Christ, for ever!”

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of your servant(s)

Reader: O Master, Christ our God, in your tender mercy receive those who have run their course and are now in your hands, and give them repose that they may exalt You for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

Reader: Deign, O Savior, to justify by faith and grace all the departed, and receive them in the land of the meek, that they may exalt You for ever.

Now and forever and ever. Amen

Reader: We all bless you, O most blessed Mother of God. You brought forth the Blessed Word of God who became flesh for our sake. Wherefore we exalt Him forever.

Ode 9.

Irmos: It is not possible for men to see God upon whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze, but through Thee, O All-Pure One was the Word Incarnate revealed unto men, whom magnifying together with the heavenly hosts, we call thee blessed!

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of Your servant(s)
Tropars: Reader: O good Lord, Jesus Christ, the grace of hope strengthened the choirs of martyrs and enflamed them with your love, which carried them to your eternal and unshakable repose; grant that this/these your departed servant(s) may partake of this same repose.

Give rest, O Lord to the soul(s) of your servant(s)

Reader: O Christ, our God, grant that this/these faithful departed may obtain the glory of your divine radiance and give him/her/them repose in the bosom o Abraham and the everlasting beatitude of heaven, for You alone are merciful.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

Reader: You alone are kind, O Lord, You are compassionate loving and merciful, and of endless goodness, Grant that your departed servant(s) whom You have removed from this abode of sorrow and shadow of death the favour of living in the light of your face.

Now and forever and ever. Amen

Reader: O pure Virgin Mother of God, we acknowledge you to be a holy tabernacle, the ark of the Law and a table laden with grace: through your intercession, remission of sins was given to those justified by the blood of Christ who was incarnate in your womb, O most pure Virgin Mother of God!

The STICHERA OF ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS:

(Tone 1): What pleasure is there in life that is not mixed with sorrow?* What glory on earth that lasts?* All are more fleeting than shadows,* and more deceitful than a dream.* In one moment death takes all away.* But You, O Christ, in the light of Your face, in the beauty of Your holiness,* give peace to our brother/sister You have chosen,* for You are the Lover of mankind.

(Tone 2): What struggle my soul will have to sustain when its time will come to be separated from my body!* What suffering I shall have to endure alone.* No one will be at hand to have mercy on me.* If I turn my eyes teven to angels, I wil be pleading in vain.* If I xstretch out my hands to my fellow men, I will find no one to help.* Beloved, let us then consider how short is our life,* and look to Christ* who alone grants mercy and peace.

(Tone 3): All human endeavor is vanity since it cannot survive the grave.* Will riches survive, or glory attend us beyond the tomb?* No, when death approaches,* all these vanish.* Let us then cry to Christ our Immortal King:--* that He may give rest to him/her who is departed from us,* and place him/her in the joy of heaven!

(Tone 4): Where are the affections of the the world?* Where are the vain dreams of delight?* Where is gold or silver?* Where is the multitude of servants and attendants?* (All is dust and ashes and shadow) But come, let us cry to the immortal King:--* Lord, deem worthy of eternal joy the one who has been taken from us.* Giving him/her rest* in the never-ending joy of Your kingdom.

(Tone 5): Let us call to mind the words of the prophet who said:* “I am dust and ashes.”* Let us look at the graves and at the bones they contain.* Is there a difference between king and beggar?* Where is the rich and where the poor?* Where is the just and where the sinner?* O Lord, our God, give rest to the soul of your servant,* and number him/her among the Just.

(Tone 6): O Lord, my God,* you have endowed me with two elements:* one visible and the other invisible.* You have formed my body from clay,* and breathed into me a soul* from your divine breath.* O Christ our God,* give rest to the soul of your servant* in the kingdom of those who live forever* and in the company of the just.

(Tone 7): In the beginning You made man in Your image and likeness,* You placed him in paradise and gave him power over the whole creation.* But he was deceived by the devil* and transgressed Your command by tasting of the forbidden fruit.* You sentenced him to return to that dust from which he had been taken.* Wherefore we pray to You, our God:* To grant peace and rest to Your departed servant.

(Tone 8): I weep and lament when I consider death,* and when I think of those who are laid in the grave.* Where is now that moving beauty created in the likeness of God?* Where is the glorious form?* O Wonder! What happened that we are now delivered up to corruption?* And how did death come into our life?* God alone, by His will and command* has power* to grant peace and rest to our souls.

THE BEATITUDES: (Tone 6, with refrain:)

Clergy/Cantor: In Your kingdom/ remember us, O Lord,/ in Your kingdom!

Verses: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

All sing the refrain: Remember us, O Lord,/ in Your kingdom!

Verses: Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted….

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land….

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied….

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy….

The Tropars may be interpolated from this point on.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God….

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God….

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven….

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you, and utter

every kind of evil word against you falsely because of me….

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven!....

(Tone 6 – as in “Heavenly King”)

Cantor: Glory in Tone 6: Glory to the Father and to the Son,*

All: and to the Holy Spirit. I adore God the Father because He is eternal,* and God the Son because He is begotten of the Father,* and God the Holy Spirit because He proceeds from the Father,* and is resplendant with the Father and the Son.

Cantor: Now and forever,* and ever. Amen.

All: O Virgin, how did you give forth from your breast this abundance of milk?* How did you sustain the Sustainer of all creation?* of whom it is written that He made water gush from the rock;* a stream to quench the thirst of the people.

The LITURGY OF THE WORD:

The Prokimen:

Cantor: The Prokimen in the 6^th Tone:

Blessed is the way* whereupon you walk today* O soul,

for a place of rest* is prepared for you.

Rx: Blessed is the way* whereupon you walk today* O soul,

for a place of rest* is prepared for you.

Cantor: To You, O Lord, I call. * Do not turn in silence away from me.

Rx: Blessed is the way* whereupon you walk today* O soul,

for a place of rest* is prepared for you.

Cantor: Blessed is the way* whereupon you walk today* O soul,

Rx: For a place of rest* is prepared for you.

The Apostle Reading: (Thessalonians, Pericope 270)

Reader chants the Apostol:

Brethren, we would not have you ignorant concerning those who are asleep, lest you should grieve, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so with Him God will bring those also who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For this we say to you in the word of the Lord, that we who live, who survive until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself with cry of command, with voice of archangel, and with trumpet of God will descend from heaven; and the dead in Christ will rise up first. Then we who live, who survive, shall be caught up together with them in clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with the Lord

Priest: Peace to you, reader.

Reader: And to your spirit.

The Gospel Reading: (John, Pericope 16 { 5, 24-30})

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: The Alleluia in the 6th tone: (Ps. 64, 101:)

All: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse: Blessed are they whom you have chosen and taken, O Lord.

Verse: Their memory will last from age to age.

Deacon: Wisdom. Stand aright. Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be with all.

Rx: And with your spirit.

Priest: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John the Evangelist.

Rx: Glory be to You, O Lord; glory be to You!

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

The Lord said to the Judeans who came to Him: Amen, amen, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come to judgment, but has passed from death into life. Amen, Amen, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is comng in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent me.

Rx: Glory be to You, O Lord; glory be to You!

Funeral Sermon

The Rite of the THE FINAL KISS: (Tone 2, Podoben: "Єгда от древа")

Those present approach for the Final Kiss. The family does so last. Note: if plural: use “they,” “them” and “their”.

Come, brethren, let us give a final kiss to him/her who has fallen asleep,* and let us give thanks to God.* He/she has left his/her own peoplae and is now in the grave.* No longer is his/her mind concerned with passing things or with the flesh so weak.* We his/her relatives and friends are cut away from him/her.* Let us ask the Lord to give him/her rest.

O tell us now, dear brother/sister,* where are you going, in silence, without a word?* Return to us,* wipe away the tears of your family and friends.* See how they weep for you.* Where now are the loved ones and those dear to you?* Behold, the time has come to part.* Truly, all human endeavor is vanity.

I go now to my Judge, the Lord God, to stand for judgment,* to give answer for all my deeds.* And so I beg you, pray for me,* that the Saviour might be merciful to me this day of judgement.* Behold, the time has come to part.* Truly, all human endeavor is vanity.

When the dreadful angels have torn our spirit from our body,* then kindred and acquaintanace are no longer remembered.* The future judgement alone engages our attention;* the vain pursuits and fruitless labours of life are at an end.* Let us now beseech Christ our Judge* to forgive the sins of the departed.

Our life is but a fragile flower, a vapour,* a drop of dew in the morning.* Let us then approach and consider the grave:* Where now is the graceful form?* Where is youth? Where are the bright eyes?* Where is the moving beauty of the face?* All has withered as the grass of the field and vanished.* Come, brethren, let us fall on our knees before Christ.

It is now the time to part, O brethren,* now the time to groan and weep.* Come therefore, and give a last kiss to the one who just yesterday was with us.* For now he/she is being given to the tomb,* to be covered by a stone,* to dwell in the darkness of the earth,* laid to rest with those who sleep,* separated from family and loved ones.* That he/she might be given rest, let us pray to the Lord.

We may repeat as needed. Then: (Tone 6 = melody of ”Heavenly King”)

Cantor: Glory in the 6^th Tone: Glory be to the Father and to the Son,*

All: and to the Holy Spirit;

Listen to the words of farewell of our beloved departed:* O you, my brethren and beloved ones,* my acquaintances and relatives,* when you see me lying voiceless and deprived of breath,* you well may weep for me:* for yesterday I spoke with you,* and suddenly, the terrible hour of death fell upon me.* Come, all of you who love me and greet me with a final kiss,* for never again shall I walk with you or talk with you.* I go before the Judge where there is no respect of persons,* where slave and master stand together,* king and soldier, rich and poor in equal worthiness,* for each is glorified or shamed according to his deeds.* But I beg you all and entreat you unceasingly* to pray Christ God for me,* that I be not sent to the place of torment because of my sins.* but that He may place me* where the light of life is shining.

Cantor: “Both Now” in the same Tone. Now and for ever,*

All: and ever. Amen.

Save those who place their trust in you,* O Mother of the Sun that has no setting.* O you who bore God, we beseech you,* by your prayers entreat the all-merciful God,* that He might grant rest to the one who has been taken from us with the spirits of the just,* making him/her an heir of divine good things in the place of the righteous,* in eternal memory.

The PANAKHYDA: The concluding section of the Funeral: the Panakhyda)

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. * Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; * pardon our transgressions, O Master; * look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; * for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

now and for ever, Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

People: Amen.

The Tropars for the Reposed: (The priest incenses the Reposed)

All:
With the just spirits who have reached their end, give repose to the souls of Your servants, O Savior, keeping them in the happiness of life in Your presence, O You Who love mankind.
In Your abode, O Lord, where all Your saints repose, give rest also to the souls of Your servants, for You alone love mankind.

Cantor: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

You are the God Who went down into Hades and loosed the chains of those in bondage: also to the souls of Your servants, O Savior, give repose.

Cantor: Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Only chaste and immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without seed, intercede before Him for the salvation of their souls.

The Litany for the Reposed:

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

All:         Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: We also pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, (N.) who has fallen asleep, and for the forgiveness of his offenses, voluntary and involuntary.

All:         Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That the Lord God may place his soul where all the just repose.

All:         Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Let us ask Christ our immortal King and our God, for the mercy of God, for the kingdom of heaven, and for the forgiveness of his sins.

All:         Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

All:         Lord, have mercy.

Priest: God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled death, You made the devil powerless, and You gave life to Your world. Now, O Lord, to the soul of Your servant, (N.), who has fallen asleep, grant rest in a place of light, a place of verdure, and a place of tranquility, from which pain, sorrow and mourning have fled. As the good and loving God, forgive every sin of thought, word or deed he has committed. There is no one who will live and will not sin, for You alone are sinless. Your justice is everlasting justice and Your word is truth.

For You, O Christ our God, are the resurrection, the life and the repose of Your servant, (N.), who has fallen asleep; and we give glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your most holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All:         Amen.

The Dismissal:

Deacon: Wisdom.

All:         More honorable than the cherubim and by far more glorious than the seraphim; ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word; O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.

All:         Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Give the Blessing.

Priest: Christ our true God, Who has power over the living and the dead, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-praiseworthy apostles; of our venerable and godly fathers, and of all the saints, will place the soul of His servants, (N.), which has departed from us, in the abode of the just, and will give him rest in the bosom of Abraham, and number him among the just, and will have mercy on us, for He is good and loves mankind.

All:         Amen.

The Вічная Пам'ять:

Priest: Grant, O Lord, eternal rest in blessed repose to Your ever-to-be-remembered servant, (N.), and make his/her memory eternal.

Rx: Memory Eternal. [or Вічная Пам’ять] (6x)

With the saints grant him/her/them rest, O Christ

Memory Eternal. [or Вічная Пам’ять]

The casket is brought to the Narthex. Priest pronounces the Final Absolution & places it in the hand of the Reposed.

Rx: Amen.

AT THE CEMETERY: Тhe casket is placed on the grave. The priest takes the shovel and casts earth upon the casket in the form of the cross, saying:

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world, and all who live in it.

Then, he takes oil from the lamp and pours it upon the body &/or takes the censer and empties the ash into the grave.

Earth, dust and ashes is what you are, O man, and therefore, according to the will of God, you return to the earth once again.

The Priest taking the Cross, he signs the casket at the head, feet and both sides, saying:

This grave is sealed until the second coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ,

in the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit + Amen.

As the casket is lowered into the grave, the priest sprinkles it with Holy Water.

All sing the following according to Tone 8, samohlasnyy

O earth, be opened,* and accept the one who was created from you.* He/She returns once again to you,* for you have given him/her birth.* That which is the image of God* has returned to the Creator,* but you, O earth, accept now the body.

Rubrics of the ancient Service books direct that as the grave is being filled, the Panakhyda,is sung beginning with “With the spirits of the righteous” and the Triple Litany for the Dead,

All sing: “Memory Eternal” and depart, in prayerful recollection.

The end of the Funeral Service

and Glory to God.

Annotations:

THE ORDER OF BURIAL: According to the Service Books, the Funeral is a Service called: “the Order of Burial” It is an extended form of the Parastas - including inter alia: the Stichera of St. John of Damascus, funeral Bible Readings, the Beatitudes, and the Rite of the Final Kiss.

The Body: The Service Books prescribe the practice of having the body of the reposed Christian placed in the church (rather than the funeral home), at least for the evening before the Funeral. A Vigil or Wake is described where the Psalter is read over the Reposed. (The Psalms may be read also before the Funeral begins, while the mourners are waiting for the Service to commence.)

THE PARASTAS - This is the memorial service of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. It is an abbreviated version of the Order of Burial. Those requesting the service bring a loaf of sweet bread or a bowl of “kutya” ("kolyvo") to be placed on the tetrapod and shared after the service in memory of the reposed.

THE PANAKHYDA – This is a very brief memorial service. It is the very last section of the Parastas.

THE "MEMORY ETERNAL" (Vichnaya Pamyat) - This hauntingly and heart-wrenchingly beautiful refrain, typical of the Byzantine rite Memorial Prayer, does not mean that we are praying to remember the deceased person forever. Bishop Hlib (Lonchyna) explains that it comes from the Jesus the Christ's dialogue during His Crucifixion. The Good Thief prayed to Jesus: "Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom." Jesus responded: "Today you shall be with me in Paradise!" This prayer of Vichnaya Pamyat asks the Christ to remember the Reposed in God's Kingdom (i.e. from Eternity). If the Messiah "Remembers" us at death, we shall be with Him in Paradise. This is what we mean when we pray: "Memory Eternal" for the reposed.

page updated on: July 25, 2011