Commemorating Non-Orthodox at Memorial Services (Teachings of the Orthodox Church) Christianity. Orthodoxy. Catholicism. Sense of life. Articles for Christians.
Don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear.                Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.                Consider the ravens: they don't sow, they don't reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds!                Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height?                If then you aren't able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?                Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.                But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith?                Don't seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious.                For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things.                But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.               
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Commemorating Non-Orthodox at Memorial Services (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)
   

QUESTION:

As Orthodox Christians, are we permitted to have memorial services in our church for those relatives who are not Orthodox? What about adding names of non Orthodox Christians to our lists for Saturday of the Souls, etc.

Since becoming Orthodox, I have found so many of the practices and sacraments to be such a fulfillment and comfort. I realize that is my duty to pray for all people -- Orthodox or not -- in my daily life, but there is also something very comforting about hearing the names read during Liturgy, or a memorial.

ANSWER:

There are a few possible answers to your question.

There are those Orthodox who feel that it is proper to pray for anyone and everyone, whether they be Orthodox or not, both in private as well as public.

There are those Orthodox who feel that, with regard to services other than the Divine Liturgy, it is proper to pray for non-Orthodox but that in the commemorations during the Divine Liturgy only Orthodox Christians should be remembered in prayer.

There are those Orthodox who feel that under no circumstance is it proper to pray for anyone who is not of the Orthodox faith. This, of course, is somewhat odd since in the Divine Liturgy we pray for the catechumens, that is, for those who are preparing to be baptized into the faith but who are not yet members of the Church. There are a number of other practices and examples which would tend to contradict this understanding.

With regard to the practice at your local parish, I would suggest that you seek the guidance of your pastor in this regard.






Published in January 2011.









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