Special Services
The Holy Mysteries and pastoral services offered by the parish.
From the Book of Needs
Baptism, the Crowning, the blessing of a home and the prayers for the departed are all set down in one Orthodox service book, the Book of Needs. Choose a service to read about it.
Weddings
In this chapter
- What are the requirements?
- How do we need to prepare?
- How is the Crowning service celebrated?
- What do we need to bring?
- Are photographers/videographers allowed?
- Are there any fees?
The wedding - the Crowning - takes place in an Orthodox church in the presence of two sponsors, traditionally a married Orthodox couple.
At a glance
- At least one partner an Orthodox Christian in good standing
- The couple already legally married, with the certificate shown to the priest beforehand
- An informal meeting with the priest before the ceremony
What to bring
- A copy of the civil marriage certificate
- A pair of rings, to be blessed
- Candles, held by the sponsors
- A bottle of sweet wine for the common cup
Baptisms
In this chapter
- When and how?
- Who is the godparent?
- Are there requirements for the parents?
- What do I need to bring?
- Are there fees to pay?
- Adult Baptism/Chrismation
The Orthodox tradition is to receive Baptism as an infant, in church, in the presence of at least one godparent - the recommended age is three to six months.
At a glance
- Usually 45 minutes to an hour, completed with the child's first Communion
- Celebrated in English or Romanian, or both
- The godparent: a baptised Orthodox Christian in good standing
What to bring
- The child's birth certificate
- A baptismal cross, to be blessed
- A large towel or blanket, and a small towel for the priest
- Olive oil, a baptismal candle and a white gown
Home Blessings
In this chapter
- What is a home blessing?
- How do I need to prepare?
- Are there any other types of visits?
It is customary to invite the priest once a year for a home blessing, usually around the Feast of Theophany on 6 January - though you may request one at any time of year.
At a glance
- A special service for a new home, similar to the consecration of a church
- The priest may also be called for other blessings, pastoral counselling, or anointing the sick
How to prepare
- A small table before the icon corner, facing East
- A bowl of water and a candle
- A list of names, living and departed
- For a new home: a little olive oil and a pair of cotton buds
Funerals & Memorial Services
In this chapter
- Last rites
- Burial or cremation?
- When do we commemorate the departed?
The Orthodox Church has a special Funeral service, said - preferably in a church - over a body to be buried; memorial services then follow at the fortieth day, six months and one year.
At a glance
- Please contact the priest as soon as you are aware of an impending death
- Cremation is not an Orthodox practice, and there is no service for it
- Names given to the priest are remembered at every Divine Liturgy
Remembering the departed
- Memorial services, usually said after the Sunday Divine Liturgy
- The Memorial Saturdays (Saturdays of Souls) through the year
- Koliva - a cake of boiled wheat and seeds - blessed and offered for the soul
For the regular rhythm of parish worship, see Sunday Service and the Service Calendar.