Special Services
The Holy Mysteries and pastoral services offered by the parish.
Orthodox Church of St Cuthbert and St Bede, Providence Row, Durham City, DH1 1RS
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.
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I · The Crowning
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
II · Holy Baptism
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
III · The Blessing of a Home
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
IV · The Funeral and the Memorial
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
I of IV
For the regular rhythm of parish worship, see Sunday Service and the Service Calendar.