Christian funeral rites in Byzantium

This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources. Find sources: "Christian funeral rites in Byzantium" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2024)

Christian funeral rites in Byzantium are little known and even less studied. Elena Velkova Velkovska made some studies focusing on Byzantine tradition in Greek language and defined three major periods, namely the early period (fourth to fifth century), the euchological repertory (eighth to twelfth centuries), and the oldest rite (tenth century).

The Christian funeral rites in this period included the singing of psalms, and the celebration of the Eucharist at the cemetery.^[1] There are also commemorations for the third, ninth, and fortieth day after death, a practice that has been kept in the East until today.^[1]

The Christian funeral rites in this period focused on prayers. Based on Barberini, it is known that there were seven prayers often used: there are three prayers for a deceased person; one is a prayer at the bowing of the head; two are for the burial of laity and bishops; one for a monk; and finally a diaconal litany for the dead.^[1]

The Christian funeral rite in this period is a single rite: for both laity and monks. It takes place in the church and consisted of an opening blessing; also psalms of Matins were recited. Psalms of Matins can be replaced by Psalm 90 if the deceased is a monk; litany by the deacon and finally singing of "Alleluia".^[1]

This article needs additional or more specific categories. Please help out by adding categories to it so that it can be listed with similar articles. (March 2024)