Why Do Orthodox Christians Pray for the Departed?

 

For Orthodox believers, there is no separation between the living and the departed. 

The saints, even after their death, remain an integral part of the larger Body of Christ and actively participate in the life of the Church. With this understanding of reality, it makes sense to seek the intercession of the saints, asking them to pray to God on our behalf. This practice is comparable to asking a friend or neighbor to pray for us.

This way of thinking extends to our prayers for all departed souls. 

The Orthodox Church regularly holds memorial services for the departed, and special Saturdays are dedicated to praying for them. In fact, the prayers offered every Saturday in the Church include supplications for the departed. These memorial services encompass hymns, prayers, and readings that express our hope and longing for the salvation and eternal rest of the departed.

During a memorial service for a departed member, a special offering called "Kollyva" is prepared. Kollyva consists of boiled whole wheat kernels, dried fruit, and a sweetener. The wheat kernels remind us of Christ's words about death and resurrection, symbolizing the potential for spiritual growth. The fruit represents the risen Christ, and the sweetener signifies the sweetness of the afterlife that awaits those who follow Christ. As we consume the Kollyva, we offer a brief prayer, asking God to forgive the departed.

Our prayers for the departed reflect our love and solidarity with those who have passed away. 

We recognize that they are on a journey, and we hope that their journey ends in Paradise. By praying for them, we believe we can assist them in traversing this unknown territory, providing them with strength to overcome any difficulties they may face and bringing them closer to God.

Orthodox Christians view the afterlife as an ongoing journey.

This is called Theosis, where the ultimate goal is union with God for eternity in His kingdom. They also believe in the divine mercy and healing of a loving God. When we pray for the departed, we are appealing to God's mercy, forgiveness, and the illumination of their souls.

In addition to our prayers, Orthodox Christians honor the departed by lighting candles in church, visiting gravesites, and observing special memorial days. These practices help keep the memory of the departed alive and maintain a spiritual connection with them.

Can prayers assist the departed in their salvation? 

It's important to remember that God's mercy and judgment surpasses human understanding. While we can hope that our prayers serve as acts of mercy, seeking God's forgiveness, the ultimate fate of the departed rests with God. Orthodox Christians believe that God hears our prayers and may take into account the supplications made by the living on behalf of the departed.

Why do some Protestants struggle to understand the Orthodox practice of praying to the saints and for the departed? 

This objection often stems from the actions taken during the Reformation, which emphasized the principle of Scripture alone. As a result, practices lacking explicit biblical references, such as prayers for the dead, were deemed invalid. Some also hold differing views on salvation, assuming that once a person declares faith, they are already saved. Therefore, they see no need for prayers for the departed. Additionally, some Christians emphasize the sole mediation of Christ, viewing prayers to the departed as potentially detracting from Christ's unique role. While Orthodox Christians acknowledge the sole mediation of Christ, they also recognize the intercessory role of the saints. 

Is there Scriptural support for praying for the departed?

Orthodox believers see scriptural support for prayers for the departed. As members of the Church, the Body of Christ, believers are encouraged to pray for one another (James 5:16). Whether living or deceased, all belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8) and are part of His Body (Ephesians 5:30). The Orthodox understanding is that death does not sever our membership in the Body of Christ. The departed remain alive to God, and thus we continue to pray for them (Luke 20:38; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Also, Judas Maccabeus offered prayers and sacrifices for fallen soldiers, believing in the potential for their sins to be set loose through prayer (2 Maccabees 12:39-46). Though this book is not included in the Protestant canon, it is considered canonical by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Additionally, the Apostle Paul prays for his departed friend Onesiphorus, seeking God's mercy for him (2 Timothy 1:16-18).

The Orthodox Christian understanding recognizes the Church as the united Body of Christ, comprising both the living and the departed. 

This perspective views death as a transition rather than an end. The Bible testifies to the continuity of the soul after death, both conscious and active (Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 6:9-10). Therefore, Orthodox Christians pray for both the living and the "dead in Christ" (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Orthodox Christians have a distinct way of thinking,  perceiving the Church as encompassing both heavenly and earthly dimensions.

They maintain a spiritual connection with the departed. The Orthodox practice of praying for the departed is rooted in love, hope, and a belief in the ongoing journey of the soul towards union with God.