Prayer as death approaches

[Patrick Lee]

I was reading an interesting article that referenced prayers that an Orthodox Christian can say as death approaches - to prepare themselves. I didn't see these in my prayer book, so I was wondering if someone had a link, either to the prayers, or to a book that has them (I have the HTM prayer book).

In addition, what private prayers would you recommend me saying for a loved one who has passed - especially a non-Orthodox loved one. Would reciting a Trisagion in private be appropriate?

[Andreas Moran]

I was instructed by Archimandrite Zacharias that on the day my first wife died, I must say over her the Office for the Departing of the Soul from the Body. (This is to be found in the Hapgood service book.) Then, at the point of death, I was also to anoint her forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, neck, hands and feet with holy oil. These things I did. Fr Zacharias said her soul would carry the grace of this anointing to her meeting with the Lord. I also put her Saint's icon on her chest and her prayer rope in her right hand. Furthermore, he said, whatever happened to me in the rest of my life, the Lord would not forget this service I had done for her. To assist the soul of a loved one to Paradise is a great thing, he said.

[Michael Stickles]

The Office that Andreas mentioned can be found online at orthodoxinfo.com (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/death/service_parting.aspx).

Mike

[Patrick Lee]

Thanks for the link. That is good to have.

On the second question, what is appropriate to say for the non-Orthodox departed. I've heard that a Trisagion would be appropriate if read privately.

[Andreas Moran]

When my (non-Orthodox) mother died ten years ago, Archimandrite Zacharias had the trisagion sung for her.

[Shelley Platt]

Thanks for the link. That is good to have.

On the second question, what is appropriate to say for the non-Orthodox departed. I've heard that a Trisagion would be appropriate if read privately.

I'm going to visit a non-Orthodox, much loved, friend tomorrow who is dying. Is there something for this?

[Father David Moser]

I'm going to visit a non-Orthodox, much loved, friend tomorrow who is dying. Is there something for this?

You could ask your priest for something to read/prayers to say...

Fr David Moser

[Paul Cowan]

I'm going to visit a non-Orthodox, much loved, friend tomorrow who is dying. Is there something for this?

Whether they are Orthodox or not, many turn to God whole heartedly at this time in their life. Perhaps you can give them a prayer rope and teach them the Jesus Prayer? It is NOT magic, but does work miracles; at least in the next life.

Paul

[Shelley Platt]

You could ask your priest for something to read/prayers to say...

Fr David Moser

I will do that :) Thank you, Fr.

[Shelley Platt]

Whether they are Orthodox or not, many turn to God whole heartedly at this time in their life. Perhaps you can give them a prayer rope and teach them the Jesus Prayer? It is NOT magic, but does work miracles; at least in the next life.

Paul

Thank you, Paul. I'm now remembering that she and I attended a week long retreat together, on the Jesus Prayer, many years ago. Fr Ron del Bene (Episcopal) led the retreat in Ogden, Utah. I will reminisce with her about that tomorrow, and remind her how helpful it is. Hopefully she will still be conscious, but if not, I will say it for her.

[Paul Cowan]

Shelley,

If she is this far along, you might also ask your priest for some blessed oil for anointing. Preferrably from the lampada in front of the Theotokos. Or if your parish has a patron saint who is a healer.

[Father David Moser]

Shelley,

If she is this far along, you might also ask your priest ...
The thing that probably no one really knows is that I am Shelley's priest (which is the inside joke about my little jibe about asking her priest). That's a good idea though. I have a plentiful supply of oil from the shrine of St John of San Francisco that I freely share with my parishioners (and anyone else I run into that has a need). Anyone can write or call the Holy Virgin Cathedral bookstore in SF and ask them to send some.

Fr David Moser

[Vasiliki D.]

The thing that probably no one really knows is that I am Shelley's priest (which is the inside joke about my little jibe about asking her priest). That's a good idea though. I have a plentiful supply of oil from the shrine of St John of San Francisco that I freely share with my parishioners (and anyone else I run into that has a need). Anyone can write or call the Holy Virgin Cathedral bookstore in SF and ask them to send some.

Fr David Moser

I am really happy that you made a joke Father AND that you were gracious enough to share it with us ;-) Let your hair down from time to time!

Psalms of David can be very therapeutic ... they are prayers that people pray for people ...something mystical and beautiful about them when read out loud in the company of people.

[Shelley Platt]

Let your hair down from time to time! ...
....Psalms of David can be very therapeutic ....

I have never seen him with his hair "up" actually!

And the Psalms, yes, I will take the Psalms with me. My friend's name is Janet if you would pray for her.

[Father David Moser]

I am really happy that you made a joke Father AND that you were gracious enough to share it with us ;-) Let your hair down from time to time!



I have never seen him with his hair "up" actually!

This is actually a good example of the internet phenomenon resulting from not seeing the person that is speaking. Written word is good for conveying information, but it is difficult to convey the non-verbals which set the context and mood in which the words are spoken and written. Thus, I (and in fact most people) seem to appear at times overly serious when in fact that is not the case.

So, you are all invited to come and see me sometime when you get the chance. Idaho is a bit off the beaten path, but it is a great place to visit. Our parish is a great place with great people and we welcome visitors. And I will gladly whip up a cup of coffee or glass of wine (as appropriate) if you drop by. That way you can put a face and a laugh and a voice to my posts.

Fr David Moser

[Paul Cowan]

Thanks for the invite Fr. , but uh; It's a tad chilly up there (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=idaho&searchType=WEATHER)today. We are enjoying a nice 72 degrees in shorts and t-shirts down here.

[Olga]

This is actually a good example of the internet phenomenon resulting from not seeing the person that is speaking. Written word is good for conveying information, but it is difficult to convey the non-verbals which set the context and mood in which the words are spoken and written. Thus, I (and in fact most people) seem to appear at times overly serious when in fact that is not the case.


I can certainly relate to this, Father. It's probably because of the very frequent need to be dispassionate in one's posts, which often comes across as doughty seriousness. Though I don't really mind being the (self-confessed) grumpy old woman of the forum!

[Vasiliki D.]

Dear Father David, of course posts are emotion free - hence why the coffee or wine sounds like a good idea.

So, when I have organised my airfare I might just give you a buzz to make sure your home - I would hate to travel so far and not find you there!

[Paul Cowan]

I'm going to visit a non-Orthodox, much loved, friend tomorrow who is dying. Is there something for this?

Dear Shelley,

How was your day? How is your friend?

[Shelley Platt]

Dear Shelley,

How was your day? How is your friend?

Thanks for asking, Paul. I just arrived home. When Maria and I were driving down, we shared the information we had received from Janet's niece, and both of us thought we would find her in her last hours. What a surprise to arrive at her room in the assisted living, see her sitting up in her chair, and feeling pretty chipper! I guess she did have a couple of bad days this week, and the long term prognosis is not good and she is on Hospice now. But it was so wonderful to see her having such a good day and to be able to have several hours of great reminiscing and conversation. I did anoint her with the oil of St. John, and did talk a little about the Jesus Prayer. We then all had lunch together in the dining room. Thank you all for your prayers!

[M.C. Steenberg]

So, you are all invited to come and see me sometime when you get the chance. Idaho is a bit off the beaten path, but it is a great place to visit. Our parish is a great place with great people and we welcome visitors. And I will gladly whip up a cup of coffee or glass of wine (as appropriate) if you drop by. That way you can put a face and a laugh and a voice to my posts.

I should just like to confirm that this is true, and that Father David has been known even occasionally to smile in person. :)

In all honesty, his parish is warm and gracious, and I have fond memories of a visit several years ago. I feel all Community members should make a pilgrimage there immediately.

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Nina]

I feel all Community members should make a pilgrimage there immediately.

INXC, Dcn Matthew

Uh oh! Expect "flood" Fr. David. :)