The priest of the Russian Orthodox Church told what rituals in the cemetery threaten a return to paganismtranslated

Many common rules of conduct in a cemetery do not relate to Orthodox traditions and are superstitions. The head of the missionary department of the Kazan diocese, priest Alexander Ermolin, told what actions really matter for believers, and what customs can be abandoned.

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The priest said the most important thing when visiting a burial site is prayer. Caring for the grave and maintaining it in order is also important, but these actions do not replace the spiritual remembrance of the deceased. If a cross is installed at the entrance to the cemetery, the believer should cross himself.

Ermolin also refuted the idea that pregnant women should not come to the cemetery. From the point of view of Orthodoxy, there is no such restriction, just as there is no negative energy there. Only cold and unfavorable weather conditions can pose a real danger to humans.

The custom of obligatory closing of the fence or gate at the grave in order to supposedly keep the soul of the deceased has nothing to do with church rules. According to the Orthodox understanding, the soul is with God and does not remain near the burial place. There is no requirement...