On the Church Commemoration of Non-Orthodox Christians

Since at all times, when serving in the Orthodox Church, only Orthodox Christians have always been remembered for the repose of the souls of the departed, that is why in church decrees it is not written about disremembering non-believers, for they were not remembered anywhere. We write out from church decrees how those who departed from the Lord were and are still remembered. On the proskomedia: “The same (i.e. later) the priest takes the fifth prosphora, says: “On the memory and remission of sins of the most holy Orthodox patriarchs and pious kings and pious queens, the blessed creators of this holy monastery (he also remembers the other deceased by name and of course says) and all in the hope of resurrection, eternal life and Your communion our departed Orthodox fathers and brothers, O Lord who loves mankind.” At the special litany, during Vespers, Matins and Liturgy: “We also pray for the blessed and ever-memorable Orthodox patriarchs, and the pious kings and pious queens, and the creators of this holy monastery, or this church, and for all the Orthodox fathers and brethren who have died before, lying here and everywhere.” At the litiya during the vigil: “We also pray for the dormition, weakness, blessed memory and forgiveness of sins of all the Orthodox fathers and brothers who have passed away before, who lie here and everywhere.” At the Midnight Office: “Let us pray for every soul of Orthodox Christians, let us bless the pious kings, Orthodox bishops and all our former fathers and brethren, who lie here and everywhere, Orthodox.” At the liturgy. Before the consecration of the Gifts, the priest says: “Peace to all.” The faces sing: “The mercy of the world is a sacrifice of praise.” The priests in the altar, as a sign of mutual peace and unanimity, give each other a kiss in the Lord (on the neck or on the hand. In ancient times, all Christians did the same). After the consecration of the Gifts, the priest, as a sign of the unity of the Church, remembers in faith the deceased forefathers, patriarchs, prophets and apostles, martyrs and saints and all saints. And the deacon reads the diptychs, i.e. commemorations of the departed faithful who departed with the hope of salvation and resurrection (New Tablet and Service). If, however, it was discovered over time, as can be seen from church history, that someone recorded on these tables turned out to be involved in heresy, then the names of such people were always excluded. The reason for this is given by St. Dionysius the Areopagite, saying this: “It is impossible for people separated from each other to be brought together to the One, and to be partakers of a peaceful unity with the One” (St. Dionysius on the Church Hierarchy, chapter 3, section 8. Edition 1854). Here further says St. Dionysius: “If we, being illuminated by the contemplation of the One, were gathered together in a single and divine assembly, we would not allow ourselves to fall into special lusts, from which earthly and passionate enmities are formed.” If the Roman high priests had not fallen into a special lust for dominance, they would not have been hostile to the Orthodox Church for earthly and passionate reasons. Also, Lutherans, and Protestants in general, if they were not afflicted with the special lusts of gluttony and arrogance, they would not attack the Orthodox for observing fasts and obedience to the decrees of the Orthodox Church of Christ. They forgot the commandment of the Lord Himself in the Gospel: “If the Church disobeys, let you be like a pagan and a publican” (Matthew 18:17). These words at the same time clearly define the care and concern of the Orthodox towards people of other faiths, no matter who they are. But according to the law of love, our Church prays for the unification of churches, i.e. about the conversion of non-believers even during their lifetime with the thought that the Lord, through the message of destinies, would turn them to the light of truth and lead them to the path of salvation. If they convert, then good and good; when during their lifetime they do not convert, due to the destinies of God unknown to us, then after their death the Church can no longer remember them, since they had no communication with her during their lives. It is worthy of note that when someone from the Orthodox royal family is given in marriage to a non-believer, this spouse is only remembered during his lifetime in litanies, and, moreover, anonymously; after death it is not remembered. And for the royal relatives the Church could have made leniency, if it had been possible. Prayer for a person who died outside the Church Remember, Lord, if possible, the soul (name) who departed from this life in apostasy from Your Holy Orthodox Church! Your destinies are unsearchable. Do not make this my prayer a sin for me. But Thy holy will be done! You might be interested in: