My original comment was partly in jest. Most Orthodox are unaware of the full version, which is now used (as far as I am aware) only in the Russian tradition for the funeral of a priest. At other times (memorial services and the funeral of a layperson [or in current Greek tradition the funeral of any adult]) only the shorter form is used.
Historically there are three Kontakia for the Departed, used on different occasions. The other two have completely dropped out of use.
The version Heron linked to was sung at the funeral of my mother (because my father, a retired Canon, loved it and we had an officiant who could sing it).
It was then also used at my father’s funeral.
I will always have a special place in my heart for it.
My original comment was partly in jest. Most Orthodox are unaware of the full version, which is now used (as far as I am aware) only in the Russian tradition for the funeral of a priest. At other times (memorial services and the funeral of a layperson [or in current Greek tradition the funeral of any adult]) only the shorter form is used.
Historically there are three Kontakia for the Departed, used on different occasions. The other two have completely dropped out of use.
Thank you. I think it needed more knowledge of obscure orthodox lore than I have to get the jest!
Anyway, I had a look through (just the Kontakion, not the other 244 pages of the priestly funeral liturgy), and there some wonderful texts:
'Let us all be consumed with tears when we behold these earthly remains stretched out, when we all draw near to kiss them and perhaps utter words like these: Lo, you have abandoned us who love you. You speak no longer with us, O friend. Why do you not speak as you once did?'
'I beheld a dying child and mourned my life'
And there are some....unusual texts......
'We are inflamed with ecstasy if we but hear there is light eternal'
'all-holy and unwedded virgin' (!!!!!!)
Still, I'd better move on before I get ticketed for straying off topic...
Comments
Link: https://www.oca.org/files/PDF/Music/Burial/burial-of-priest.pdf starting at page 112.
My original comment was partly in jest. Most Orthodox are unaware of the full version, which is now used (as far as I am aware) only in the Russian tradition for the funeral of a priest. At other times (memorial services and the funeral of a layperson [or in current Greek tradition the funeral of any adult]) only the shorter form is used.
Historically there are three Kontakia for the Departed, used on different occasions. The other two have completely dropped out of use.
It was then also used at my father’s funeral.
I will always have a special place in my heart for it.
Thank you. I think it needed more knowledge of obscure orthodox lore than I have to get the jest!
Anyway, I had a look through (just the Kontakion, not the other 244 pages of the priestly funeral liturgy), and there some wonderful texts:
'Let us all be consumed with tears when we behold these earthly remains stretched out, when we all draw near to kiss them and perhaps utter words like these: Lo, you have abandoned us who love you. You speak no longer with us, O friend. Why do you not speak as you once did?'
'I beheld a dying child and mourned my life'
And there are some....unusual texts......
'We are inflamed with ecstasy if we but hear there is light eternal'
'all-holy and unwedded virgin' (!!!!!!)
Still, I'd better move on before I get ticketed for straying off topic...
Cheers
Heron