There are all sorts of situations in life. Including when a person died who was not baptized. For example, this often happened in Soviet times. The ancestors (grandmothers and mothers) were Orthodox Christians and baptized, and the children appeared in the USSR when religion was eradicated and condemned. Many were afraid to go to church or call a priest to their home. After all, in this way one could lose one’s job and party membership.
There were other cases of people who died without baptism. Let's talk about this further.
In what cases do they pray for the unbaptized dead?
To calm the nerves of relatives, the church allows loved ones to pray for a person who died outside Christianity only at home.
What categories of citizens fall into the category of those who died without baptism?
- stillborn;
- children who died immediately after birth;
- aborted children;
- unbaptized people who never came to faith;
- people who stopped believing and going to church;
- suicides (death due to the influence of psychotropic drugs during treatment of a mental illness)
What do priests think about prayers for unbaptized relatives?
The Church rejects those who have not come to God through baptism. Therefore, funeral services are not held in church or at home for the unbaptized. If relatives hide this fact and the priest conducts a funeral service for an unbaptized person, he may be removed from ministry.
However, for infants who died unbaptized, a special rite was invented and synodally approved for commemorating such people in the church. Since, unlike the deliberately unbaptized, the children are not guilty of anything (they did not have time to sin), they are treated more gently, although they do not have a full funeral service.
“The rite for infants who died unbaptized”: what and how to pray for?
Archimandrite Savva (Tutunov). Photo from the website ekaterinburg-eparhia.ru
“The Sequence about the departed infants who did not receive the grace of Holy Baptism” was approved at a meeting of the Holy Synod in Yekaterinburg. Archimandrite Savva (Tutunov), deputy manager of the affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate, member of the Synodal Biblical and Theological Commission, answered questions related to the emergence of a new church order to the portal “Mercy.ru”.
— Is it correct to say that the Church “allowed funeral services” for unbaptized infants? What is actually said in the rite of succession, what is its meaning?
- No, it is wrong to say that the Church “allowed funeral services” for unbaptized infants. A funeral service is a special service that contains texts that speak about a deceased member of the Church. The texts of the funeral service, in particular, contain a prayer to God with a request to accept the deceased into His Kingdom, including because he was a member of the Church. After all, we know the words of the Savior: “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
In the order adopted at the meeting of the Holy Synod on July 14, we are talking, first of all, about consoling the parents of a deceased baby. In addition, the sequence contains several requests to God regarding the posthumous fate of the deceased baby.
This is an litany (included in the litany - a petitionary prayer - editor's note) petition: “For the Lord to accept the deceased child without condemnation and graciously and to grant him (her) the life of the next century, let us pray to the Lord”; a phrase from a prayer according to the litany: “And to those like them who were born of a child and who did not receive Holy Baptism, grant Thy goodness”; and a mention in the dismissal: “Christ <...> will bring the deceased infant, who did not receive Holy Baptism, with His goodness into the bosom of Abraham.”
In this regard, interpretations have already arisen that supposedly we are talking about entering the Kingdom of God, which contradicts the previously quoted words of the Savior. Meanwhile, the following quotations say that we ask for some good fate for the deceased baby, without anticipating what it might be.
In particular, if you remember, the expression “Abraham’s bosom” to describe the good posthumous fate was used by the Savior in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, uttered, of course, even before the Death on the Cross and Resurrection, that is, before the doors of Paradise were opened by the Savior.
In other words, the following emphasizes that we do not know what fate God has prepared for those babies who died without Baptism, but we ask that this fate be good.
When this topic was discussed several years ago in the Inter-Council Presence, the conclusion of the relevant commission emphasized that: “If for the funeral service of infants who have passed into the other world already baptized, there is a special rite, then for other deceased infants, including those who died in the womb, Churches do not have funeral services and are not remembered during the Divine Liturgy.
However, the fact that unbaptized infants did not commit personal sins and did not have the opportunity to make any moral choices distinguishes them from other deceased unbaptized people.”
— Is it possible to perform a succession in connection with the death of only newborns (up to what age?), or all children under 7 years of age? Does it make sense to do it in case of miscarriage?
—By its name and intent, succession refers to those infants who died in the womb or shortly after birth.
- How should parents act now if they have such grief? Can a deceased baby or stillborn be brought to the temple for a funeral service? Can a priest be called to the cemetery?
— Unlike the funeral service, this sequence does not include bringing the coffin to the temple or any other similar actions. After all, bringing the coffin to the temple is, in some way, the last visit to the temple by a deceased parishioner, that is, a baptized person. The coffin in the temple is placed so that the deceased faces the open Royal Doors, which symbolizes the aspiration to the Kingdom of God.
Bringing a coffin with an unbaptized person, including an infant, to the temple will not fully correspond to this spiritual symbolism.
I believe that the ceremony could take place in a church without bringing a coffin in the presence of parents and other relatives, or in a cemetery during burial.
- Who can ask for such a succession to be performed - only parents, other relatives, anyone?
- First of all, parents. But the following also speaks of consoling grieving relatives. Therefore, anyone who needs consolation in connection with the death of a baby can contact us.
— Is it possible to perform it if the child was affiliated with another religion, or underwent the ceremony where the validity of baptism is not recognized (among Ukrainian schismatics, in a sect)?
— Once again, pay attention to the fact that a significant part of the following is devoted to consoling parents and relatives. If they allowed the baby to be assigned to another religion, then why do they want consolation from the Orthodox Church? This is some kind of spiritual omnivorousness.
Here, rather, we should start with repentance and turning to the Orthodox Church. However, if the situation is due to the fact that the parents belong to different religions or denominations, it could be resolved by the decision of the bishop.
The situation in Ukraine is of a special nature and requires an authoritative explanation from the Hierarchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
— Is it possible to light candles for the dead of unbaptized infants? If so, does this possibility depend on whether this rite was performed or not? Is it possible to write their names in notes?
— A candle is, firstly, a form of sacrifice, and, secondly, an external expression of our prayer. And it is possible and necessary to sacrifice (to a temple or to the poor) for the sake of the deceased, and to pray for his good posthumous fate. But the so-called notes are a request to commemorate members of the Church at the proskomedia, that is, in connection with the celebration of the sacrament of the Church - the Eucharist. Only baptized people are remembered here.
— Is it possible to apply to the temple to perform a follow-up for babies who died many years ago?
- Why not? If parents or other relatives still need prayerful consolation.
— Is it possible to perform this rite in relation to babies who died due to abortions?
- Babies killed through abortion are no different from other “deceased babies who did not receive the grace of Holy Baptism.”
But God forbid anyone to perceive the following adopted by the Holy Synod in the spirit that, they say, “I will have an abortion, the Church will pray anyway.”
The gravest sin of abortion requires, first of all, repentance on the part of the parents who decided to kill the baby. I’m not sure that this particular sequence would be entirely appropriate here, a significant part of the prayers of which are aimed at consoling parents who have lost a baby for one reason or another beyond their control. Here, rather, a repentant rite is required. Perhaps with the addition of those petitions for the baby that I mentioned earlier.
When to pray for the unbaptized dead
Cultists recommend praying for such people at home on memorial days after the death of a person: three, nine, forty, and 365 days. It is especially useful for the soul of the deceased to pray during the first forty days, while it is near its native land and says goodbye to life.
In addition to the days associated with the moment of death, there is a time for remembering the deceased. And there are holy intercessors for the souls of the unbaptized.
To commemorate all the dead, including the unbaptized, specially designated days are used: Meat Saturday after Maslenitsa; Saturdays during Lent - 2nd, 3rd, 4th; after Easter, on the 9th day, on Radonitsa; on a memorable day in honor of Dmitry Solunsky, before November 8, Saturday.
Prayer of Leo Optinsky for the unbaptized
As mentioned above, there are many different situations when people cannot accept Orthodox baptism. But despite this, their relatives still want to ask for protection for them before the Almighty. Most often, questions arise about the deceased committing suicide. For such cases, there is a prayer by Leo of Otinsky, with the help of which you can offer a petition for the deceased who gave their spirit to God without repentance.
It is read at home at the same time for a certain period of time. Such a prayer will not only help to ask the Almighty for forgiveness of the sins of the deceased, but also to find peace for his soul in the next world.
Seek, O Lord, the lost soul of Your servant (name): if it is possible, have mercy. Your destinies are unsearchable. Do not make this my prayer a sin, but Thy holy will be done.
Also watch the video about whether it is possible to commemorate an unbaptized deceased:
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Prayer for the unbaptized dead, departed, etc.
Which saints to pray for an unbaptized relative
The most famous intercessor for the souls of the unbaptized is Saint Uar, who lived in the 3rd-4th century. He served in the Roman imperial army, successfully commanding a large unit of warriors.
Once he secretly converted to Christianity at a time when there was active persecution for the faith. Then he sneaked over to the prisoners who were being tortured and forced to renounce their religion (they were religious teachers), and prayed for them. And then one of the preachers died from torture, and Uar decided that it was his time to suffer for his faith. Then the emperor found out about his faith in Christ, and imprisoned him in prison for torture. Uar did not renounce his faith and died.
The wife of one military leader took his body away and buried him in her family tomb. Uar's grave became a healing place. Her relatives (the woman's name was Cleopatra) were unbaptized and in a revelation the woman asked him to pray for the souls of her ancestors before God. Since then, Uar became intercessors. They pray to him outside the church for souls who did not undergo baptism in Christianity during their lifetime.
Prayer for deceased unbaptized people
Despite the church's ambiguous attitude towards lost souls, prayer for the unbaptized dead also works. Many clergy note that any person is worthy of the Lord’s protection.
However, it is known that the church rejects unbaptized souls as such, prohibiting the ordering of liturgies for a deceased person who refused to enter the fold of Orthodoxy. You can only take advantage of the opportunity to read a private prayer for the deceased, being outside the influence of the church.
Prayers for the unbaptized deceased can be offered to anyone who wants to give them well-deserved peace in another world.
By praying for a departed soul, you provide support not only for the deceased, but also for yourself. The power of prayer allows you to reduce the degree of grief for a worthy person who occupied a significant place in your life.
Scientists also note the need to offer prayers. According to one of the existing theories, prayer has a special effect on the consciousness of everyone who reads it, due to the presence of a special combination of sounds. Neurolinguistic programming reveals the amazing properties of prayers for an unbaptized soul, used by thousands of people for centuries.
On the Internet you can read a huge number of real cases where, thanks to prayers, the lot of unbaptized people actually improved, who then appeared with gratitude in dreams to a loved one who offered it. It happens that the deceased appear in a dream and ask loved ones to pray for them in order to find peace. Don't be afraid of this. If you also have such dreams, do not refuse the deceased: this is the least you can do for him.
Pray to our God for the lost
But who should pray for the souls of the departed who have not received Orthodox baptism? Church workers note that it is possible not only for saints, but even for the Lord our God to pray for the unbaptized. The prayers offered will certainly reach the addressee, because everyone who has lived their earthly life righteously has the right to God’s forgiveness and protection.
You can even pray for people who have apostatized from the faith, converted to another religion, or originally represented it. By the way, in the Orthodox Church there is still no consensus on whether Catholics should be considered baptized Christians or not.
There are many legends about the holy martyr Huar, the patron saint of the lost. According to church sources, he once appeared to a believer named Cleopatra, claiming to have asked for forgiveness of the sins of all her deceased ancestors. Hence, Christians began to ask Uar for forgiveness of sins for the unbaptized dead.
During his lifetime, Uar was famous for many good deeds. Having the ability to help unfortunate Christians imprisoned for their faith, he tried in every possible way to alleviate their lot.
Heaven help everyone
It is possible and necessary to offer prayers for the unbaptized dead, because it is easier for the soul of the deceased when it is remembered at the icon. And even if it is an icon at the home altar, it does not matter to the deceased.
There are prayers:
For the unbaptized to God:
Prayer of Leo Optina “Seek, O Lord, the lost soul of my father: if it is possible, have mercy! Your destinies are unsearchable. Do not make this my prayer a sin for me. But Thy holy will be done.”
For unbaptized souls to the holy martyr Huar:
Prayer to the Holy Martyr Uar “Oh, venerable holy martyr Uar, we kindle with zeal for the Lord Christ, you confessed the Heavenly King before the tormentor, and now the Church honors you, as you are glorified by the Lord Christ with the glory of Heaven, Who has given you the grace of great boldness towards Him, and now stand before Him with the Angels, and rejoice in the highest, and see clearly the Holy Trinity, and enjoy the light of the Beginning Radiance: remember also our relatives in languor, who died in wickedness, accept our petition, and like Cleopatrine, you freed the unfaithful race from eternal torment with your prayers, so remember those who were buried against God, who died unbaptized (names), striving to ask for deliverance from eternal darkness, so that with one mouth and one heart let us all praise the Most Merciful Creator forever and ever. Amen." Read more…
The power of faith - works under any circumstances
The Church prohibits ordering liturgies for the unbaptized, however, those who wish can take advantage of the power of private prayer said outside the church. But be careful: there is an opinion that the unbaptized have made their choice, and by praying for their souls addressed to the great martyrs, you can harm yourself.
It is best to read such a prayer in front of the icon of the holy martyr Uar or our Lord and independently, without the participation of any icons, turning to the Almighty in your own words.
Conduct prayer services whenever you want.
Words must fully correspond to your desires, only then they will come true. In addition, one more condition must be strictly observed - Faith. Having sincere faith can work real miracles, giving peace to the unbaptized dead and the living on Earth.
Video: Prayer for the unbaptized dead
