Ukrainian Orthodoxy		Orthodoxie ukrainienne

Cremation

Question:

The answer below is a response to a specific question on cremation.

Answer:

Very Reverend Ihor Kutash kutash@unicorne.org

First it is important to understand that the firm opposition of the Orthodox to cremation stems from a dedication to incarnational theology.  The conviction is that our Lord, by His incarnation, His suffering, His resurrection and His ascension has made the human body, as well as the soul, holy.  This is borne out by a not uncommon manifestation of the incorruption and miracle-working properties of the Relics of many canonized Saints.

The Orthodox hold that the destruction by fire of the body which is the temple of the human spirit, which Christ has united to Himself by His salvific work, which includes the Holy Mysteries in which body, soul and spirit have participated, is to deny the holiness of the body and its inclusion in the Eternal Kingdom ushered in by Our Lord.

Granted that some Orthodox are able to express this conviction only by their manifest disapproval of such a practice and of those who take part in or consent to it.  It is also the case that faith and conviction can not really be forced upon people.

We pastors must patiently listen and explain to our flock and those of other flocks who come to us as well as we can why it is that certain positions are taken and pray and exhort them to act lovingly towards each other for, as St. Paul notes: "Love is the fulfilment of the law" (Romans 13:10).

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