Why the Church Does Not Perform Funeral Rites for Suicides: A Priest Explained the Church's Position 0 11

Why does the Church pray for people who have committed serious sins in their lives but refuse to perform funeral rites for suicides? This question often arises among the faithful.

Reader Marina approached a priest with this request. She asked why suicide is considered such a grave sin and whether it is possible to pray for the soul of a person who voluntarily left this life.

The question was answered by Priest Dmitry Shushpanov.

According to him, the Church does not perform funeral rites for suicides because a person who consciously takes their own life breaks their connection with the Church. The basis for this position is the commandment "Thou shalt not kill," given in the Old Testament.

The priest noted that life is viewed as a gift from God, which a person has no right to dispose of at their own will. Therefore, suicide, like the murder of another person, is considered a violation of this commandment.

Father Dmitry also explained that in Christian understanding, any sin can be forgiven through sincere repentance. However, a person who voluntarily leaves this life deprives themselves of the opportunity to repent.

"Any sin can be forgiven to a person due to their repentance. But by killing themselves, they close off their path to repentance, as repentance is already impossible beyond the boundary of death," the priest explained.

He added that this is precisely why the Church traditionally does not perform funeral rites for suicides and does not include their names in church-wide commemorations.

The Church's position is based on the belief that human life is a gift from God, and repentance is only possible during life. At the same time, clergy urge the faithful not to judge those who find themselves in a state of deep emotional distress but to show compassion and support to those experiencing life crises.