St. Spyridon volunteers participate in this Pan-Orthodox burial society of northern Colorado.

The group is organized to assist people who desire to follow the ancient Orthodox Christian burial practices which recognize that the physical body is a sacred vessel. As a result the body hosted the Holy Spirit and should be treated with the same reverence with which we treat all sacred objects.

Our volunteers work to incorporate the family's preferences in planning the details of this sacred preparation of the body, such as washing and anointing the deceased in a prayerful environment. The intent is to help the person who has passed from earth to Life Eternal to prepare for their banquet with the King of Kings.

The team can work with hospice, funeral homes, and/or others as requested by the family. The family chooses at what level they themselves would like to participate.

The team also aids in scheduling of the traditional Reading of the Psalms which accompanies the deceased from the time of the separation of the soul from the body, to the time of the actual funeral. We also include a computerized sign up to allow those unable to physically be present to join in the readings of the Psalms and thereby adding sacred comfort to the deceased and to their "send off".
 

When We Meet:
The group meets periodically for training as well as meeting with families in eminent ofr long-term anticipation of a death.
 

Age Group:
Any adult members of the Orthodox Church who are 18 or older who desires to train and join the St. Nicodemus team are welcome.
 

Getting Involved:
Those interested in this type of ministry may first want to listen to _A Christian Ending _podcast on Ancient Faith Radio by Deacon Mark Barnaor, or read the book by the same title.