Opelo is performed even for sinners, but never for these people: There is no greater mortal sin than this
Professor Dimitrije Kalezić revealed over which people no funeral service is performed and why.
TL;DR
- Unbaptized individuals are not eligible for a funeral service as they are not considered members of the religious community.
- Suicide is considered the greatest mortal sin, preventing a funeral service because it signifies an irreversible break with God.
- Murderers can receive a funeral service because the Church acknowledges the possibility of repentance.
- Exceptions to these rules, such as allowing a service for a suicide victim, may be granted by a bishop based on medical findings of mental illness.
- The Serbian Orthodox Church's stance on cremation has evolved, allowing services under specific conditions, but not if cremation was the deceased's personal choice.
- Professor Kalezić emphasizes that these rules are about respecting religious law, not a lack of empathy.