Hi. In the East, why is there the custom of burying bodies with the faces covered? Is it done with all people or just priests? Are the hands covered too?
Hi. In the East, why is there the custom of burying bodies with the faces covered? Is it done with all people or just priests? Are the hands covered too?
Priests are buried not with their faces said to be “covered” but rather to be “on the other side of the veil.” It reflects the belief of their current metaphysical reality… After a lifetime of serving at the altar on this side of the veil, they now behold the mysteries of it all on the other.
I don’t know if all Easterners do that or it is more the Slavic churches. I have seen photographs of reposed bishops placed on episcopal thrones and have been aware of Greek Old Calendarists who buried hierarchs in that position… Again, not sure how common that is!
With a monk or nun the klobuk (veiled headdress) is put on backwards and the veil pulled over the face, with just the right hand, holding a cross, showing.
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