Moscow, October 25, 2024
Photo: everplans.com
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has announced new guidelines for handling funeral services in cases of youth suicide, particularly addressing the growing concern of online manipulation and “death groups” targeting young people.
The Commission of the Inter-Council Presence for Church Administration, Pastoral Care, and Organization of Church Life conducted research into the matter beforehand, including consultations with experienced clergy, educators, and psychiatrists, reports the Department for External Church Relations.
The Commission acknowledged the vulnerability of young people’s mental health, particularly when targeted by manipulative individuals or death-related social media groups. They noted that such cases might qualify under Patriarch Timothy of Alexandria’s 14th Canon, which permits Church memorial services for those who died “out of their mind.”
On August 8, 2024, the Commission distributed proposals for reviewing requests for funeral services in such cases to all Russian Orthodox Church dioceses. Only three bishops provided negative feedback, while most responses were positive or tacitly approving.
And yesterday, the Synod acknowledged the tragic increase in cases where children and teenagers are deliberately driven to suicide through blackmail and manipulation. While reaffirming that conscious suicide remains a grave sin typically preventing Church funeral services, the Synod established a new review process that takes into account the particular vulnerabilities of young people.
Under the new guidelines, each case will be reviewed by either the diocesan bishop or an authorized diocesan commission. The review process will include interviews with witnesses who can testify to the deceased’s religious inclination, normal lifestyle, or evidence of manipulation by “death groups.” Law enforcement findings and psychological assessments may also be considered in the decision-making process.
If a funeral service is not approved, priests are instructed to offer the Rite of Prayerful Consolation for Relatives of One Who Has Ended His Life Voluntarily, and may conduct private prayers using the words of St. Leo of Optina:
“Seek out, O Lord, the lost soul of Thy servant (name): if it be possible, have mercy. Thy judgments are inscrutable. Do not count this prayer of mine as a sin, but let Thy holy will be done.”
The Synod emphasized the importance of pastoral care, directing priests to show compassion to grieving families, explain that their relationship with the deceased continues through prayer, and encourage active participation in church life.
This decision represents a significant development in the Church’s approach to youth suicide cases, balancing traditional teaching with pastoral consideration for families affected by these tragedies. The new guidelines are based on historical Church precedent, including the aforementioned canon from Patriarch Timothy of Alexandria and the 2011 Synod decision regarding mental illness, while addressing contemporary challenges facing young people.
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