My Grandmother was a Whisperer, and now they've Refused to Hold a Funeral Service for her

Question for a priest.

Archpriest Andrei Efanov

My grandmother died. In life, she was a “whisperer” (sorcerer). The priest didn't hold a funeral service for her and didn't even allow me to buy candles at the church. I go to church, and my children and I attend confession and communion. It pains me greatly that now I can't even submit a commemoration note for her at the church. Are there any prayers that can be read for such people? Is it possible to hold a memorial service?

Answered by Archpriest Andrei Efanov, 2014-06-13

I would distinguish two main types of so-called "whisperers." There are people who cast spells out of superstition. They believe that saying certain words in a certain sequence is enough to trigger a particular desired effect. Often, a person doesn't even intend to appeal to any force, believing that the words themselves have the power. Sometimes even the words of prayer are interpreted as a spell, and people who believe in the magic of words seek "special, powerful prayers" to achieve results. There is even a so-called "prayer of opposition"—a classic spell that, through an oversight, has even found its way into some prayer books. The second type of people who practice spells are classic magicians and sorcerers. These people, to a greater or lesser extent, understand that they are turning to demonic help. Of course, this is a far greater sin than superstition. But a person who foolishly or knowingly practices magic is always outside the Church of Christ. That is why the priest refused to perform the funeral service for your relative. All you can do is pray for her at home with the words of the prayer of St. Leo of Optina: Seek, O Lord, the lost soul of Thy servant (name): if it be possible, have mercy. Thy judgments are unfathomable. Do not account this prayer of mine as a sin, but may Thy holy will be done.

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