Within Christian churches, Easter Sunday observances are the culmi-
nating point of a series of services held during Holy Week, beginning with
Palm Sunday. It is customary for Holy Communion to be administered
during Holy Week by many Christian denominations but the time and
manner of its observance varies.
Many Christian denominations hold joint interdenominational services
beginning on Good Friday and culminating in the Easter dawn or sunrise
service.
LIFE CYCLE RITES
Life cycle rites for many Christians are referred to as sacraments or
ordinances and are the religious rituals conducted in connection with signifi-
cant events in the human life cycle: birth, adulthood, marriage, death, etc.
The support required for Christian baptismal rites will be discussed in
chapter 3, Worship Support Functions. The support required for weddings
and burial ceremonies will be discussed in chapter 4, Naval Funerals and
Chapel Weddings. The rites connected with infant baptism, marriage, and
death are considered by many groups to be Christian life cycle rites.
OTHER PRACTICES OR RESTRICTIONS
Dietary Restrictions
Some Christian bodies prohibit the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.
Some may be vegetarians. A general list of dietary restrictions, by coun-
try, may be found within the Social Usage and Protocol Handbook,
OPNAVINST 1710.7, Annex F.
Medical Treatment
Most of the Christian groups have no restrictions as to medical treat-
ment; however, there are some exceptions. For example, the Church of
Christ, Scientist relies on spiritual means alone through prayer for healing.
This would fall under “legitimate religious objection. ”
Autopsy
There are no restrictions for most groups. Individual preferences should
be honored.
Death and Burial
A minister of the appropriate faith should be present, if possible. For
Catholics (Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox), a priest should be
present to offer absolution or the sacraments, if at all possible.
RESOURCES
The best guide to the availability and general use of resources to be found
in the Christian community is the chaplain. However, the ecclesiastical
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