Stillbirth

[Malleeboy]

Our family lost our first child at 41 weeks for no identifiable cause, only two days before the Obst was going to deliver her.
For us, as arminian protestants, she died well before the age of accountability, so our expectation was that she would proceed us to heaven.
This was a child that had been prayed over, whose names together meant "pure grace".
Every year we remember her, we as a family have visited her grave, have a birthday muffin, and burn a candle in her memory on the day.

As I have mentioned previously, my son is moving towards Orthodoxy. We spoke about his sister, and he seemed to be taking an Augustinian/Orange view.
No baptism likely means no entry to heaven. But also no personal sin, so she would not suffer due to sin. However I have read a couple of Orthodox posts that seemed more positive.

I'm curious on the common orthodox position?

 

[All4Christ]

This is from the service that we (Orthodox Church of America) use after miscarriages or still births.

…Visit us and help us. Cast us down and raise us up. In silence we contemplate Thy holy will and inscrutable ways. We offer ourselves to Thee in sacrifice, and we place all our trust in Thee. We have no desire but to fulfill Thy holy will. We believe, O Lord; help our unbelief! Let not our faith fail, nor our hope weaken, nor our love grow cold. Wipe away our tears of sorrow, granting us instead tears of joy. Heal our weakness and infirmity. Forgive our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary. Receive the infant [N.] into Thy kingdom and have mercy on us, through the mercy and compassion and love for mankind of Thine only-begotten Son, with whom Thou are blessed, together with Thine all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

O Lord, Who guards Thy children in this life and prepares for those who have departed from us in their innocence a haven in the radiant angelic realm in the heavenly mansions: Do Thou, the same Master, Christ our God, receive in peace the soul of Thy child [N.], for Thou has said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of heaven.” For unto Thee is due all glory, honor and worship, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever. and unto ages of ages.

Common Prayers - Service after a Miscarriage or Stillbirth

A general Service of Prayer celebrated at the time of loss or thereafter, but especially when the priest is called to attend to a miscarriage or stillbirth. P: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. R: Amen. O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art...

www.oca.org

 

[All4Christ]

Our family lost our first child at 41 weeks for no identifiable cause, only two days before the Obst was going to deliver her.
For us, as arminian protestants, she died well before the age of accountability, so our expectation was that she would proceed us to heaven.
This was a child that had been prayed over, whose names together meant "pure grace".
Every year we remember her, we as a family have visited her grave, have a birthday muffin, and burn a candle in her memory on the day.

As I have mentioned previously, my son is moving towards Orthodoxy. We spoke about his sister, and he seemed to be taking an Augustinian/Orange view.
No baptism likely means no entry to heaven. But also no personal sin, so she would not suffer due to sin. However I have read a couple of Orthodox posts that seemed more positive.

I'm curious on the common orthodox position?

I can’t imagine how hard it would be for a child to die that close to birth.

My good friends also lost their child before he was born, though he was at 6 months, not full term. He has a patron saint - Saint Gregory, a grave with a headstone at our parish, and we had a service for him and his mother at the graveside. I put the link in the response above.

 

[ArmyMatt]

the position is that the baby is in the hands of the God Who loves her infinitely more than we ever could.

 

[Malleeboy]

Thanks all

 

[ArmyMatt]

no problem, I know a lot can relate to those questions.