Pet funeral words for Orthodox Christian families

A private family prayer

An informal family gathering at home for Orthodox households. It isn't a service of the Orthodox Church or an official rite of any Orthodox jurisdiction, and it doesn't use the Church's prayers for the departed. It's a time to give thanks and pray for those who are grieving. Your priest can give you guidance. About 10 to 15 minutes.

The order of steps

1. Lighting a candleWelcome everyone and light a candle by your pet's photo. It doesn't matter how long ago your pet passed. It's never too late for this.
2. Psalm 103:24-25This is Brenton's English Septuagint of 1851, where it's numbered Psalm 103. You can read from your own Psalter instead.

   How great are thy works, O Lord! in wisdom hast thou wrought them all: the earth is filled with thy creation. So is this great and wide sea: there are things creeping innumerable, small animals and great.

   Source: Psalm 103:24-25, Brenton English Septuagint (1851), public domain

3. RememberingShare stories about your pet, and invite others to share theirs. It's fine to sit.
4. A prayer for those who are grieving (optional)Pray in your own words for the people who cared for your pet and are grieving now, and give thanks for God's creatures.
5. A quiet moment (optional)Stand together quietly for a few moments.
6. ClosingThank everyone for coming. If you can, share a meal together afterward and tell more stories there.