Disposing of Religious Refuse

As a general rule, things that are blessed or otherwise considered “holy” are never to be thrown away.  They are to be disposed of properly and respectfully, usually by burning. The following is a brief summary of how various holy things should be properly disposed of.

Holy Communion: Any porous material that gets Holy Communion on it must be burned, including any clothing.  Mothers and fathers should keep a cloth diaper or something similar over their shoulder in case their child spits up after Communion. The cloth is then be given to the Priest to be burned. Any non-porous material that gets Holy Communion on it should be given to the Priest to be carefully cleaned thrice with soap and water.

Other things that are to be burned: Old paper/wooden icons, wooden crosses, palms/pussy willows; Tissue/paper towel that has been used to wipe Holy Chrism, Holy Unction Oil, or anointing oil (from vigil); Tissue/paper towel that held Prosphora/Antidoron and has crumbs on it or which was used to trim/clean vigil lamps.

Note: Please do not keep items to be burned in a closed plastic bag.  This holds in moisture and causes mold and decay.  Also, some people have the practice of burning/burying remnant scraps of blessed Pascha food, cups/spoons use for kollyva, stems from blessed grapes, etc.  This is not a church rule and need not be done.

Other: Holy water can be poured into potted houseplants or onto a garden or wooded area in a location that is not walked over; Antidoron crumbs or flowers from the chapel can likewise be put into a non-trodden area.

There is a small, brass can in the back of the chapel which is reserved for the items listed above. Feel free to place any of your religious refuse in to be burned and disposed of properly. Please do not use this can for any other refuse.