ABSTRACT

The fundamental belief of Christianity dates back to Jesus, born in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. Some lapsed Christians may discover a renewed faith and trust in God through pastoral visits. Christmas and Easter are the best known and most universally observed of the Christian festivals. Christianity is divided into many groups. The three main groups are the Roman Catholic Church, the Protestant churches and the eastern Orthodox churches. Orthodox Christians are usually buried, but there is often a formal lying-in-state in the church, in the coffin, so that family and friends can come and pay their last respects. The variety of belief amongst Christians is considerable and often the best way to find out about beliefs and practices is to ask the patient or his family. In the Protestant tradition, there are fewer formally observed last rites, although many practising Anglican patients may wish to receive the sacrament of the sick.