What is the dress code for a Greek Orthodox funeral?
For Orthodox funerals, traditional dark, formal clothing will be appropriate in most cases unless the bereaved inform you otherwise. Attendees dress in dark, modest clothing. Men wear dress suits with a tie and women wear dresses. The Church encourages men and women to cover their arms and legs.
What are Greek funerals like?
In Greek funerals, the casket is always open and the disposition takes place in the deceased’s home. Before the casket is closed, the family would offer a final kiss to the departed and special items of importance to the deceased may be placed in the casket. The following funeral procession is a quiet affair.
What color do you wear to a Greek funeral?
They believe life is everlasting, and that the soul is reunited with the body and with Christ. This provides hope in the midst of loss. If you were to attend a funeral at a Greek Orthodox Church, what should you expect? Those attending dress in dark, modest clothing.
What do you say at a Greek funeral in Greek?
In funerals, the formulaic expression is ζωή σε λόγου σας “life to you” (where λόγου σας “your word” is an old circumlocution for “you”, cf. “your lordship”).
Do you send flowers to a Greek funeral?
Greek funeral flowers Church members and friends often send plants and bouquets in memory of the deceased. Flowers are often passed out during the prayer service at the gravesite. At the conclusion of the service, each person usually bows and places his or her flower on the casket.
How do you plan a Greek funeral?
The funeral service, to take place at a funeral home or Greek Orthodox Church will include hymns, prayers, and readings from the bible. The priest may also offer a sermon and speak about the deceased. The casket will likely be open with a viewing of the deceased optional.
Do Greek Orthodox bury or cremate?
According to the law, Orthodox Greeks can choose cremation as long as they have stated this in writing before their death or their immediate relatives wish it. For decades the Greek Orthodox Church had strongly opposed cremation, saying the body is God’s creation and cannot be burned.
Do you have to wear black to a Greek funeral?
If you were to attend a funeral at a Greek Orthodox Church, what should you expect? Those attending dress in dark, modest clothing. Typically, men wear suits and women wear dresses, as the church encourages everyone to cover their arms and legs.
How do you express condolences in Greek?
condolences {plural} Παρακαλώ δεχθείτε τα πιο βαθιά και ειλικρινή συλλυπητήρια μας αυτό το δύσκολο χρόνο.
What do you wear to a Greek Orthodox funeral?
Although family members of the deceased dress in black, other mourners may wear neutral colors. Pallbearers carry the casket into the church and place it before the altar. In the Greek Orthodox faith, funerals are open-casket services, with a religious icon and cross positioned on or near the deceased’s forehead.
What happens at a Greek funeral?
A Greek funeral usually takes place within 24 hours of death. The body is dressed and placed in an open coffin by the undertaker and taken home where it is displayed prior to the funeral. Relatives and close friends will visit the deceased at home to pay their respects.
What are the rituals in a Cretan funeral?
The rituals in a Cretan funeral are influenced by the Greek Orthodox Church and also by local cultural traditions and etiquette. A Greek funeral usually takes place within 24 hours of death. The body is dressed and placed in an open coffin by the undertaker and taken home where it is displayed prior to the funeral.
Is cremation allowed in Greek Orthodox funerals?
Like many conservative Christian religions, cremation is not allowed. The Greek Orthodox Church believes in the resurrection of the body and views cremation as a sin. The family members recite readings and they may also serve as pallbearers. The priest is the only one allowed to recite prayers in church and give the eulogy.