| The Orthodox Funeral Traditions |
| Written by Tom Tree |
| Saturday, 26 June 2010 07:22 |
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Traditional funeral services are important to most families. The ethnic traditions in funeral service - East European family-Orthodox practiced by families is no different. Their religion is known as eastern orthodox and is an off shoot of Catholicism. Their funeral practices are very similar to those of the Catholic faith.
Traditional funeral services are important to most families. The ethnic traditions in funeral service - East European family-Orthodox practiced by families is no different. Their religion is known as eastern orthodox and is an off shoot of Catholicism. Their funeral practices are very similar to those of the Catholic faith. There are a few differences between Eastern Orthodox and the Catholic faith. One of the differences is their view on cremation. People who practice Eastern Orthodox believe that the body should be placed back into the earth. For this reason they use coffins and bury the bodies usually in cemeteries rather than cremate them. On the other hand in the Eastern Orthodox religion organ donors are considered good things. They believe that helping people is foremost even when they die. They often fill out organ donor cards with a witness. It is from a reference in the bible to helping others. During the period of morning sets of three prayers are said. Each set is said at the different phases of death and then at burial. Prayers are normally said along with a death vigil. Doing this is to remove the soul from the body and help it along to the afterlife. A funeral is held as is a wake. They have the funeral at a church, the wake at the home, and a small service that is graveside. Normally crosses, flowers and other gifts are given to the deceased's family members. Not giving a gift at this time is considered extremely rude and gifts of white flowers are especially good. The Eastern European Orthodox religion will be happy to share any information that you want to know if you decide to do more research into it. Paying close attention to the different ideas and practices will help you understand it more. If you are planning a funeral there are guides and such to help you. About the Author: Get more information and details on how you can choose a marvelous gravestone that will reflect your ethnic traditions today! The right tombstone will reflect your traditions for generations to come. |