# Orthodox Christian funerals

> Orthodox Christian funerals — Greek, Russian, Romanian, Serbian, Coptic, Ethiopian and others — are sung services held in church with an open coffin, incense and candles. The Orthodox Church traditionally requires burial rather than cremation. Memorial services with koliva (boiled wheat) follow on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days and at the first anniversary.

Source: https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/orthodox/ — FuneralFinder

## Key facts

- **Burial or cremation:** Burial — many Orthodox churches will not hold a church funeral if cremation is chosen
- **Service:** Chanted funeral service, usually with an open coffin; mourners give a final farewell kiss
- **Memorials:** Trisagion prayers and memorials with koliva on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days, and yearly

## What to expect

The Orthodox funeral service is largely sung. Mourners hold lit candles, the priest censes the coffin, and at the end people come forward to say farewell — often by kissing an icon or cross placed in the coffin. The 40th day after death is especially significant.
Every family and community is different. Use this as a starting point, follow the wishes of the person who died, and ask their faith leader or community for guidance.

## Etiquette

- **What to wear:** Dark, modest clothing. Women may cover their hair.
- **What to say:** “Memory eternal” (“Eonia i mnimi” in Greek; “Vechnaya pamyat” in Russian).
- **Flowers:** Flowers are welcome.

## FAQs

### Can Orthodox Christians be cremated?

The Orthodox Church traditionally requires burial, and many Orthodox churches will not hold a church funeral where cremation has been chosen. Speak to the parish priest.