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.

In eastern European families cremation is a big no. They believe that they should be returned to the earth. Bodies are dealt with by being put into a coffin and then buried into the earth. This is normally accompanied by a grave side service and mourners throwing some dirt on the coffin once it is in the grave.

They do however take organ donation very very seriously. They normally have someone witness the organ donor card signing. They believe that it is giving back to donate organs and help others even in death. This is taken from a section of the bible that states that people should give to others when ever that they can.

Several prayers are said over the dying and the dead in this religion. These prayers are to get the soul to depart the body to continue its journey. These are ordinarily accompanied by a vigil and a viewing. They prepare for death when someone is terminally ill rather than waiting until after they are gone.

The funeral is held at generally held at a church. The gift of flowers, crosses, or other religious symbols are welcomed at any point during the mourning period. It is particularly important to give crosses and wreaths to the deceased’s family. Not sending anything or bringing the flowers to the grave site is very appropriate in this religion.

Most people of the Eastern Orthodox religion will be happy to help you if you are planning a funeral. There are very few true differences between Catholics and the Eastern European version of this religion. The differences are important to pay attention to when planning an event like this.

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