Funeral rites are very different from one culture to another, but they are all based on a desire to honour the deceased and to bring comfort to the grieving loved ones left behind.

Greeks, most of whom are Orthodox Christians, mark this stage of life with several respectful and solemn rituals. They begin the funeral rites as soon as the death occurs and these continue for several days, according to the following sequence:

 

1.  The wake

First, the funeral home dresses the deceased in his or her best clothes, and then the body is laid in an open casket surrounded by flowers, usually at the funeral home, so that loved ones can gather around. Since the afterlife is an important part of the faith, the body is not usually cremated.

The day before the burial, family and friends gather for a wake. This is a small ceremony where an Orthodox priest recites customary prayers and the relatives give the eulogy.

2.  The funeral service

The day after the wake is the time to pay a last tribute to the deceased. The funeral home looks after transporting the casket to the church, where the priest conducts the funeral service by reciting prayers and reading liturgical texts, often interspersed with hymns. The casket is usually left open so that loved one can place a flower on it as a farewell.

At the end of the service, the deceased's relatives may serve kollyva (or coliva), a ceremonial dish of boiled cracked wheat, walnuts, honey, orange peel, raisins and cinnamon, which will have first been blessed by the priest.

 
3.  Burial

The coffin is then taken to the cemetery by the funeral home for burial. The priest says a few words and the relatives are invited to toss a handful of earth on the coffin.

 
4.  The farewell meal

After the burial, relatives often gather to have a meal in honour of the deceased. Traditionally, fish, cookies and coffee are served. This is a good opportunity to support the mourners and reminisce about happy memories.

5.   Memorial services

Some families hold memorial masses on the first Sunday following the burial, after 9 and 40 days, and after 6, 9 and 12 months. In addition to honouring the deceased, memorial services are a way of thanking God for His goodness to the loved one.

Greek funeral rites are therefore marked by benevolence and respect, and it can be seen that the passage to the afterlife is celebrated with great dignity.

 

Sources :

https://www.decouvrirlagrece.com/tout-sur-les-funerailles-en-grece/
https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/greek-funeral-customs-and-rituals-you-need-to-know-about/?theme=yellowpages&_ga=2.187669039.661274845.1675913396-651418564.1675913396
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koliva