The funeral service.
After the wake, the body is transported to the church for the funeral service. Traditionally, this transportation takes the form of a procession led by the cross with men carrying the casket on their backs. The priest walks in front of the casket with the censer and leads the processors in the singing of the hymn Trisagion.
Once at the church, the casket is re-opened. Near the head of the casket a bowl of koliva (a dish of boiled wheat with honey) is placed with a candle lit on top, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the sweetness of Heaven. A simple paper headband or “crown” – an ancient symbol of victory bearing the words of an important prayer is placed on the head A crown or wreath with the Trisagion printed on it is also placed on the head of the deceased and a small icon of Christ, the deceased’s patron saint, or a cross is placed in the deceased’s hand or in the casket. Lit candles are distributed to all present and remain lit throughout the funeral service.
Mourners and worshipers stand throughout the funeral service, during which the priest will lead in prayer and devotion. After the service, mourners are expected to approach the casket and say a prayer for the deceased. The mourners may kiss the icon or cross in the casket. After all mourners have had a chance to “say goodbye,” the casket is closed and removed from the church to the cemetery.
Interment.
Once at the cemetery, a short graveside burial service is performed by the priest. The priest now performs the “seeing off” ceremony, praying over the body and allowing mourners to throw dirt on the grave, symbolically integrating the deceased with the earth. The priest then places a paper crown on the head of the deceased and the mourners throw soil and coins into the grave (the coins are either to pay for transit to the “other world” or for the space in the cemetery). At the graveside, cool vegetables boiled rice, and raisins are left for the nourishment of the deceased.
After the funeral, mourners grieve by singing songs about the deceased leaving his or her family and the soul departing from the body. It is important to throw away any handkerchiefs that are used to wipe away tears at the funeral. Under no circumstances can you bring them home at it is believed that if you do this, you are bringing tears into the house.