Russian Orthodox Funeral Customs?

Are there any specific customs/practices related to Russian Orthodox funerals? My father will be attending a coworkers funeral and the gathering afterward. He wanted to make sure that he dressed appropriately, knew what to expect and also didn%26#039;t say or do anything that would be offensive. An example of something that I found looking on the web was if you bring flowers there should be an even number of them.

Russian Orthodox Funeral Customs?
I can%26#039;t stress this enough make sure you were comphoratble shoes- Orhtodox Churches don%26#039;t tradtionaly have pews. If there are pews are chairs - it is a good idea to not sit except during the sermon- Orthodox Christians tradtionaly stand and there are some parts in a service there a few parts you can sit but unless you know the service standing is the best corse.


we are closed communion.


Next any nice preerably black suit would work


The flower tradtion is simply a Russian folk custom and has not spiritual meaning yellow flowers are also a bad idea too. As I don%26#039;t know how long the family has been in the US don%26#039;t worry to much. As for what to say or not say at the gathering just don%26#039;t say any thing you thing would hurt some one.
Reply:Please let me add my condolences to the family. My prayer is for the Lord Jesus Christ to bring comfort to those remaining on this earth.





The best advice I can give you is to first, speak to the Russian Orthodox priest or minister and briefly explain the situation. Most would be glad to answer questions along this line. If I%26#039;m not mistaken, there should be a website (orthodox.org, maybe?) that could provide some of these customs, etc.





Or, would it be possible to get a %26quot;briefing%26quot;, for lack of a better term, from one of the family members, or one of the church members? I say this because some years back, one of my father%26#039;s friends died and was buried according to Roman Catholic customs. The priest, Dad said, explained what he was doing and what he was wearing as he proceeded through the ceremony. This was important because in that part of the country, there weren%26#039;t too many Catholic folks and, just like your father, didn%26#039;t want to committ a faux pas either.





I hope all goes well for you and the other family during this time.
Reply:shirt and tie - jacket too if possible


do not eat candy or chew gum


follow along with everyone


women can%26#039;t cross their legs - not sure about men


cell phone OFF


do not go up for communion





other then that - just have him follow along!



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