Greek Funeral Traditions: What to Expect

To many, Greece is a country associated with monumental history, art, politics, civilisation, and theology. From the Olympics to the domes of Santorini, Greek culture is rich and well respected, with a legacy that has spread all over the world.

In the 19th century, many Greek families moved away from their towns and villages and migrated to different countries and more recently this including Australia. As a result, between 400,000 to 600,000 Greek people now live in Australia, which makes up the seventh largest ethnic group in Australia.

Nowadays, there is a diverse range of cultural practices and beliefs in the Greek Australian community, including traditional and contemporary approaches. These are reflected in many ceremonies, including funerals, that some Australians and even young Greek Australians may not know.

Sydney based funeral director Peter Giarratano has over 17 years of experience creating funerals and memorials with culturally diverse communities, including the Greek community, and shares his insight into Greek funeral traditions.

“The first step to understanding Greek funeral traditions is understanding the influence religion plays,” Peter says.

“Most Greek Australians who are religious are Greek Orthodox families that follow traditional Greek funeral practices. From time to time, there are other Christian faiths in the mix, such as Catholicism.

“There are also Greek families that prefer a more contemporary service for their loved one.”

The following explores Peter’s perspective on the primary influential factors in Greek funeral traditions.

What influences Greek funeral customs in Australia?

“When looking at traditional Greek funerals, the Early Church has formed the basis of traditional rituals and practices,” Peter explains.

“However, not all Greek families follow traditional funeral customs and may opt for more contemporary service, such as having the funeral at a beach.”

In ancient times, Greek funerals would involve burying the deceased and placing food and drink, or any other personal items that belonged to the deceased, in their coffins.

Nowadays, “olive oil is usually sprinkled over the coffin in the shape of a cross to serve a spiritual purpose…many Greek Australian families also follow traditions that are practised in their family’s village or town in Greece,” he says.

What happens at a Greek funeral?

Most Greek Orthodox funerals are led by priests, with less involvement from the families compared to Catholic funerals. For instance, the eulogy is delivered by the priest instead of a family member.

“In a traditional Greek funeral service, only religious chants are sung in the service instead of background music or instruments,” Peter says.

Following an Orthodox funeral, attendees sometimes break plates as a symbolic ritual.

Since not all Greek families follow traditional funeral practises, Peter also has experience with more contemporary services in the Greek Australian community.

“Some families may choose to opt for a cremation instead of a low ground burial or have the funeral service at another location instead of a Church,” he adds.

How is the body prepared for a Greek funeral?

Partial embalming of the body, as well as a viewing of the deceased before the funeral and during the service, are accepted in the Greek Orthodox Church.

“Sometimes, a wake or viewing is held the evening before the funeral service, where families and friends can give eulogies, as the priest is the one to say the eulogy during the funeral service.”

Interestingly in traditional Greek funerals, low ground burials are the preferred choice.

“If there is a funeral, and the cremation happens after the service, the clergy does not enter the crematorium. All blessings by the priest take place at the church,” he explains.

What are the Do’s and Don’ts when attending a Greek funeral?

Below is a list of essential reminders when attending a Greek Orthodox funeral service:

Do’s

• Sign the guest book.
• Let the ushers advise you on where to sit.
• Enter the church quietly.
• Follow the congregation’s movements and pay your respects to the bereaved family.
• When viewing the body (which is optional), approach and pause briefly in front of the casket.
• Always join the condolence line at the end. This will take place at the end of the service and is when mourners to walk past the body and are given the opportunity to express their condolences to the family.
• Greek Orthodox people traditionally bow before the casket and kiss an icon or a cross placed on the deceased’s chest.
• It is appropriate to briefly visit the bereaved at home after the funeral.
• Offer a donation, no matter how large or small, to the church by either buying a candle or contributing to the donation bowl.
• Wear dark/black clothing.

Don’ts

• Do not arrive late.
• Don’t wear bright colours

What dates are Greek funerals not conducted?

Here is a list of specific dates of the Greek Orthodox calendar on which funeral and memorial services cannot be held:

• From the Saturday of Lazarus until the Sunday of St Thomas (dates vary depending on Easter)
• Christmas Day
• The Feast of the Parish Church
• On the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (15 August)

And on the feast days of our Lord:

• Circumcision of our Lord (1 January)
• Epiphany (6 January)
• The Presentation (2 February)
• The Annunciation (25 March)
• The Ascension (40 days after Easter, or Pascha)
• Pentecost (50 days after Easter, or Pascha)
• The Transfiguration (6 August)

What are some Greek expressions of sympathy?

• Zoi se sas = May life be granted to you (said to family members at the funeral).
• Syllypitiria = My condolences (said only at the funeral).
• O Theos na ton/tin synghoresi = May God forgive him/her (said to family members at the funeral and at memorial services).
• O Theos na ton/tin anapafsi = May God rest his/her soul (said to family members at the funeral and at memorial services).
• Zoi se mas = May life be granted to us (said among mourners and to family members at the funeral and at memorial services).