By His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios
Funeral Information
Everyone thinks about and fears death, for obviously different reasons, but this is the truth. Let us see, though, what death is and then see if we should fear death or life or even ourselves.
When people think of death they put in their minds catastrophe and the end. This is not how things are. Death is a stage and a starting point. It is neither the end, nor a catastrophe. It is a change of circumstances. It is birth. Just as the embryo grows in the womb of its mother for nine months and is then born, so too man in his earthly life works for his salvation, and then he dies. In other words, he is born into eternity. The child that is born is born crying. Why? The reason is that it does not know where it is going. It fears the unknown. We who know the reality of the situation do not cry when a child is born, but are happy. The same applies to the person who dies. He cries and thinks about death because he is afraid of the unknown. Christ who “has become the first born from the dead” has told us everything. But then why are Christians afraid of death? Christians are afraid of death for three main reasons: a) they Orthodox Catechism do not have enough faith in Christ, b) they do not live a holy, but rather a sinful life and are therefore afraid, and c) they know that after death repentance for salvation no longer exists and so they are afraid of death and the uncertainty that it brings for them personally. Non-Christians are afraid of death for the same reasons, if they have some faith, but also because they do not know the things that follow after death. Non-believers are afraid of death because they consider it catastrophe and the end. But it is not. It is, as we said, a stage and a starting point.
Christians should not be afraid of death. More than death they should fear their earthly life. In essence and actuality they should not be afraid of their earthly life. They should fear their bad selves. They should fear their unrepentance and disbelief.
Christ, Who became man for us, were crucified and died on the cross, descended to Hades and were raised up and became “the first born from the dead,” Who told us “he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”(John, 11:25), You, Lord, help us. Give us faith. Teach us about death. Make us not to fear death. Give us Your grace so that we may work out our eternal salvation in our earthly life, be victorious over our sinful selves, and not remain in our sinful state–our unrepentant state. Help us to live and grow in a state of repentance, to think of death for what it is, a stage and starting point for eternity, a birthday in Your heavenly Kingdom, and a return to our fatherly home. We thank You, Lord.
Informational Guide for the Passing of a Loved One
In the Greek Orthodox faith, we believe that death separates the spiritual soul from the physical body. The Trisagion Service is a brief service performed by the priest at various times, but typically on the 40th day and one year after the death. For more information regarding when Trisagion services are held, please contact Fr. Thomas.
The Funeral Service is usually held within a few days of the death, and typically lasts thirty minutes. The casket is usually open throughout the service, and it concludes with a procession passing the casket to pay last respects to the deceased. At the cemetery, the Trisagion Service is performed before the body is lowered into the ground.
The 40th day after death concludes the memorial period and has a major significance in Orthodoxy. The New Testament echoes the 40th day tradition, with the Ascension of Jesus occurring on the 40th day after his resurrection. The Koliva (boiled wheat) have a symbolic meaning in the church. It expresses the belief in everlasting life. Just as new life rises from the buried kernel of wheat, the Church believes that the one buried will one-day rise to a new life in God. The Koliva is covered in sugar to symbolize the bliss of eternal life in Heaven.
Procedure
When a loved one has passed and the family would like to hold prayer and/or funeral services, parishioners may contact the funeral home of their choosing and then to contact Fr. Thomas at (403) 246-4553 ext 2 or at Fr.ThomasSandberg@icloud.com to book the church. After the arrangements have been confirmed, please contact the Hall Manager at events@calgaryhellenic.com to book the hall for fellowship, and lastly to contact Philoptochos President Georgina Tsavaras at georgina.tzavaras@gmail.com (403-815-8098) for fellowship preparations and Koliva preparations.
All fees must be paid prior to booking by contacting the Hall Manager at events@calgaryhellenic.com.
Hall Rental Fees for Fellowship
Membership Type
Main Hall for Funeral Fellowship
Main Hall for Prayer Service Evening Prior to Funeral Fellowship
Active Member
$300
$150
Non-Member
$600
$300
Philoptochos is the incumbent caterer of the Hellenic Community for funeral fellowship. As such, the above pricing is based on catering services being provided by Philoptochos. For alternate arrangements, third-party rental rates may apply.
