funeral service and farewell
A death can be devastating for those left behind, especially when it is unexpected. Relatives may only have a few days
until the funeral in order to take all necessary steps, inform the authorities and organize the funeral. We have put together some tips and a checklist to help you in this case.
funeral rite
For dust you are, and to dust you must return
Gen. 3:19
With this biblical command, every human being is aware that one day their earthly life will come to an end. So death is the interruption of human life, to which one cannot remain indifferent. That is why man feels compelled to see the meaning of life and the question of his existence more profoundly than consider the phenomenon of love and birth. Above all, one is confronted with death by the death of another. Continue reading the article here.
Three important steps
Nothing in life is as certain as the knowledge that we must die. Nevertheless, death hardly plays a role in everyday life in our modern western society. He is largely suppressed. But at the latest when a parent, partner, friend or family member dies, we have to deal with the questions: How do you deal with death? What to do in the event of death
report death
After the death has been reported to the relevant authorities, we recommend that you hand over the organizational tasks to a funeral home.In Germany, it is prescribed by law that the next of kin of the deceased are both entitled and obliged to initiate and organize the burial. If a funeral home is hired, you have more time to mourn.
burial date
In our diocese, the appointments are made centrally. Please contact us in good time to make an appointment for the funeral.Appointments by phone
Mon – Fri between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m
under:
+49 211 7126223
bereavement talk
After you have reported the death to the diocese, the pastor responsible will contact you to discuss the course of the service with you.The pastor will give you comfort during the funeral conversation. The family or relatives can tell about the deceased. The pastor will introduce you to the course of the service. You are also welcome to ask your questions to enable a dignified farewell.
Burial rite for lay people
The rite for the lay faithful is divided into three phases: Office of the Dead in the death house, prayer service in the church (chapel in the cemetery) and burial regulations in the cemetery.
In the death house, the relatives prepare the corpse (prosthesis). They wash the dead and clothe them. Then they lay out the body. The wake is held. These last services are accompanied by prayer, scripture reading and psalm singing. In Germany, these tasks are taken over by the funeral home, so this part is missing. If desired, the pastor can say a prayer in the house of the deceased before the service takes place in the church or chapel.
A prayer service will be held in the church. The funeral procession continues to the cemetery where the deceased is buried and the priest seals the grave. Clergy and relatives return to the mourning house and conclude the funeral service with a psalm and prayer. After the burial, a memorial service is held at the deceased's home. It serves to comfort and edify the relatives. The family gathering after the burial is an integral part of the liturgical execution of the funeral service.
In this respect the lay rite of the Armenian Church differs characteristically from the rites of the other Oriental Churches, whose funeral liturgy ends with dismissal from the cemetery. For the Church teaches the communion of the living and those who are asleep, which is to be preserved in the rite. Thus, the Armenian Church includes the bereaved with specific parts for the grieving community in the burial order. Thus, in the Armenian funeral rite, the last spiritual duty is rendered not only to the deceased, but also to the bereaved with speeches comforting the spirit.
The rite for the lay faithful is divided into three phases: Office of the Dead in the death house, prayer service in the church (chapel in the cemetery) and burial regulations in the cemetery.
In the death house, the relatives prepare the corpse (prosthesis). They wash the dead and clothe them. Then they lay out the body. The wake is held. These last services are accompanied by prayer, scripture reading and psalm singing. In Germany, these tasks are taken over by the funeral home, so this part is missing. If desired, the pastor can say a prayer in the house of the deceased before the service takes place in the church or chapel.
A prayer service will be held in the church. The funeral procession continues to the cemetery where the deceased is buried and the priest seals the grave. Clergy and relatives return to the mourning house and conclude the funeral service with a psalm and prayer. After the burial, a memorial service is held at the deceased's home. It serves to comfort and edify the relatives. The family gathering after the burial is an integral part of the liturgical execution of the funeral service.
In this respect the lay rite of the Armenian Church differs characteristically from the rites of the other Oriental Churches, whose funeral liturgy ends with dismissal from the cemetery. For the Church teaches the communion of the living and those who are asleep, which is to be preserved in the rite. Thus, the Armenian Church includes the bereaved with specific parts for the grieving community in the burial order. Thus, in the Armenian funeral rite, the last spiritual duty is rendered not only to the deceased, but also to the bereaved with speeches comforting the spirit.