Roger5
3 Apr 2015
Life / Funeral Traditions in Poland [68]
I've been to two Orthodox funerals in the last year near Białystok, so I can tell you that it's hats off for men, heads covered for women, although the latter is not universally adhered to unless you go to a very strict church. If you are female, cover your head and you won't go wrong.
Bear in mind that churches are usually unheated here in the east of Poland. Wrap up warm because you are going to be standing in one spot in a cold church for two or more hours. Women usually wear long skirts and thick tights and boots. After the service there will be a meal. This doesn't take too long, but the whole thing is emotionally and physically demanding. Having said that, it is also rather beautiful.
hopeful, If you were thinking about colour, black is, of course, traditional, but at the recent funerals I attended (plus the services which occur forty days later and one year later) most people dressed in normal clothes of a muted colour. I was the only one in a black suit and black tie. As you enter the church buy a few beeswax candles (just follow others). Light one and put it in one of the candle holders you'll see here and there, but save one for later in the service. Oh, and wear gloves.
Paulina, the link you posted to the Antiochan website is useful up to a point, but things are different here in Poland.
I've been to two Orthodox funerals in the last year near Białystok, so I can tell you that it's hats off for men, heads covered for women, although the latter is not universally adhered to unless you go to a very strict church. If you are female, cover your head and you won't go wrong.
Bear in mind that churches are usually unheated here in the east of Poland. Wrap up warm because you are going to be standing in one spot in a cold church for two or more hours. Women usually wear long skirts and thick tights and boots. After the service there will be a meal. This doesn't take too long, but the whole thing is emotionally and physically demanding. Having said that, it is also rather beautiful.
hopeful, If you were thinking about colour, black is, of course, traditional, but at the recent funerals I attended (plus the services which occur forty days later and one year later) most people dressed in normal clothes of a muted colour. I was the only one in a black suit and black tie. As you enter the church buy a few beeswax candles (just follow others). Light one and put it in one of the candle holders you'll see here and there, but save one for later in the service. Oh, and wear gloves.
Paulina, the link you posted to the Antiochan website is useful up to a point, but things are different here in Poland.