Orthodox Funeral

Our dear friend Marianne passed from this life into the presence of God Aug. 21, 2008 at 4:16pm. I was so blessed to be at the house about 5:30pm and able to participate in the preparation of her body. What a beautiful service performed by ladies of the church as well as her daughter Kris and Mariannes best lifelong friend Elaine - "Sponge".
Washing her, applying myrhh oil on her rapidly cooling body then dressing her was an incredible experience. It was a first for me. I so appreciated Teri, Helen, Mary and Cheryl welcoming me in this final act of love and friendship for our Marianne.
As the tradition goes in Orthodoxy, the body is not embalmed and is buried quite soon. She passed at 4:16pm and will be laid to rest in the cemetary around noon on Saturday. That's less than 48 hours. Her body was taken to the church this afternoon about 5pm and people will be there all night reading the Psalms. The funeral tomorrow will be at 11am. After her body is buried, we will return to the church for a "party" as she wanted. She so often told me she really didn't want a funeral because it was too sad. But in talking with our priest, she was going to "allow" a funeral, but there had to be a big party after. A happy time, celebrating her life as well as everyone left to mourn and miss her.
Words cannot express the emotions felt at this time. Experiencing death in Orthodoxy strengthens my faith in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church and our God.