Greek Orthodox Funeral Flowers & Sympathy Etiquette

Flowers are welcome at Greek Orthodox funerals. Wreaths, sprays and arrangements are a familiar sight at the wake and the church, and white flowers are the most traditional choice. The customs that surprise most people come after the funeral: the memorial service at 40 days, and the Greek phrases people say to the family.

This guide covers what is appropriate for most Greek Orthodox families in the United States. Many of the same customs apply in other Eastern Orthodox communities, such as Russian, Serbian, Romanian and Antiochian parishes, though details differ.

Not sure what to send? Three safe choices

Picked from the Flowers Fast sympathy collection. Prices as listed on September 30, 2026, and may change.

For the family’s home

FTD Peace Lily Plant

$62.90

Good from coworkers, neighbors and friends. A plant keeps going long after cut flowers fade.

See this one

For the service

Classic Sympathy Basket

$79.90

A safe choice from a friend, delivered to the funeral home. Gladiolus, carnations and mums.

See this one

From close family or a group

Love and Light Standing Spray

$139.90

Stands on an easel near the casket. A good choice when several people go in together.

See this one

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The Basic Tradition

• Trisagion service: a short prayer service, usually held at the funeral home the evening before the funeral, during the viewing.
• Funeral service at the church the next day, followed by burial. The casket is often open.
• Burial is the tradition. The Greek Orthodox Church does not permit cremation, and it will not hold a funeral service for someone who has been cremated, so burial is the norm.
• Makaria, the mercy meal: family and guests gather for a meal after the burial. Fish is traditionally served.
• 40-day memorial: a memorial service (mnimosyno) is held at church around 40 days after the death, and often again at one year.

Are Flowers Appropriate?

Yes. Flowers and wreaths are a normal part of an Orthodox funeral. Families also often ask for donations to the church or a charity in the obituary, so check it before ordering. If it says “in lieu of flowers,” a donation is the better gesture.

Where to Send Flowers

To the funeral home, for the viewing and Trisagion

This is the safest destination. Arrangements sent here are usually displayed during the viewing and may travel with the casket to the church and the cemetery.

To the church

Some parishes limit what can be placed in the church. If you want to send directly to the church, call the church office or the funeral home first.

To the family’s home

A plant or bouquet to the home in the weeks after the funeral is also welcome, especially around the 40-day memorial.

What Colors and Types?

White

White flowers are the most traditional and are appropriate for anyone. White roses, lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums and gladiolus all work.

Wreaths and standing sprays

Wreaths are common, particularly from extended family, godparents, organizations and parish groups. A standing spray is also appropriate.

Soft colors

Pale pink, lavender and soft blue are generally fine alongside white. Deep red roses are often used to express love from close family.

Avoid

• Bright, festive mixed bouquets.
• Arrangements with balloons or novelty items.

What to Say and Write

Two Greek phrases are used constantly at Orthodox funerals, and the family will appreciate hearing them, even from someone who does not speak Greek:

• “May their memory be eternal.” In Greek, Eonia i mnimi. This is the traditional wish for the person who died.
• “Life to you.” In Greek, Zoi se sas. This is said to the grieving family, wishing them long life.

Card messages:

“May [Name]’s memory be eternal. With deepest sympathy to you and your family.”

“Our prayers are with you. [Name] will be dearly missed.”

“Wishing you comfort and strength. May [Name] rest in peace.”

Timing

• Before the viewing: send to the funeral home so the arrangement is in place for the Trisagion service.
• The funeral day: the church service and burial.
• The 40-day memorial: a card, a call or a small arrangement to the family around this time is meaningful. Many friends have stopped checking in by then.
• The one-year memorial: another natural moment to reach out.

Koliva

At memorial services you will see koliva, a dish of boiled wheat mixed with sugar, nuts and spices, often decorated with a cross. It symbolizes resurrection and is shared after the service. You do not need to bring it; the family arranges it. If it is offered to you, take a small portion.

Practical Notes if Attending

• Dress conservatively in dark colors.
• Stand during most of the service. Orthodox services involve a lot of standing.
• The final farewell: at the end of the funeral, guests may be invited to pass by the casket. Many Orthodox Christians kiss the icon or cross placed there. If you are not Orthodox, a quiet bow of the head is fine.
• Communion is only for Orthodox Christians. Guests should not receive it.

A Final Practical Note

For a Greek Orthodox funeral, white flowers sent to the funeral home before the viewing are always correct. If you want to go one step further, remember the 40-day memorial. A card or a short visit then tells the family you are still with them after everyone else has moved on.