Christianity
covers a broad variety of cultures. The main denominations of Christianity are:
Catholicism, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodox.
Christianity
has about 2.1 billion followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings
of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago.
Christian
funeral services focus mainly on the deceased entry into Heaven and God’s
ability to give the grieving strength to cope with their recent loss.
The most
common Christian funeral and grief traditions include:
- Friends and family gather at the home of the deceased or family member to support and share in the common grief.
- Traditionally, dark clothing tends to be worn during ceremonial services.
- A visitation and viewing at a funeral home are typically followed by a religious and graveside side service.
- Prayers and hymns are read and sung throughout the funeral.
- A remembrance given by a close friend or family member honors the life and gifts of the deceased.
- Interment is followed by a gathering at the home of the deceased, or a family member where food and refreshment are provided.
- Flowers and donations are preferred ways to express condolences.
- Out-of-town friends and relatives who are not able to attend the funeral may send flowers and/or messages of condolences to the funeral home or to the family home.
The
memorial service provides the opportunity to celebrate the life of the deceased
with a wider group of friends and colleagues.
The
one-month anniversary of the death is often celebrated by a Mass, as are those
of other anniversaries.
Main Christian Holy Places of the World.
Bethlehem, Israel: birthplace of Jesus
Nazareth, Israel: where Jesus lived and began ministry
Jerusalem, Israel: where the early Church was started |
The Vatican: also known as "Vatican City"
|
Constantinople, Turkey: seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople
Mt. Athos - Mt. Athos is a peninsula in eastern Greece (near
Thesaloniki) that is extremely revered by Orthodox believers.
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