Funeral services in Riga
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A pastor or clergyman visits the dying, providing spiritual support. Immediately after death, the body of the deceased is thoroughly washed and dressed in dark or black and white clothing in remembrance of the suffering of Jesus Christ for humanity. The body is laid on a hard surface covered with white linen. A short service follows at the coffin.
Cremation has been permitted since 1898, with a pastor accompanying the process at the crematorium.
The body of the deceased is placed in a coffin. The deceased lies on their back, with their arms folded across their chest. Personal belongings are not customary in the coffin.
The use of flowers is acceptable, but many families choose to make donations instead. However, the coffin is often decorated with flowers.
There are no restrictions on the choice of coffin; the presence of a cross on the top is important.
The time of the funeral is not determined in advance.
The ceremony can be held in various locations, agreed upon with the pastor. The service begins with the ringing of church bells and funeral organ music. The pastor offers inspirational words, reminiscing about the life of the deceased, and a prayer for forgiveness, concluding with the hope of resurrection and the ringing of bells. A prayer for the soul of the deceased may be offered without the body being present in the church.
The farewell ceremony for the deceased continues at the Riga cemetery, where prayers are said and a blessing is performed. The coffin is placed in the grave with the deceased facing east. During the funeral, a handful of earth is taken three times while the following words are spoken: "From the earth you were taken (first handful), to the earth you will return (second handful), from the earth Jesus Christ will raise you on the Holy Day (third handful)," accompanied by the sign of the cross.
A rectangular cross or a monument depicting a cross is placed on the burial mound, facing the deceased. If the grave is a joint burial site for people of different faiths, the monument may be placed at the foot. The grave may be surrounded by a fence, and a bench may be placed nearby, but tables are not permitted.
The funeral service is held in a strict, ascetic manner, with a modest refreshment of tea, coffee, or compote, and without the use of alcoholic beverages. On the first Sunday after the burial, a prayer for the repose of the soul is held, aimed at supporting the family and friends of the deceased. Commemorating the anniversary of a death is also possible.
The last day of the church year is marked as a day of remembrance for the departed. On this day, the names of deceased parishioners who have passed away during the past year are remembered during services, while relatives can pray for them both in the church and at the cemetery. The ringing of church bells reminds everyone of the impermanence of life.
CITY FUNERAL SERVICE offers a full range of services for organizing Lutheran funerals in Riga. Our qualified specialists will promptly and respectfully organize a farewell ceremony in a Lutheran church. Consultations on organizing a Christian funeral are available free of charge. For more information, please call +371 2944 9849. Our support line is open 24 hours a day.
