Religion

baptisms, chrismation [anointing and sealed with Holy Spirit], actually all sacraments are strikingly different from other church traditions.

There's nothing in Orthodoxy that isn't there for a reason. No, oops, we had better change that or discontinue that or do something more appealing.

I only know what I know.

When I got married, my husband's family, friends and guests were straining to get a good view as the ceremony enfolded. A first for many.

My maternal grandmother wove two wreaths from trailing periwinkle for us. We were 'crowned' during the ceremony. The couple is crowned with honor and glory. They are to reflect their Faith in their married life.

Do you continue to have sadness for your friend? If you are moved to, find online The Orthodox Church in America, The Antiochian Orthodox Diocese or The Greek Orthodox Diocese. They'll have words to a memorial service or even a funeral service. The words are beautiful in that they are comforting.

Paraphrased: "Give rest, O Lord, to your servant, in a place of green pasture, of light and refreshment from where pain, sorrow and mourning have fled away."

The service is fully biblical and it touches on our human condition and also our eternal inheritance.

"May Your Dear Friend's Memory Be Eternal."