Armenian funeral traditions help families honor their loved ones and support those who are grieving. These customs reflect the teachings of the Armenian Apostolic Church about death, resurrection, and eternal life.

This guide explains each step from the wake to the memorials held throughout the first year. You can use it if you're attending an Armenian funeral, planning one, or simply want to learn about these traditions.

Families traditionally choose burial. However, some Armenian families abroad now adjust their customs to fit modern needs. They choose cremation while still honoring their cultural beliefs.

After can help answer your questions if you're considering cremation and want to plan in advance. Our team offers clear, caring support. You can call 24 hours a day at 1-844-760-0427, or explore prepaid cremation plans.

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Understanding Armenian Funeral Traditions and Their Spiritual Foundation

Armenian funeral traditions follow three main stages. These stages represent a person's spiritual journey. The wake shows life before Christ. The church service represents life after Christ's sacrifice. The graveside ceremony represents the hope of eternal life.

These steps carry more than symbolic meaning. They express the belief that the person who died lived faithfully. They show the person has now achieved spiritual victory through Christ. This turns the funeral from a moment focused only on loss into a moment that honors a life of faith.

The Dan Gark: Armenian Wake Customs

Families hold the Dan Gark the night before the funeral. It brings family and community members together to begin grieving and to support one another. Families may hold it at home or in a hall.

Optional Dan Gark Elements: An open casket allows relatives to sit beside their loved one. Armenian funeral traditions include placing candles around the casket to show eternal light. Incense fills the room to represent prayers rising to heaven.

Family members place a bowl of wheat near the casket. They sometimes top it with coins. It symbolizes rebirth and eternal life. Visitors often take a small handful of wheat as a sign of respect.

What to Wear: Men usually wear dark, conservative clothing. This includes a suit or dress pants with a collared shirt. Women typically choose modest, dark-colored dresses, skirts, or pantsuits. Avoid bright colors or flashy jewelry.

A priest leads prayers and offers comfort. Armenian hymns help create a calm and spiritual atmosphere. Hosts often serve food and drinks. This allows people to talk, share memories, and support one another.

What Happens at the Armenian Church Funeral Service

The church service forms the central part of Armenian funeral traditions. It includes prayers, hymns, and rituals that honor the person's life and faith.

What you can expect: The priest begins with prayers for the person's soul. Bible readings remind mourners of the promise of eternal life. Congregants sing Sharakan chants during the service. These traditional Armenian hymns focus on comfort, remembrance, and hope.

A family member or friend may give a eulogy. However, some churches prefer speakers to give these speeches at the funeral home or during the memorial meal. Ask the priest about specific rules at that church.

Symbols used during the service: Churches burn incense to represent prayers rising to heaven. Candles around the casket show belief in eternal light and Christ's presence. Family members may hold candles during the service.

The priest ends the service with final prayers and blessings. This moment shifts the focus from grief to hope. It centers on the person's entry into God's kingdom.

Procession and Graveside Ceremonies

Close male relatives or friends usually carry the casket. People see this as an important act of respect. The priest may invite mourners to approach the casket for a final goodbye.

At the graveside, the priest offers short prayers. He blesses the grave with holy water. Mourners may throw a handful of soil onto the casket as it lowers. This act symbolizes returning to the earth and the cycle of life and death.

Mourners place flowers on the grave. This shows love and remembrance.

Following burial, Armenian tradition also gives families set times to come together, pray, and remember their loved one in the weeks and months ahead.

Armenian Mourning Period and Memorial Services

Armenian families follow a mourning period with fixed dates. Some observe the first seven days. Others mark the 40th day after death, six months, and the one-year anniversary. Families call these memorial services “Hokehankisd” sacraments.

They give families regular opportunities to pray, remember, and support one another.

Common mourning practices: Family members often wear dark colors. They may avoid social events for a short time. Daily prayer becomes an important way to find comfort. Some families choose to fast or eat simpler meals as a form of reflection.

Key memorial dates: The 40th day marks the end of the first major mourning period with the requiem service. The six-month point and one-year anniversary give families time to gather again. Families may also hold a service on the saint's day of the person's namesake.

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The Hokejash: Post-Funeral Meal Of Mercy

Families share the Hokejash after the memorial services. It serves as an act of charity and comfort. Many families prepare or bring Armenian dishes for this gathering.

The meal may end with the sharing of small gifts or sweets. These symbolize the return to daily life. Families often hand out memorial cards with a photo, a prayer, and dates. Some also give small keepsakes like bookmarks or prayer beads.

Does The Armenian Church Allow Cremation?

The Armenian Apostolic Church traditionally does not allow cremation, though some diaspora families now choose it while incorporating traditional prayers and services.

The Armenian Apostolic Church has traditionally preferred burial. Many families still choose a traditional funeral and burial to follow church teachings. 

Generally, The Church views cremation as against its teachings because it goes against the belief in resurrection. According to Church guidelines, there is no funeral service for cremated remains. 

However, if a family chooses cremation, the Church may still allow the Dan Gark wake and church prayers before the cremation takes place. Then the funeral home handles the cremation after the church service ends. Families who want cremation must talk with their pastor first. 

Talk with your family and speak with an Armenian priest or The Primate, the Church's top leader in their region. They can guide you through both religious and practical concerns.

Practices may vary in some Armenian communities living outside Armenia.

Cremation gives families flexibility, lower costs, and options when Armenian cemeteries or clergy are not available. Many families hold traditional services and prayers, then choose cremation afterward.

Providers like After understand how important cultural practices are. You can still include meaningful elements if you want to honor Armenian traditions while choosing cremation. Families can include the Dan Gark wake, church prayers, and memorial services.

After offers cremation packages that start at $995. This includes everything families need for a respectful farewell.

Modern Adaptations Within The Armenian Diaspora

Families can blend Armenian customs with cremation. They do this by focusing on the most meaningful rituals.

You can hold a full Dan Gark with prayers and candles. You can hold a church service with the casket present. Include all traditional hymns and blessings. After the service, the funeral home can continue with cremation instead of burial.

Families can still observe all traditional memorial dates. They may choose to include the cremated remains in these gatherings. Or they can focus only on prayers and remembrance.

Armenian families who live around the world have adapted funeral traditions in different ways. Some changes happen because clergy, food, or cultural resources may not be available.

Even with changes, the main values stay the same. Many families work with funeral providers who understand the importance of cultural traditions. These providers help create services that blend old customs with modern needs.

Planning Ahead: Honoring Your Heritage On Your Terms

Planning in advance or prepaying for cremation services allows you to decide exactly how to include Armenian funeral traditions. This reduces stress for your family. It ensures that they carry out your wishes.

The team at After can guide you if you're unsure how to balance Armenian traditions with cremation. We offer clear, caring support with no pressure. You can call 24 hours a day at 1-844-760-0427, or explore FAQs about our prepaid cremation plans.