Funerals and burials
Greetings in the Christian faith
When someone from the congregation dies, a funeral service is held, usually in a church, followed by burial in a cemetery.
Casket laying and prayer time
A funeral is preceded by a casket laying, which is a time of prayer with loved ones after the deceased has been placed in the coffin and before the coffin is closed. A time of prayer is also held with loved ones at the time of death itself.
Funerals
It is possible to request the services of the priests and organist of Hallgrímskirkja at the funeral.
Funeral homes are responsible for booking Hallgrímskirkja if a funeral is requested to take place there.
Loved ones pay for priestly services, but other costs are covered through the funeral home.
Meaning and etiquette
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even though he dies, will live." John 11:26.
The meaning and sacredness of the ceremony
The hallmark of the funeral ceremony is the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life.
In faith in Jesus Christ, we lay those we bid farewell to consecrated ground.
Graveyards and cemeteries are consecrated, except for those designated for those outside the church or belonging to other religious communities.
Burial form
Most often, the deceased are buried in a regular coffin, but if cremation has taken place after the funeral service, the urn is buried.
Commemorations
Most cemeteries have memorials or plots for those who drown or get lost. A memorial service is held in the church and a wreath is laid at the memorial.