Horizon Funeral Home · Updated October 14, 2026
Armenian funeral customs combine faith, family memory, language, and local practice. The Armenian Apostolic Church belongs to the Oriental Orthodox tradition, distinct from the Eastern Orthodox churches. Armenian families may also be Catholic, Evangelical, members of another faith, or secular. Ask what this person and family practiced rather than assuming one ceremony fits everyone.
Planning with the Armenian parish
For an Armenian Apostolic funeral, contact the family's priest before fixing the service date. Parish guidance commonly describes a wake or home-service tradition called Dan Gark, the church funeral, and prayers at the graveside. The parish will explain which parts are appropriate, where they take place, and how they fit the family's circumstances.
Give the priest and funeral director the same information about the person, the family's viewing wishes, the cemetery, and any travel plans. Armenian-speaking guidance is available at Horizon, and we can help coordinate the practical details with the church and receiving providers.
Prayers, language, music, and family remarks
Ask the parish how Armenian and English can be used so relatives can follow the service. Confirm names and pronunciation, the role of family participants, and where personal remarks or a eulogy can be shared. Church rules about music, readings, and speakers should be checked with that parish.
Families can also discuss photographs, flowers, clothing, and a printed tribute. A personal gathering outside the church service may offer a place for stories, favorite music, or participation that does not fit within the liturgy. The aim is to make the sequence clear to guests and comfortable for the people taking part.
Burial and decisions that need an early conversation
Armenian Apostolic funeral practice centers on burial. If cremation is being considered or has already occurred, speak directly with the priest about what prayers or memorial services the parish can provide. Do not assume that arrangements described by another church apply to the family's own parish.
The funeral director can help organize the cemetery appointment, preparation, viewing, transportation, and authorizations. Share any wishes about religious care before those decisions are finalized. Armenian Catholic, Evangelical, and secular arrangements should follow the family's own clergy or celebrant and stated preferences.
Hokejash, memorial prayers, and the fortieth-day remembrance
A memorial meal is often called Hokejash. Some Armenian Apostolic families also arrange a fortieth-day remembrance, often called Karasoonk, and later memorial prayers. Ask the parish how it observes and schedules these occasions; dates, counting, and local practice should be confirmed rather than assumed.
The meal can be a modest family gathering or a larger event. Choose the place, hosts, guests, food, and any remarks according to the family's wishes and resources. A designated relative can coordinate invitations and make sure distant family members receive the confirmed details.
- Which Armenian parish or other faith community will guide the service?
- Will Armenian, English, or both languages be needed?
- Where should family remarks and personal music take place?
- Does the family want a memorial meal or later commemoration?
A farewell in Brooklyn and arrangements in Armenia
Some families wish to gather in New York before burial in Armenia; others arrange the full funeral locally. Discuss both the emotional and practical parts of that choice, including which relatives can attend, the receiving funeral home, and the destination parish or cemetery.
International transportation needs confirmed documents, carrier acceptance, and a receiving handoff before dates are promised. Relatives who cannot attend can ask about online viewing, with the family's permission and the venue's technical arrangements confirmed in advance.
Sources & local guidance
These sources provide religious background, including individual parish guidance. They do not establish a rule for every family or parish. Confirm service details with the family's own clergy or celebrant.