Perhaps one of your friends or acquaintances has lost a loved one. Most likely, you want to support this person, but it is often difficult to find the right words in such a situation. First, express your sincere condolences. Then provide the emotional support you need. Listen to the grieving person. It is also important to provide practical assistance. For example, you can help with cooking or cleaning.

Steps

Make contact with the person

Choose an appropriate time to talk. Before you start communicating with a grieving person, make sure that he is ready for this. A person who has lost a loved one may be very upset. Besides, he might be busy. So ask him if he can give you some time. If possible, talk to the grieving person alone.

• A person who has lost a loved one can be very sensitive to the attention of others, even after the funeral. Therefore, if you want to offer help, approach your friend or acquaintance when he is alone.

1. Express your sincere condolences. When you learn that a loved one of your friend or acquaintance has died, try to contact him as soon as possible. You can send a letter by email. However, it will be better if you call or meet the bereaved person in person. You don't have to say too much during such a meeting. Say: “I’m very sorry, my condolences.” After this, you can say a few kind words about the deceased. Also promise that you will visit the person again soon.

   Mention that you are willing to help the person. At your next meeting, you can keep your promise by providing the assistance you need. Be specific about what you can do for the grieving person. Thanks to this, he will know what you are willing to do for him, and it will be easier for you to keep your word. Say what kind of help you are willing to provide and how much time you will need.

   • For example, if you are short on time, suggest that the grieving person take flowers from the funeral to the hospital or donate them to a charity.

2. Accept rejection with understanding. If you offer help and the grieving person refuses you, then listen to his wishes and save your offer of help until the next meeting. Either way, don't take it personally. Since many people may offer help to a grieving person, it can be difficult for him or her to make the right decision.

   • You can say, "I understand that you're having a hard time making decisions right now. Let's talk about it next week."

3. Avoid sensitive topics. During a conversation, be very careful about mentioning something funny. Unless you know the person very well, avoid making jokes altogether. In addition, causes of death should not be discussed. Otherwise, the person will treat you as a gossip rather than as a sincere and compassionate person.

4. Invite a friend to attend a bereavement support group. If you see that he is having a hard time dealing with his feelings on his own, offer to enlist the support of people who can help him with this. Find out if there is a bereavement support group in your area. You can conduct research using the Internet. Invite a friend to attend meetings with him.

   • Be very careful when suggesting that a friend use a support group. For example, you could say, “I recently learned that there are special groups of people who meet to talk about their loved ones who have died. I don't know if you would want to take part in such meetings. If you want to go, I am ready to do this with you."

Offer practical help

1. Offer a friend or acquaintance your help in providing the necessary information to other people. The bereaved person will most likely be very depressed about what happened and will find it difficult to provide the necessary information related to the death of their loved one. Take on this responsibility if necessary. Be prepared to provide any assistance to the grieving person.

   • In addition, you can help collect the necessary documents. For example, you can help with obtaining a death certificate. Such documents are required in order to close the accounts of the deceased.
   • If the deceased person was famous, then most likely many people will call his family. Take responsibility for answering calls.

2. Help with funeral arrangements. Funerals typically involve many tasks. For example, you can discuss issues related to organizing a funeral with the relatives of the deceased. Such questions may concern finances and the last wishes of the deceased person. Additionally, you may take it upon yourself to write and publish the obituary. You can also write thank you notes if necessary.

   • On the day of the funeral, you can be an invaluable help to the person who has lost a loved one. For example, you can help him resolve issues related to organizing a funeral.

Do your best to make sure this funeral goes well, because every person deserves to pass away with the respect of others. Offer your help in any way. Help will be received well in any case, and even if you are refused, they will still be pleased. Even ordering memorial cards for invitations to funerals or helping to accommodate guests from distant cities in your home would be a wonderful service. Just don’t talk about everything in such a tone as if you are offering just for the sake of simply offering. Offer specific help and receive real gratitude. Be concise, like King Leonidas when he addresses the Spartans! Words of condolences should be kept short. No one should speak for long, as funerals are not the place for great speakers. Leave thousands of words to the priest who will perform the funeral service for the deceased.

Words of condolences on death

I am shocked by this sad news. It's hard to accept. I share your pain of loss... My heart is broken by yesterday's news. I worry with you and remember you with the warmest words! It's hard to accept loss! Everlasting memory! My condolences! It hurts to even think about it, it’s hard to talk about.
I sympathize with your pain! Everlasting memory! Words cannot express all the pain and sadness. Like a bad dream. Eternal peace for your soul. I was stunned by this terrible news. For me, she is a hospitable hostess, a kind woman, but for you... The loss of your mother... I sympathize with you so much and cry with you! We are very... very upset beyond words! It's hard when you lose loved ones, but the death of a mother is a grief for which there is no cure.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss! She was a model of delicacy and tact. Her memory will be as endless as her kindness to all of us. The passing of a mother is an incomparable grief.

Thank you all very much for your support and sympathy.

I worry with you and remember you with the warmest words! It's hard to accept loss! Everlasting memory!

• The news of death is a terrible blow! It hurts to even think that we won't see him/her again. Please accept my and my husband's condolences for your loss!
• Until now, the news of death seems like a ridiculous mistake! It's impossible to comprehend this! Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss!
• My condolences! It hurts to even think about it, it’s hard to talk about. I sympathize with your pain! Everlasting memory!
• It is difficult to express in words how much we sympathize with your loss! A golden man, of which there are few! We will always remember him/her!
• “This is an incredible, catastrophic loss.

  
  The loss of a real person, an idol, an exemplary family man and a citizen of his country” (about Ilya Segalovich). Photo of the monument.

• We sympathize with your loss! The news of death shocked our entire family.

100 examples of condolences about death

Invisibly, he will always be there - in the soul and in our eternal memory of this bright man.

• Love will not die, and the memory of it will always illuminate our hearts!
• … this too shall pass …
• For all of us, he will remain an example of love of life. And may his love for life illuminate the emptiness and grief of loss and help you survive the time of farewell. We mourn with you in difficult times and will remember you forever!
• The past cannot be returned, but the bright memory of this love will remain with you for the rest of your life.

  
  Be strong!

• Be strong! With the loss of your brother, you must become a support for your parents twice. God help you get through these difficult times! Blessed memory of a bright man!
• There are such mournful words: “A loved one does not die, but simply ceases to be around.”

Words of grief and condolences regarding death

• God! Receive the spirit of your servant in peace!
• Only in death, the mournful hour, does the soul gain freedom.
• God takes a mortal through life before turning him to the light.
• The righteous will certainly live, says the Lord!
• Her/(his) heart trusted in the Lord!
• Immortal soul, immortal deeds.
• May the Lord show mercy and truth to him/her!
• Righteous deeds are not forgotten!
• Most Holy Theotokos, protect him (her) with your protection!
• The days of our lives are not numbered by us.
• Everything returns to normal.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God!
• Blessed peace to your ashes!
• Kingdom of heaven and eternal peace!
• And those who have done good will find the resurrection of life.
• Rest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
• And on earth she smiled like an angel: what is there in heaven?

Condolences

A simple handshake is a good chance to express condolences over a death for those who are not very close to the family of the deceased, but came to pay tribute by seeing the person off on his last journey. Rule Three: Offer whatever help you can. You shouldn’t limit yourself to just words of grief. Not only in word, but in deed! This rule has always been relevant.

Info

You can offer your help to the family of the deceased. For example, a mother with children could lose their sole breadwinner, which means that all these people become victims of deteriorating financial conditions. It is not necessary to help with money. If there is an opportunity to help in another way, offer to help. Such a move will only confirm that you are helping not only with words, but also with deeds.

Don't turn your condolences into dead sentences with your words. Back them up with action.
After all, you don’t know at what exact moment this message may arrive, and its too short format makes the words too laconic. It will convey facts, not feelings. The person will not feel your voice. His timbre. Its emotional coloring. Moreover, messages in such cases are perceived poorly.
Was it really difficult to call if you still found a minute to write a message? Perhaps you didn’t want to talk at all, but wrote a message just to forget about it once and for all and not feel guilty? Let your condolences be sincere! These words are so necessary for those who have lost a loved one.

Gratitude for condolences on the death of my mother

Attention

It’s even worse if there’s no one to take care of you.” I'm sure he wouldn't want you to be so sad. Let's ask his mother what we can do to help her now.

• My condolences to you! Through life hand in hand, but you have suffered this bitter loss. It is necessary, it is necessary to find the strength to survive these most difficult moments and difficult days.

He will remain in our memory.

It is very bitter to lose your loved ones and relatives, but it is doubly bitter when young, beautiful, strong people leave us. May God rest his soul!

I would like to find words to somehow ease your pain, but it is difficult to imagine whether such words exist on earth at all. Bright and eternal memory!

I mourn with you in this difficult moment.

It’s scary to even imagine that half of you has left. But for the sake of the children, for the sake of loved ones, we need to get through these sorrowful days.

Be strong! it would be easier if he knew that you could handle all this.

• My condolences! Recognition, respect, honor, and... eternal memory!
• They say about such open-hearted people: “How much of ours went with you! How much of yours remains with us! We will remember him forever and pray for him!

Condolences on the death of a friend, brother, sister, loved one or loved one

• Accept my condolences! It has never been more expensive or closer, and probably never will be. But in yours and in our hearts he will remain a young, strong, full of life man. Everlasting memory! Hold on!
• It is difficult to find the right words in this difficult moment. I mourn with you! Small consolation will be that not everyone has had the opportunity to experience such love as yours. But let it remain alive in your memory, full of strength and love! Everlasting memory!
• There is such wisdom: “It’s bad if there is no one to take care of you.

We also join in our friends’ words of grief and memories.

• I sincerely sympathize with you... What a person, what a personality! He deserves more words than can be said right now. In the memories of - he is both our teacher of justice and mentor in life. Eternal memory to him!
• Without a father, without parents, there is no one between us and the grave. But he set an example of courage, perseverance and wisdom. And I'm sure that he wouldn't want you to grieve like that right now. Be strong! I sincerely sympathize with you.
• Your shock at the onset of loneliness is a severe shock. But you have the strength to overcome grief and continue what he did not manage to do. We are nearby, and we will help with everything - contact us! This is our duty of remembrance!
• We mourn with you in this difficult moment! - the kindest man, without silver, lived for his neighbors.

Conveying condolences for a loss sincerely and tactfully is always difficult. Especially if you have to do it in person. There are certain forms of etiquette that will make communication go smoothly, despite the tragedy of the moment. We hope our advice will help you to hold yourself with dignity and show your best sides.

Examples of words of condolences

To find the right expressions, you need to gather your thoughts and look inside yourself.

Don't try to hide behind dry clichés, but don't be too emotional either. Never use swear words in speech.

If you have to express condolences in writing, avoid exclamation marks. Be brief and straightforward - the person is gone forever, and this cannot be hidden by any softening expressions.

How formal your appeal will be depends on the specific case, but it is imperative to end it with a question about how you could help.

In both written and oral form, you can use the following text as an example:

• “A wonderful man has passed away. I send my condolences to you and your entire family at this sad and difficult moment”;
• “I mourn your loss. I know this is a hard blow for you";
• “I was told that your brother died. I am very sorry and I send you my condolences";
• “I want to express my deep regret at the death of your father. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know."

When is it customary to express condolences?

Time, like words, is also of great importance. You should be tactful towards the loved ones of the deceased.

Typically, those who want to express sadness over someone's death have two concerns: Will I disturb the mourners and is it too late (or too early) to turn now?

1. The first point is psychological.. It happens that you have no experience in such conversations, or you are afraid to enter a house that has recently been visited by death, or during the life of the deceased you did not get along with his family... Most often, people simply torment themselves, feeling that they are obliged to come or call, but are afraid to see someone else’s grief and do not know how to behave in such a situation.
2. The second point relates to moral behavior. Is it possible to call the family of the deceased as soon as you have learned the dark news? Is it worth waiting for the funeral to support his relatives there? And if you were not invited to the funeral or commemoration, then when should you show up with condolences? Will it be too late in a week?

No matter how difficult and scary it may be for you, you should show up or call when you feel that it is expected of you. For example, a friend, relative, or neighbor needs consolation. Also, if you know that your presence or a few kind words over the phone will encourage the person, you should do so on a “if not me, then who” basis.

You may not be best friends, you may not have been in this family for a long time, but sometimes support is needed from strangers, especially if the grieving person is lonely and unprotected. These could be pensioners, widows, orphans, young mothers with a baby, or simply closed people who find it difficult to count on help.

Don't get overly embarrassed. Even if you are received distantly or asked to be shorter and leave, then at least your behavior will be correct.

Still, most mourners need and expect visitors and calls. If you are close to them, call as soon as you find out about the grief. If not very close, it would be more formal to come or call in the first three days after the funeral.

A maximum of a week later, it is customary to bring condolences from employees at work, and if you contact them even later, then prepare a short excuse (they didn’t know, they were in another country, etc.).

What not to say

Well-worn phrases, which can be used to get away with it if a friend is just having another problem, are absolutely not suitable during the period of mourning for the deceased.

The loss of a loved one is a shock. It is impossible to get used to death, as well as to fully understand it. Where did the man go? What does it mean - he is no more?

The formulation does not allow us to understand what happened at the level of consciousness, since this area has not been conquered by man, remaining unexplored, mysterious and frightening.

Given this, it is difficult to choose words of support for the family and friends of the deceased. But you have to speak out - that’s social protocol.

Finding the right words in advance is a sure way to avoid appearing ignorant. If you really want to support, think through your speech in advance.

The message about the death of a loved one is a blow. It is not always possible to come and personally support.

Often, relatives live in remote areas of the country or outside it. What's left to do? Calling at such a time is not the best option.

Important! You should express condolences by phone if you often communicated in this way before the sad event.

If communication came down to three messages with banal congratulations per year, it is better to write a message.

People experiencing severe mental pain associated with the loss of a loved one do not want to hear pretentious speeches.

Another advantage of expressing grief in writing is the ability to express your thoughts correctly, without worry, stuttering, or long pauses.

What not to say or write:

• "Everything will be fine".
• "Try not to worry."
• "All will pass".

These are prohibited phrases. At a time of grief, they are not appropriate. A person needs to throw out his grief, and these phrases “close” emotions and help stop worries.

What to write to someone experiencing the pain of loss:

Condolence rests on three pillars - communion with grief, kind words and help. The bereaved person must feel that he is not alone in his grief, that you feel the same pain. It helps.

A few words about the deceased is a must. The offer of help must be sincere and realistic.

When to express condolences and in what words?

If you were informed of the death of a neighbor or relative by telephone, do not rush to express your condolences over the phone.

The best option is to do this in person. When you enter the house, wait until the hostess is free, come up and say a few short phrases.

Sincerity, empathy, and a desire to support are important.

Examples

Ready condolences on the day of the funeral:

1. “We are experiencing a terrible loss, but it hurts you much more. Be strong. We are close."
2. "I can not believe. A terrible tragedy, he will remain alive in our hearts. If I can help, please reach out."
3. “We are ready to help in any way we can. A huge loss. She was the best woman in the world."

Death accompanies a person throughout his life. We experience the death of grandparents, we bury our parents.

It's worse when children, peers, die - it's a shock. A person treats leaving for another world as the saddest event that cannot be survived.

Although all people are mortal. Death is inevitable. And we continue to consider it something transcendental.

Important! This is caused by the fear of the unknown. We are afraid of losing loved ones, afraid of dying ourselves, of leaving behind grief in the hearts of our loved ones and loved ones.

This attitude towards death is natural and common, but it is difficult to call it correct. In some religions, death is taken for granted.

People are forbidden to cry because they consider death to be a transition to a better world. The funeral is just a farewell there.

Such reflections will help cope with grief and come to humility. You should start a conversation no earlier than a week after the sad event.

A person must come to humility. This is what faith teaches. Confession helps a lot.

How to respond to condolences

Condolence speeches often irritate mourners. At this moment they are coming to terms with grief. Hearing others try to be involved is the last thing that will calm the heart.

But this is the social order, this is what is accepted in society:

• Remember: others are hurt too, the path is not so much.
• It is enough to answer: “Thank you.”
• “Thank you” is also suitable.
• You can remain mute and respond with a nod or a hug.

Receiving condolences is as difficult as expressing them. Both sides understand how empty and useless this ritual is.

But the soul of the grieving demands to speak out and offer help. A soul experiencing loss, hearing kind words, will be distracted from grief for a second.

Interesting fact! If we assume that the deceased is with the guests, hears kind words, sees support, your actions are not in vain.

The soul of the deceased will be grateful. Today scientists have proven the existence of matter called soul. Experiments have shown that a person’s weight decreases by 2 kg after death.

It is bad form to bring up this fact at a funeral. But talking to the person later is useful.

After all, the most difficult thing comes a few days after the funeral ceremony, when, sitting in silence, the mourner realizes what his life will be like now. An understanding of irretrievable loss comes.

This is the highest point of pain. It will subside when humility comes, acceptance of the new reality. If the person was dear, support his loved ones after the funeral, stop by for a visit.

When you realize that you can touch on a sore subject, talk about it. Listen, help me come to humility and find consolation. If the soul of the deceased sees this, it will certainly smile.

Useful video

Life is so fleeting and unpredictable that it can end at the most unexpected moment. Even if a tragedy happened to a distant relative or a stranger, the news of death literally comes as a shock. Expressing condolences to loved ones is the best decision in this situation. This way you show sympathy and offer to share the loss. All words of empathy must come from a pure heart, spoken at the right moment. How to respond to condolences is an equally important question. Let's take a closer look at all the nuances.

Etiquette of mourning

If there is a big loss in your family, then there comes a time not only of grief, but also of worries. You need to immediately inform all your loved ones and friends about the loss. It's not easy, but it needs to be done.

Mourning etiquette involves notifying everyone you know, even if they are far away. Even in the case of personal antipathy towards some acquaintances of the deceased. There are a lot of notification options: messages by email or phone, personal call, meeting. Be sure to include information about the place and time of the funeral in your notice. Don't forget to leave your contact information for more information.

Paradoxical as it may seem, if you are grieving, you will have to do many things at once: run around the funeral service bureau, negotiate transportation and communicate with a large number of people. There is nothing you can do, you need to gather your will into a fist. The best thing you should do at this moment is to accompany your loved one on their last journey with dignity.

Be prepared for people you didn't even know to come. In any case, they will express sympathy for you. How to respond to condolences? How to react correctly?

How to express condolences correctly?

When meeting with people who are in mourning, many of us are lost and do not know what and how to say on such a sad occasion. Expressing condolences in the form of “hang in there” is a little stupid. How can you cope in such a situation?

It is difficult to express condolences when you did not know the deceased at all or when you did not remember him in a very good way during his lifetime. Mourning may be for a colleague who wanted to take your place or for a neighbor who used to love to play music all the time. However, one cannot remain indifferent to the grief of a stranger. Perhaps this difficult situation will make the person treat you differently.

In oral form

Most often, condolences are expressed to loved ones in person, in words or by telephone. The first option is the most preferable. The second option is resorted to only if you need to show empathy to a person who lives in another city.

Verbal condolences are expressed during the memorial meal and in the speech at the funeral.

We will discuss how to respond to condolences in the following sections.

In a written form

When writing words of sympathy in a letter, you need to be concise. Poems would be appropriate for an obituary or for a ribbon on a wreath. At the same time, there will be a share of pathos. There is no need for excessive pathos in words of condolences. Therefore, 2-3 sentences will be enough. The main thing is to be brief and succinct.

You can use the following phrases:

Submission of words of grief is allowed in the following forms:

• An email or a postcard by mail - usually this option is used by those who want to express sympathy about the death of a loved one to people living abroad.
• The inscription on the mourning ribbon is an invariable attribute of the ritual wreath or basket.
• An obituary in a newspaper can be used if you know for sure that this publication is read by the relatives of the deceased.
• SMS - it is better to refuse this option. The exception is those cases if the subscriber is outside the network area for a long time.

Words of mourning must be sincere and not contain high pathos. You express your condolences to loved ones first, rather than talking about your personal feelings. If you find it difficult to find words, then say it succinctly and concisely. Be sure to consider the lifetime relationship between the mourner and the deceased. It will be strange for a son to perceive the phrase: “Good memories are what will help to survive the loss,” if during his lifetime he had a bad relationship with his mother.

But how to respond to condolences correctly? This is worth talking about separately.

How to respond to condolences regarding a death?

Oddly enough, there are no specific rules. It is usually more difficult to choose words for someone who expresses condolences rather than responds to them.

How should one respond to condolences? Of course, you can just say thank you. However, if this word seems inappropriate to you in relation to this situation, then you can simply remain silent. Many people are simply annoyed by constantly “thank you” in response. No one will judge you in return for your silence.

How to respond to words of condolences? You can say: “I am grateful to you for your support”, “You are very attentive”, “I try not to lose heart, thanks to your support I feel a little better.” Or you can just limit yourself to one look, nod or hug. How to properly respond to condolences is up to you to choose based on your mood.

Each of us has different characters and temperament types. Many people want to spend this difficult moment alone, close themselves off from everyone and not talk to anyone. If you belong to this category of people, then do not be ashamed of your condition. This is fine.

You should not listen to the lamentations of a distant relative who saw the deceased only a couple of times during his lifetime. Accept her words of condolences and leave. If she is outraged by your behavior, it’s okay. It is better to later explain to her your condition and reluctance to communicate with anyone at such moments.

What cannot be said on the occasion of death?

There are taboo phrases in mourning etiquette. It is not advisable to say them when expressing sympathy for the death of a loved one.

People often say these phrases to cheer up the relatives of the deceased. As a result, the opposite happens.

1. “Someday everything will be fine. Time will heal everything." It would seem that what’s scary about this phrase? However, when a person experiences great grief, he is unable to think about his future. Such phrases are simply annoying. And you may hear rudeness in response.
2. “We had to have surgery.” Sentences with the prefix “if only…” model the situation of the past. No one can change something or bring a person back. Such phrases immediately cause anger.
3. “There’s no need to cry, tears won’t help my grief.” Internal strong loss is immediately visible from the outside. Tears cannot be hidden in such a situation. They say that when a person cries, he feels better. Along with tears, the pain becomes quieter. But you can’t internally restrain your pain; this can cause even greater depression.
4. “Maybe it’s for the better. He’s been suffering in recent months.” Death is not the best way out of even the most serious illness.
5. “He will pay for everything. If he didn't smoke while driving, (name) would be alive." You can’t look for the extreme in this situation.
6. “God knows best who and when to call to Himself. This is because of his sins during life.” If the family of the deceased is not pious, then such a phrase is a strong obstacle to sincere prayers for the soul of the deceased.

That it is customary to respond to condolences in the form of taboo phrases. It's better to remain silent. So, no one will see your emotional outrage and aggression.

If you come to a funeral, what should you do?

The response to receiving news of the death of a loved one is to attend the funeral.

Some rules dictated by mourning etiquette:

1. There is no need to dress flashy and bright. Dark muted colors would be appropriate. Women must wear floor-length skirts, and men must wear suits.
2. Bring napkins or a scarf with you. When your feelings overwhelm you, to be able to wipe away your tears. Perhaps someone present will need them too.
3. Leave large totes and large accessories at home.
4. If you talk to someone, do so quietly, barely in a whisper.
5. Don't follow the coffin. Relatives must lead the way.

Be sure to approach the relatives of the deceased and express words of sympathy:

• “It’s very difficult for me to find the right words of comfort right now, but I sincerely sympathize with your grief.”
• “We are shocked by what happened, please accept our condolences.”

If you are unable to come to the funeral in person, be sure to call your relatives after some time. From the outside it won't seem like a late reaction. If you called, it means you remember and mourn with them.

Famous words of sorrow

Here are examples of phrases to express sympathy for the loss of a loved one:

• “We are shocked by the sad news. Be strong."
• “My heart is out of place from what I heard. May he rest in peace."
• “We can’t believe that such a person left us. This is an irreparable loss for all of us."
• “Loss is always hard to bear. We sympathize and empathize with your grief.”
• “The deceased and I did not always know how to find a common language. Now I want to apologize for the disagreement. After all, I’m not always right either.”
• "How can I help you? I sincerely sympathize with your family.”
• “It’s difficult to talk about such a loss. I hope he finds peace in heaven."
• “It’s difficult for me to find the right words now. Remember that you can always turn to me for help.”

How to respond to condolences about death? Sometimes a knowing look from you or a sincere hug is enough if you don’t want to say words of gratitude in return.

Funeral meal

The funeral meal usually begins immediately after the funeral. At funerals, pancakes and kutya (dishes with wheat, raisins and nuts) are usually served on the table.

Those who wish say funeral words about the deceased. It is not customary to say bad things. In this case, it is better to remain silent. The presentation should consist of the following stages:

• make a speech while standing;
• address those present: “Friends”, “Dear relatives” (usually call the family by name);
• introduce yourself and state how you know the deceased;
• remember his positive qualities;
• You may want to tell about an interesting incident from the life of the deceased. Sometimes people read their own poems dedicated to the deceased.

The main thing is not to delay. The speech should be short and succinct. Conclude that the deceased did not live his life in vain. Again, offer your condolences to your loved ones and pass the word on to someone else who wishes to do so.

Funeral words among Muslims and Orthodox Christians

Muslims have their own traditions. They do not speak the words we are accustomed to. It is necessary to treat the traditions of another culture with reverence and respect.

How to respond to condolences and what to say to Muslims:

Orthodox Christians usually say this:

• “What a loss! We pray for the repose of his soul."
• “Rest in the Kingdom of Heaven and peace!”
• "Kingdom of heaven!".
• “Lord, rest with the Saints!”

Cicero always said that the life of the dead should continue in the memory of the living. Remember about your family and friends. Honor their memory and pass it on to your children.