We were on our way from Kremenets, where Wojtek and I climbed the ruins of a fortress high above the city, to Pochaiv, a huge and lavish monastery, when what should pull out on the road ahead of us but a funeral procession. This was totally amazing and something most people who don’t live in Ukraine will never see in their lives. You can see my pictures from this event here: http://poland.leonkonieczny.com/Poland%202011/Orthodox%20Funeral%20Procession/index.html Note that many were somewhat surreptitiously shot through the windshield of the car–I did not want to appear irreverent at such a solemn event.
We could do nothing but wait and patiently follow this procession which only went a handful of blocks before it turned down a side road. It was led by some men carrying flags of banners of some sort, then by some mourners–perhaps the family, I am not sure. Next there was the priest, complete with incense and censer. Then there was an old flatbed truck–on it’s bed was the open casket. Yes, that’s right, the open casket, the lid was on the bed of the truck next to the casket. It as too high to see the person in it. The bed of the truck was nicely decorated and covered with some clothes that were fancy and had some words on them. Lastly, there were more mourners following. Some of the mourners carried bouquets of flowers–roses, I think.
The procession itself was amazing, but what I next saw was even more amazing. As oncoming traffic came upon the procession, each and every oncoming vehicle pulled to the side of the road. The occupants got out and stood on the side of the road, heads bowed, hands folded, hats removed. As the procession passed, many said a prayer and made the sign of the cross. They remained until the funeral procession passed, then got into their vehicles and went on their merry way. I was very impressed by this great show of respect and devotion by each and every person. It was an event I was blessed to experience, and one I shall not likely ever forget.
