In Greek Orthodox funeral rites, what is the short service held the evening prior to the funeral called?

The short service held the evening prior to the funeral in Greek Orthodox tradition is known as the Trisagion. This service is an important part of the funeral rites as it is a prayer service that commemorates the deceased and seeks to provide comfort to the bereaved. During the Trisagion, specific prayers are recited, along with the chanting of hymns that honor the departed.

The Trisagion, meaning "Thrice Holy," emphasizes the sanctity of God and focuses on the themes of eternal life, mercy, and the hope of resurrection within the Orthodox Christian faith. It serves both a spiritual purpose, offering solace to those mourning, and a ritualistic one, preparing the community and the family for the funeral that follows.

In contrast, Vespers typically refers to an evening prayer service in Orthodox liturgy but is not specifically tied to the rites surrounding a funeral. Divine Liturgy represents the central worship service in the Orthodox Church but again, is not specific to the funeral context. A eulogy is a speech or tribute given in honor of the deceased, often delivered during the funeral itself, rather than as a preceding service.