Eulogy

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For other uses, see Eulogy (disambiguation).

A eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing. The word is derived from the Greek word εὐλογία (eulogia), meaning praise (εὐ meaning good or well and λογος meaning word, phrase, speech, etc).

The term "eulogy" may refer to a funeral oration given in tribute to a person or people who have recently died.^[1] Eulogies may be given as part of funeral services, however some denominations either discourage or do not permit eulogies at services to maintain respect for traditions.

Eulogies can also praise a living person or people who are still alive, which normally takes place on special occasions like birthdays etc.

Eulogies should not be confused with elegies, which are poems written in tribute to the dead; nor with obituaries, which are published biographies recounting the lives of those who have recently died; nor with obsequies, which refer generally to the rituals surrounding funerals.

Catholic priests are prohibited by the rubrics of the Mass from presenting a eulogy for the deceased in place of a homily during a funeral Mass.^[2]