The priest explained what to do with the cross after the installation of the monument

Once a permanent monument has been erected, a temporary wooden cross from the grave cannot be thrown away along with ordinary rubbish.

According to the cleric, the temporary cross is usually replaced by a monument about a year after a person dies. In the Orthodox tradition, the cross on the grave is considered a symbol of faith of the deceased and hope for eternal life, so it should be treated with respect.

The preferred option, according to the priest, is to keep the wooden cross directly at the burial site. If this is not possible, it can be transferred to the temple in the cemetery. They will tell you how to proceed with it, and in some cases can be left for later use.

Another acceptable option, which told the priest, to burn an old cross in the cemetery. The remaining ashes should be scattered on the grave.

Thus, after the installation of the monument, a temporary cross should not be perceived as an unnecessary thing. It can be stored on the site, transferred to the temple or burned in compliance with the appropriate order.