Funerals
– St Dimitrios Moone Ponds / Services –
The Church is always open for those seeking comfort after the loss of a loved one. The funeral service includes hymns, prayers and readings from the Gospel. We pray for the forgiveness of sins and rest for the soul of our departed.
Cremation is contrary to the faith and tradition of our Church because it is an intentional attack on the body which is created in God’s image and likeness. A Church funeral can be conducted however the priest will not attend cremation burial services.
Funerals
– St Dimitrios Moone Ponds / Services –
The Church is always open for those seeking comfort after the loss of a loved one. The funeral service includes hymns, prayers and readings from the Gospel. We pray for the forgiveness of sins and rest for the soul of our departed.
Cremation is contrary to the faith and tradition of our Church because it is an intentional attack on the body which is created in God’s image and likeness. A Church funeral can be conducted however the priest will not attend cremation burial services.
In the event of a death in the family, the following steps should be taken:
- Call Fr. John (0407717847). If at all possible, he will come to pray the Trisagion before officials come to take the deceased.
- Call the funeral director of your choice, who can arrange for the deceased to be removed, and can advise you on other steps that may need to be taken.
Funeral Arrangements:
- Arrangements for the funeral service should be made with the priest in conjunction with the funeral director. No funerals are permitted on Sunday as it is the day of the Resurrection of our Lord.
- If there is a viewing on the evening before the funeral, the priest will come to conduct a Trisagion. If there is no evening viewing, the Trisagion will be said when the deceased is first brought to the Church for the funeral.
- No lay person is permitted to deliver a funeral oration in the Church. The Archdiocese explicitly prohibits lay people speaking in Church unless they are lay preachers designated by the Archdiocese.
- Funeral services conducted by lay organizations, although discouraged, may be held the evening before the funeral and prior to the Trisagion conducted by the priest. However, from the time of the evening Trisagion to the burial at the cemetery, no other services may be held.
Memorial Donations
Some families prefer Memorial Donations to flowers. This is normally coordinated by the funeral director. Please consider donating to the needs of the church.
Makaria
(MEAL OF BLESSEDNESS - WAKE) FUNERAL LUNCHEON
The Makaria meal following the funeral service serves as a means of comforting the bereaved family and expressing thanks to those who attended the services or assisted the bereaved family in their hour of grief. The Church hall can be booked for the makaria by calling Fr John on 0407717847.
RESERVE YOUR DATE NOW
Saint Dimitrios,
Moonee Ponds
Saint Dimitrios, Moonee Ponds is a parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in the Archdiocesan District of Northcote,  located in Melbourne’s north west. Our community is open to anyone in need of spiritual guidance.