“A Christian Ending to our life, painless, blameless & peaceful; and good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord!”
Loving Help & Support for End of Life Needs
This Ministry is here to help individuals and families with many of their needs as they reach end of life in this world!
Whether it is following Ancient Chistian burial customs, advanced funeral planning, getting your paperwork in order or having a shoulder to cry on our dedicated volunteers are here to help!
Reach out to the parish office to set a time to discuss these things with a member of the committee. Do not wait to plan as we know neither the day nor the hour as to when the Father will call us home!
Other Helpful Documents to Download…
Michigan Designation of Funeral Representative Information - Information on who and how to appoint a funeral representative in the State of Michigan
Funeral Desination Form for those unable to sign for themselves
A Gift for your Loved Ones -This package contains everything you need to know if I am disabled, or incapacitated and cannot make decisions for myself. It includes my Health Care Power of Attorney and Advance Directive for Health Care - Living Will (From OCA.org)
Another Gift for your Loved Ones - This package contains everything you need to know to arrange my funeral and burial. (From OCA.org)
Diocesan Directives on Funerals- Bulgarian Dioceses of Toledo, OCA. This offers the “dos and don’ts” as approved by our Diocese.
How Can We Help?
Things to know about the Orthodox Funeral
What about the Non-Orthodox?
Come and Sit with Family & Friends
Help with Funeral Arrangements
Hair and Make-up
Help Contact Cemeteries to Obtain Burial Plots
Organize a Meal Train
Facilitate a Mercy Meal (potluck, restaurant or catered)
Contact Family, Make Phone Calls, Run Errands
Provide Pallbearers if needed
All Night Vigil & Reading of Psalms
Contact & Organize the Choir
Organize the Florist and Help with Arrangements and Deliveries
Refreshments & Hospitality
Connect to Grief & After Care
Parastasis Memorial Services (40 days, 6 months, 9 month, 1 year and annually)
Coliva & Bread
Orthodox Casket Cross
Services for Miscarriage or Stillbirth of a Baby
Services Held in the Church
The entire congragation should attend as possible.
Last Kiss
Anointing
Communal Closing of the Casket
Tolling of the Bell
Procession to and from the hearse
Lowering of the Casket into the grave
Coliva & Bread
All Night Vigil
Prescribed Scripture Readings
Parastasis Memorial Services
Special services for miscarriage or stillbirth of a baby.
First and Foremost Speak with the Priest
Prayer Services are Available for Non-Orthodox -Click here to Download
Funerals for the Non-Orthodox held at the Funeral Home
The Holy Myrrhbearers will still assist with anything on the list to the left.