“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
The mission of the Holy Myrrhbearers is to aide, when needed, families in the planning of their Orthodox loved one’s end of life and funeral care.
In the instance of a long illness the Holy Myrrhbearers are available to support the arrangement of hospice care services.
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 our Lord will call us home!
Other Helpful Documents to Download…
Diocesan Directives on Funerals- Bulgarian Dioceses of Toledo, OCA. This offers the “dos and don’ts” as approved by our Diocese.
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)
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
How Can We Help?
Things to know about the Orthodox Funeral
What about the Non-Orthodox?
Sit with Family & Friends
Assist with Funeral Arrangements & Cemetery Burial Plots
All Night Vigil & Reading of Psalms
Choir for Services
Pallbearers
Facilitate a Mercy Meal following Funeral Service (potluck, restaurant or catered)
Coordinate Deliveries from Florist
Refreshments & Hospitality
Orthodox Casket Blessing Cross
Parastasis Memorial Services (40 days, 6 months, 9 month, 1 year and annually)
Coliva & Bread (Colac/Kolach)
Connect to Grief & After Care
Meals for the Family
Services for Miscarriage or Stillbirth of a Baby
Creamation of the Body is not Permitted
Services Held in the Church
All Night Vigil
The Entire Congragation Should Attend Services
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 (Colac/Kolach)
Prescribed Scripture Readings
Parastasis Memorial Services
Special services for miscarriage or stillbirth of a baby.
Those in the Catechumanate receive a Full Orthodox Funeral
First Contact the Priest
Prayer Services are available for Non-Orthodox
Funerals for the Non-Orthodox held at the Funeral Home
The Holy Myrrhbearers will still assist with anything on the list to the left