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Greater Vancouver

Orthodox Cemetery

This community garden is symbolic of how the Orthodox are rooted in the past in the

sense that trees are rooted in the ground - drawing sustenance, power, and theology
from the past. The garden is also a reminder to the community that they are facing the

future together as one family. The word "Cemetery" means "sleeping place" and so the
GVOC is the place where the members of the community will sleep awaiting the
glorious resurrection that Christ will bestow.

Burial in the Greater Vancouver Orthodox Cemetery has been designed to fulfill the
traditions and practices of the Orthodox Church
Some aspects of this are:

Natural Return of the Body to Creation
This means that the cemetery does not have a requirement for a vault or a liner which surrounds the casket
(though they can be optionally purchased), allowing the casket and contents to naturally decompose.
“For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19

Sacred Communal Burial Space

This cemetery has been set aside specifically for the local Canonical Orthodox Parishes to have burial space for our
departed loved ones to rest. This means it is not an ethnically separated cemetery

“For you are all one in Christ.” Galatians 3:28

Tradition of Memorialization
The cemetery allows for three styles of grave markers, Upright with a Cross, a Pillow Marker or a Flat Marker.
Each of these markers is able to be enlarged to sit on two adjacent graves, allowing for memorialization of up to 4
family members. This provides families various options for memorialization in accordance with their financial
means, culture, and wishes.
“Jacob set up a stone monument over Rachel’s grave.” Genesis 35:20

Heritage Gardens - Preparing for Tomorrow - Page 23