Choose your funeral director and priest carefully if you are after a cremation service in a Greek Orthodox church. My mother passed away on the 20th Feb and it was the family’s wish that she was to be cremated. We preferred the Greek Orthodox church in Bentleigh as it was the church my mother attended, and it was the church she looked at every day from her kitchen window. We had been instructed by the funeral director (Peter Tziotzis Orthodox Funeral Services), that in order to have a cremation service at that church we required a legal letter stating our wishes. We were also told that with a cremation service there will be no viewing the night before and that the service is slightly shorter as there are some burial parts which are not relevant. We understand the Greek Orthodox church's stance on cremation. If they could not provide a cremation service, we would go elsewhere. On the 21st Feb the funeral director informed us that the funeral would take place on the 27th Feb at the Bentleigh Greek Orthodox church as per our wishes. On the 23rd Feb I proofread the add to appear in the Neos Kosmos and realised there was a mistake as it stated a burial. I rang the funeral director and I was informed that it was a requirement of the church that it can only advertise burials. We were OK with that. On the 27th Feb at the funeral we had in excess of 100 people attend the church service provided by Father Panagiotis. We were denied a photo of our mother in the church. During the service Father Panagiotis at no stage acknowledged the family, neither before nor after. We were also given a five-minute lecture during the service on why we should not cremate and why we have done the wrong thing. I cannot express the humiliation we received. At my mother's life celebration afterwards so many people commented at their disgust of Father Panagiotis’ behaviour. Father Panagiotis had failed to provide a service that he had entered into an agreement with. He denied mourners a proper service, which included grandchildren, my mother’s sibling and other close relations to her. He left mourners conflicted as some people apologised that they could not attend the life celebration afterwards because the church frowned upon cremations, yet these people attended the service knowing full well it was a cremation service. Many of us will never attend another service by this priest again, and it has left us in an awkward position for future weddings and funerals. The funeral director had expressed that Father Panagiotis’ behaviour was unacceptable and that he would get back to me after he spoke to the priest. Unfortunately, we have received no explanation or apology up to now.

My pappou's funeral was held here on Friday and I am beyond satisfied with Father Chris' service. He bounced perfectly between Greek and English during his service, and was incredibly welcoming to everybody, Greek Orthodox or not. Many attendee's who were athiest or catholic or other, spoke to me about how touched they were by Father Chris. He has inspired me to become more inclined with my Greek Orthodox faith.

Outstanding church father chris is one of the best and outstanding priest's many people have come across. His love for the church and his words for God brings in the younger generation to the church.

Lovely Greek Orthodox church, father Chris is a wonderful placide natured man, he speaks English very well and is an encouragement to the young generation to come to mass.

Parking is a problem. The church service is very good though..quite moving and beautiful. It's a big community. Lovely to be a part of it.

A beautiful church, FR Chris explains the service in Greek and English and is always very approachable and humble.

Beautiful church, priest and ceremony. Also, thanks Zack for all your help.

Greek Orthodox Parish in Bentleigh. Liturgy done in Greek and English.

Good to see while passing by. Onr of the sightseeing in Bentleigh

Attended a wedding, lovely venue and traditional Greek service

Awesome Church. Had my grandchildren baptized here

Our parish church with a most kind hearted priest

Great church. Father Chris is great.

Beautiful Church! Inside and out.

An Amazing smaller local church.

Great service from the priest

No words to say all good

Nice little church

Beautiful Church.