1 March, 2001
Dear Parishioners,
Grace and Peace to you from God, the Father, and our Lord, Jesus Christ, as we make our Lenten journey through the Cross to the empty Tomb.
Our Orthodox Faith teaches us that the human body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We are called to glorify God in our bodies, which have become joined to the Body of Christ. Thus, when one us departs this life, we treat that Christian’s body with great respect, laying it out respectfully for burial, just as Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus and the Myrrh-bearing Women did for our Lord’s Body.
Thus I’d like to make you aware of a great opportunity that has become available to us: Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (9700 Allisonville Road) has set aside about 1000 plots for Orthodox Christians of the Indianapolis area (and their immediate families) in a new section called the "Garden of the Anastasis," i.e., Resurrection, and they’re giving us special discounts and financing. Furthermore, they will construct a shrine in the center of the section (see sketch), which the Orthodox parishes in town will join to decorate with iconography, where we can serve memorial Liturgies, etc. Finally, while upright monuments are not generally allowed at Oaklawn Cemetery, we have negotiated with them to designate several rows for upright monuments in this section for a little bit greater cost. Here are some of the details:
Normally, the current rate for a burial plot is $1,000
- Orthodox can take off $150 if you make arrangements prior to time of need
- Take off an extra $100 "Founders’ Discount" if you make arrangements by May 31 (see certificate)
- Add $300 for space that permits a monument (monument not included)
- No-interest payment plans for up to 60 months
- Receive a free burial space for any child under 18 that passes away, if the parents or grandparents have a space
- The discounts may be used at other Flanner and Buchanan cemeteries, including Washington Park East and Memorial Park
To get more information or to take advantage of this special offer, contact either Susan Stewart or Bob McCain at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens at (317) 849-3616. Elaine and I have already selected plots in the Garden of the Anastasis. Remember, none of these discounts applies at time of need.
Yours in Christ,
V. Rev. Nabil L. Hanna
Pastor