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Saint Stephen's Columbarium
To see
pictures of the columbarium area please click here
The Church historically has laid the dead to rest with reverence and care in special places set apart in church yards and in cathedrals. Now in keeping with this tradition, churches have established special facilities for the care and safekeeping of cremated remains in Columbariums. The name Columbarium is derived from the Latin Columba or "Dovecote", the dove being the symbol of God's spirit and peace.
Today, many people are searching for an alternative to ground burial that offers beauty and simplicity. Cremation with memorialization is one such alternative. Cremation is a step in the care of human remains that provides a simple return to nature and accomplishes in a few moments what otherwise takes years.
St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Pro-Cathedral has built a Columbarium on Church property to meet the needs of its congregation. In the peaceful beauty of the Holyland Memorial Garden, the lives of many are memorialized. The ashes reposed in the walls of the garden are commended to the glory of God and a reminder to all the we one day will experience the Resurrection.
MAY GOD GRANT THEM ETERNAL MEMORY AND REPOSE
Current Catholic Canon Law Regarding Burials
Note: The following information was taken from the Pastoral Handbook decreed by Bishop George to be the Particular Law of the Eparchy of Van Nuys
Burial and Cremation
478.
All Catholics and Catechumens must be given an ecclesiastical funeral unless
they are deprived by the law
(Canon 875).
479. The burial of the body is the customary practice.
480.
Cremation, although strongly discouraged, is allowed, provided that it is for a
reason that is not contrary to the faith
(Canon 876 §3).
481. If the purpose of seeking cremation, in a particular case, is to deny the immortality of the soul, to reject Christian dogma, to express hatred for the Catholic faith or to deny life after death, funeral services are to be denied.
482. The pastor should presume that the reasons for choosing cremation come within those recognized by the Church and should not deprive the deceased of Christian burial
Funeral Services in the Case of Cremation
483. The body is not to be cremated until after the Parastas and/or Funeral Divine Liturgy.
484. The Parastas, the Funeral Liturgy, or other services may not be celebrated at the place of the cremation.
485. The ashes of cremation are not to be presented at a memorial Divine Liturgy celebrated for the deceased.
486. The Parastas or another service may take place in conjunction with the burial service at the cemetery or columbarium, but not in the church,
If you would like more information about St Stephen's Columbarium and Memorial Wall, please sign our guest book indicating your questions or comments.