Orthodox Garden and Holy Resurrection Chapel

An Introduction to The Orthodox Garden and Holy Resurrection Chapel by Alan J MacKinnon, CCE

Supporting the values, traditions and rich culture of the Orthodox Community

The Orthodox Garden and Holy Resurrection Chapel, has been designated as a National Model and the only Orthodox Cemetery Chapel of its kind in New England.

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Placing eternal lights and planting flowers are encouraged at the Orthodox Garden. These traditions practiced for thousands of years are often forbidden at most local cemeteries.

The area was designed in a complimentary style that evokes a place of peaceful repose. The landscaping includes rows of hardy olive trees, a pergola and many classic features found in cemeteries of the Orthodox Faith such as above ground full length memorials.

The Holy Resurrection Chapel hosts 9 Day, 40 Day and 1 year Memorial Services and the doors are always open.

The Chapel also has a full Iconostasis where candles may be lit, memorial services may be held and prayers offered to love ones resting at The Gardens.

Choosing your family’s resting place in advance will allow you to select preferred lots close to the Chapel and have peace of mind that you will be among other Orthodox Christians who share the same beliefs, customs and traditions.

For a personal tour of the Orthodox Garden and Holy Resurrection Chapel please visit the cemetery at 670 Baker Street in Boston.

Project Development: Read the Inspiring Story

Our relationship with Orthodox families and the local clergy identified an unmet need.

At the initiation of local Orthodox clergy, we evaluated the feasibility of building an Orthodox Garden & Chapel reserved exclusively for Orthodox families.

To ensure that his vision would become a reality, Mr. MacKinnon undertook an expansive study of the architectural history of Orthodox cemeteries, which included extensive travel and research that brought him to Greece, Lebanon, Russia and Italy.

This effort to design such a place was aided by many of the local clergy and Orthodox families. The concept presented here in reflects that joint effort.

The Gardens decided to establish and dedicate an Orthodox Garden & Chapel that offers the community a place to gather during services and other calendar events, where families can observe and practice customs and traditions and pass them on to the next generation.

The Gardens commissioned renowned architect, Yervant Nahikian, to produce a conceptual design. Yervant Nahikian is well known for his many classical commissions, including St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Weston, St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in New Hampshire, and his most recent project, renovation of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England.

Over the next several years the design was refined.

Video of the Entire Groundbreaking Ceremony September 29, 2012

Groundbreaking September 29, 2012

Officiating:

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios (Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston)

His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion (First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia)

His Grace Bishop John Abdallah (Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Worcester and New England)

Memorial sponsorships for the Orthodox Garden are available at all levels. These sponsorships assist the overall effort of establishing the “Orthodox Garden and Chapel” while providing your family a permanent recognition of your contribution to the Garden.

For more information on sponsorship & naming opportunities, call us at (617) 325-0186.