Funeral

Lindsey and I were at a funeral on Wednesday afternoon, at the Greek Orthodox Church in Ballarat.

I had not realised that there was a Greek Orthodox Church in Ballarat, although it turns out that I have driven past it many times.

It is very cute - and VERY tiny. So tiny that it is absolutely dominated by the very large church hall that stands next to it. I have, in fact, noticed the church hall but hadn't realised that it was a CHURCH hall. I assumed it was a school hall or a community hall or some other sort of hall. But no, there is a church next to it.

The church itself is so small that only the immediate family sat in there. Everyone else went into the hall, and the service was streamed into it. It was also streamed online for people who were unable to travel to Ballarat.

People who could, did travel to Ballarat. The hall was absolutely packed. Fortunately, Lindsey and I had got there early so had managed to get seats.  People who came later had to stand at the back. Julia and her mother, plus our nephew Christian were there. The churchy bit of the service was conducted in Greek and in English. The eulogy, spoken by Theo's son Zoy, was in English.  Zoy also sang one of Theo's favourite songs. It was a lovely service.

Zoy is a longtime very close friend of Austin's. Lindsey and Ian's children were at school with Judy and Theo's children. Theo, Judy and Zoy travelled to Japan for Austin and Kaori's wedding. Their family and ours have been loosely intertwined for a very long time.

Theo, Tokyo

Theo, Judy and Zoy,
Austin and Kaori's wedding

Theo and Judy, Hill House

Jim and Theo, Hill House