Greek Orthodox Memorial

Project Details

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we received a call from the Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association in Detroit. Inspired Artisans had worked on several projects for Mt. Elliott, but this time, the task was special: developing a space dedicated to Greek Orthodox burials at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. Having lived in countries where religious segregation in burials is common, Gianfranco found the initiative profoundly inclusive, reflecting the ecumenical spirit between Catholic and Orthodox communities.

Later that year, we visited the site with Tim Burrows and Frank Oldani. On a crisp October day, we walked through the cemetery’s vast grounds, assessing the ideal location for the memorial. Through several studies, they determined the memorial would be centrally located, tall, and symbolic of Orthodox tradition. Granite was chosen for its durability, while Venetian glass mosaic was selected to capture the vibrancy of Orthodox iconography.

The final design stood 16 feet tall and consisted of a base topped with four mosaic panels, each depicting Orthodox icons: Calvary, Resurrection, the Blessed Mother, and Ascension. A gilded aluminum cross crowning the structure would be visible from all sides. Originally, the plan was to use the Patron Saints of nearby parishes, but to ensure the memorial resonated with Orthodox Christians from any region, the design focused on universally revered icons.

Venetian glass mosaic, brass, granite

Resurrection Cemetery - 18201 Clinton River Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038