Dacha and Parastos

Services > Dacha and Parastos

Preparations for a Dacha or Parastos

In the Serbian Orthodox tradition for funerals, it is customary to invite family and friends to a memorial meal, dacha, following a graveside service. During the mourning period that follows, a memorial service, parastos, can be performed at the request of family, most significantly after 40 days, at six months and at one year from the anniversary of a loved one’s passing. For the latter, some families choose to formally gather with friends and family. Our parish priests, together with our Banquet Hall Manager and Circle of Sisters, can assist with preparations for these events.

Please review the following checklist.

  1. Book the church service. Contact the parish priest who serves the area in which you reside to make those arrangements. You will need to bring wheat berry pudding (zito), bread (kolach), and a bottle of red wine for the church service.

  2. Once a date has been set, contact our Volunteer Banquet Hall Manager, Kristal Njegovan to book the hall and review pricing (905-923-0451 or kristalnjegovan@gmail.com). Advise the number of guests attending and select one of the menu options below. Our Hall Manager will then coordinate set-up, linens, meal preparation, service and clean-up with our Circle of Sisters.

  • $38/person ($35/person for church members)

    This option is not available during Lenten periods or on Wednesdays and Fridays.

    Beef goulash
    Roasted chicken
    Mashed potatoes
    Salad
    Dinner rolls
    Coffee station

  • (Pricing as for option 1)

    This option is offered during Lenten periods and on Wednesdays and Fridays.

    Baked beans (prebranac) or
    Bean soup
    Fish (1 piece; battered or baked)
    Rice or potatoes
    Salad
    Dinner rolls
    Coffee station

Beverages and desserts are not included with catering. It is the family’s responsibility to provide beverages and disposable glasses. Our banquet hall is equipped with a bar and walk-in fridge. We recommend asking a family friend to manage the bar set-up and service on your behalf.

If you would like to offer a self-serve dessert table to your guests, our Circle of Sisters can set up a table with linen near the coffee station. Please supply your own paper plates, napkins, and cutlery (if needed). You can make arrangements with the Hall Manager to drop off any supplies in advance.

Payment (cash or cheque) should be made directly to the Circle of Serbian Sisters St. Nicholas on the day of the event. E-transfer is also accepted. Cheques payable to: Circle of Serbian Sisters St. Nicholas.