‘Satanic ritual’ victim laid to rest
Itumeleng Mafisa
9/11/2011
“The devil did not win. The bastards did not win. The swines did not win,” these were the words of a grieving member of the Theologo family who stood up spontaneously proclaiming war against “satanism” at Kirsty Theologo’s funeral.
Many of those gathered at the St Basil Greek Orthodox church in Ekurhuleni, to lay Kirsty’s spirit to rest agreed with the uncle by muttering “Amen” and nodding their heads solemnly.
Theologo and her friend Bronwyn Grammer, 16, were doused with petrol and torched on a hill in Linmeyer, south of Johannesburg, during an alleged satanic ritual.
The two were allegedly meant to be human sacrifices.
An 18-year-old Kirsty sustained 75% burns to her body which led to her death, while Grammer is still recovering in hospital.
Five men are facing murder and attempted murder charges in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court and are due back in court next Wednesday.
Kirsty’s funeral, which was held in Greek was presided over by three Eastern Orthodox church priests, including Father Piazio who was the main celebrant.
“With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Thy servant where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting,” chanted the trio.
The church was filled with the sweet smell of incense, historic pictures of saints and hundreds of artificial candles.
The passages read in the service reflected the Church’s belief in the reality of Christ’s death and resurrection and his victory over the devil.
The Theologo family sat in the front with Kirsty’s mother comforted by her six children Samantha, Johnny, Kyle, Alexander, Natasha and Brett,
Samantha, the eldest, read a poem written by her mother for Kirsty. As she slowly read it out, many in the church were brought to tears.
“Eighteen precious years you nurtured love in a woman old, you gave her love and life and hope. And kept her spirits buoyed.”
“Now in heaven, Kirsty please keep watch over your dearest mother, and always remember, won’t you please. You were loved like no other.”
Samantha also comforted her family saying if Kirsty was alive she would say: “Do not be unhappy because I am out of sight, remember I am with you morning, noon and night.”
At the end of the service the congregation flocked to the altar in silence to kiss Kirsty’s coffin as some knelt and prayed for the Lord to give her rest.
According to Greek tradition, the kiss given to the deceased is an expression of love for the departed.
itumelengm@thenewage.co.za
