Grieving mother Carol Matthews spoke for the families of the 173 victims of the Black Saturday bushfires when she told an anniversary memorial service that those remembering the devastating fires came from no specific place.

"We are scattered across Victoria, across Australia and across the globe," Ms Matthews told more than 2000 people at the multi-faith service at St Pauls Cathedral in central Melbourne.

"One year ago our lives changed forever.

"Our son was killed by the bushfires and our memories and our house were destroyed. On that day, we lost our past, our present and our future."

But there was a future, said Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier who told the congregation the candles lit to represent each of the 100 or so communities affected by the fires were "a symbol of light and hope for the future".

As bereaved families, survivors, those who lost their homes, dignitaries and representatives of the multiple faiths lit the candles, the names of the affected communities were solemnly read out, from Arthurs Creek to Kinglake, Marysville and Strathewen to Yinnar South.

Some lit the candle in pairs, holding hands for support or clutching the taper together. Others came up in family groups, others stoically solo.

Because none of the 173 individuals were named during the service, those who suffered loss collected white pebbles, upon which they wrote personal messages and left them at the base of the candles.

The dignified service began with a minute's silence and included biblical readings by Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, while Victorian Premier John Brumby read a poem written by Rhonda Abotomey, who lost a brother and other family members in the February 7, 2009, fires.

State Governor David de Kretser and federal and state opposition leaders Tony Abbott and Ted Baillieu lit candles.

Joan Davey, who lost her son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters, clung to Ms Abotomey after they read a prayer for those who died.

The head of the Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Christine Nixon said there could be no under-estimation of the "enormous pain, trauma and grief" thousands of Victorians had experienced since Black Saturday.

"We are here to remember all those who lost their lives," she said.

"The worst national disaster in Australia's history has left an indelible scar on families, friends, neighbours and relatives and strangers across the world.

"People have seen and heard things they hope never to see again."

Several hundred members of bereaved families and those from bushfire-hit towns filled the front 20 pews of the cathedral and many were then heading back home to remember the day with their own communities.

References: News Report: News.Com.Au 

Some pictures of the Black Saturday: