Melbourne mourns for MH17 victims as families are told justice could be a long time coming

Justice for the families of victims of the MH17 disaster could be a long time coming, the head of the Anglican Church in Australia says.

Hundreds gathered at Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral for a multi-faith service to pay their respects to the 298 people who died in the Malaysia Airlines downing.

Archbishop Philip Freier, the Anglican primate, said those left behind deserved to know why their loved ones died.

"From what we know someone gave orders to destroy MH17. It cannot be true that no one knows what happened," Dr Freier told the congregation on Thursday.

Dr Freier said the families faced a frustrating wait to find out if the people who shot down the plane would face justice.

"What might not always be satisfied in this world, will certainly find its true measure in the judgment of God," he said.

Dr Freier said the bodies should be returned so families could grieve and say goodbye properly.

"May the precious gift of hope be stirred within each of us," he said.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine read a poem by Dutch-American Henry van Dyke, as candles were lit to commemorate those who died.

Sheikh Moustapha Sarakibi said a Muslim prayer, Hojun Futen gave a Buddhist blessing, and Cantor Bruce Levin sang a Jewish lament.

Malaysian Consul-General Mohamed Rameez Bin Yahaya and Dutch Honorary Consul Hans Nieuwland lit candles to mark the many who died from their countries.

Dr Napthine said he had spoken to some victims' families and they were overwhelmed with emotion and the support they had received.

"The families expressed that they are very anxious to get the bodies returned to Australia as soon as possible, so they can grieve privately," Dr Napthine told reporters.

More than 1200 people attended the service at the cathedral, with more watching a broadcast in Federation Square across the road.