Greece is closer to opening its first crematorium after passing a decree that paves the way for a facility to be built in Athens.
Though widely seen as long overdue, cremation has faced fierce opposition from the Orthodox church.
For decades Greeks seeking cremation for loved ones have had to go abroad with neighbouring Bulgaria the mos likely destination as it is the nearest country where cremation is allowed.
Senior Orthodox clerics argue that funeral rites other than burial defy gospel teachings and can never be condoned. Ecclesiastical condemnation effectively quashed legislation in 2006 that approved cremation and would have brought Greece in line with other EU member states.
Via The Guardian
