Through a circular which was sent to all Metropolises the Sacred Synod informs that the Church will not conduct funeral ceremonies and memorials to those who have proven and voluntarily declared their desire to burn their bodies.
The whole circular is published and available to all in the church of Greece website and states that:” ” Church does not accept cremation “.
While adds that, “the cremated body is not consistent with the practice and tradition of the Church for theological and normal anthropological reasons.”
Further, the Synod states that “in order to avoid any theological, normal anthropological aberration “is necessary to respect the religious beliefs and the calibration of the relevant intention of the deceased and not the will or declaration by the family.”
However, the Sacred Synod leaves open a small window and includes in the circular that every Bishop under his own responsibility can conduct a… memorial.