Cyprus plans for inevitable with crematoria

CYPRUS IS poised to break with centuries of religious tradition by allowing islanders to be cremated, after an apparent yielding on former stiff opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church.As an increasingly popular option overseas of dealing with the inevitable, law experts have been tasked with drafting regulations ending the Mediterranean island's status as one of the few countries in the European Union where cremations are illegal.

"I dealt with cases where it was the last wish of the deceased to be cremated. They could not, and we had to have the body exported to Britain for cremation, and the ashes brought back to Cyprus. It was extraordinary," said MEP Marios Matsakis, who is also a forensic pathologist.

Signs of cemetery overcrowding are everywhere. In one sprawling graveyard in central Nicosia, corridors were being dug up for the dead to be interred. The practice stopped when relatives complained.The law is being prepared amid an apparent yielding of opposition from the Church, which said it still recommended burials because of Orthodox tradition.

"There is no dogmatic barrier for the resurrection of the dead, whether they are cremated or buried, but we do recommend burials," said Bishop Georgios, a member of the Holy Synod, the church ruling body.

"If this law is passed, we will still do the funeral rites, but not on cremated remains," Georgios told Reuters.

Handling the dead has turned into a major issue for authorities because of the influx of thousands of foreigners to the holiday island. At least 50,000 Britons live in Cyprus, including many retirees.Law affairs commissioner Leda Koursoumba told Reuters her initial mandate was to prepare regulations which would be applicable only to members of the non-Orthodox faith.

"My recommendation is however that it should be an option available to them," she said. "Just as freedom of religion is respected in this country, it is also the right of one to choose what happens to their remains."

After some time of wading through government red tape, British businessman Keith McCready said he was flatly rejected when he petitioned authorities for permission to create a crematorium last year.

"We got a reply in no uncertain terms that there was nothing to discuss," said McCready, who added he had not given up hope.McCready said he had backing from the expat community and younger Greek Cypriots.

"Ground is gradually being eaten up, there is not much room to go around for cemeteries," he said.

Although not devoutly religious, Greek Cypriots strictly stick to tradition when it comes to their dead. Many are interred in coffins, and, in an even older tradition confined to some mainly rural communities, buried wrapped in just a shroud."Christ was buried, and so were our Saints, and we have their remains today which we revere," said Bishop Georgios. "It is also a form of solace visiting a grave, knowing that your relative's remains are there."

Matsakis said Cyprus should catch up with the times."I'm sure Cypriot society will look at it logically. This is not something that will be imposed, but a question of choice and respecting the wishes of the dead."