Stathakis approves creation of crematory in Athens

Energy and Environment Minister George Stathakis today approved the establishment of a crematorium in the area of Eleonas in the municipality of Athens.

The creation of crematoriums has been discussed for decades in Greece and one of the key reasons for the delay has been the fierce opposition of the powerful Greek

Orthodox Church, as cremation violates church dogma.

Until now, Greeks who wanted to be cremated had to be transported by their families to neighbouring Bulgaria.
«With this decision a solution is offered to the demand of a significant portion of citizens, which has been pending for decades,» Stathakis said.

«The municipality of Athens will be able to take advantage of public spaces it owns in the area and overcome the inflexibility of the institutional framework on an issue of public interest. This obstacle will be transcended by the new Presidential Decree on the use of lands, according to which such installations are included in the social services for local residents,” noted.