Interesting article about cremation in Greek Orthodox community:
New Greek law permits cremation
But article raises the issue of whether Mama Duolos left a WRITTEN order covering her desire to be cremated? IDK how this might have happened as the article stated there was no will. Mmmmmm.
Quotes from article:
"The decision, brought on by years of pressure from human rights groups and state ombudsmen, comes at a time when the powerful Greek Orthodox Church that opposed the plan is embroiled in a series of bribery and embezzlement scandals".
"The cremation of foreigners or Greeks, whose religious convictions allow the cremation after death, is allowed," the new law said.
According to the law, Orthodox Greeks can choose cremation as long as they have stated this in writing before their death or their immediate relatives wish it.
"A pre-condition for the cremation is the clear, unequivocal statement of the deceased, or their relatives," that they wish to be cremated, the law said. [BBM]
In a country where more than 95 percent of the population is Orthodox, the families of people who did not wish to be buried spend thousands of euros transporting them to neighboring Bulgaria for cremation.
For decades the Greek Orthodox Church had strongly opposed cremation, saying the body is God's creation and cannot be burned. But the church says it does not plan to protest the decision.
"The church does not oppose and has no right to oppose the cremation of the dead for those of other religions or other Christian denominations," said a spokesman for the Church of Greece, Charis Konidaris.
"For the Orthodox people, though, it recommends burial as the only way for the decomposition of the deceased human body, according to its long traditions," he said. [BBM]
IMO still seems like there are members of the religious community opposed to cremation. So, I very much wonder whether Mama Duolos was religious and held conservative beliefs such that she would have been opposed to cremation? Just another question to add the existing long list of questions about this tragic incident at 585 Deercliff, Avon, CT. I also wonder if the DM might be able to figure out who actually cremated Mama Duolos and under whose directions?
MOO