I read this article in the Greek version of Investor's mag today.I only translated some parts as it is a big one, but still..Some of you may find it interesting.
"Burial prevailed against burning after the appearance of Christianity in Greece.In fact burial is neither a dogma, nor an obligation.
It is a result of a long time practice, it is a custom.
Theoretically, the Orthodox Church doesn't accept burning the dead, but there isn't any official prohibition on the burning procedure.
Cremation doesn't take place in Greece not because it's illegal (there isn't a law that either prohibits or allows burning), but simply because there's no practical possibility.All the orthodox christians, or Greek citizens of other religion, who wish to be cremated have to be moved in countries where all presuppositions are fulfilled for the safe completion of this procedure.
Greeks are caried to Bulgaria,Rome, Munich,England, in order to be burned in "cutting edge" cremators - cause such machines are used in most countries that have respected articles 8 and 9 of the International Treaty of Human Rights.
In Norway a 70% of the dead gets cremated.67% in Denmark, 52% in New Zealand and Australia, 35% in Canada.
In countries such as Argentina,Austria,Belgium,China,France,Italy,Japan,Spain,Switzerland and America people get both buried and burned.
It isn't a matter of taking sides, but a matter of being aware of both procedures and a matter of defending our right to choose what will become of us when we shall no longer be.
Organisations have been founded lately, such as the "Union of Cremation supporters" and the "Commitee for Greek cremation center foundation" , which have rapidly become members of the ICF.
Although proposals have been made to the Church, it seems that they are not taken into consideration and just because until now conflicts have been avoided between the State and the Church, the right to be burned remains ignored.
The ruling legislation regulates mostly the things concerning burial with law 448/68 and the presidential order 1128/80 and no burning prohibition results from these laws. On the contrary, law 1383/83 gives us the right to determine our after death fortune and by law 1492,chapter ζ, article 201 ashes and bones are both regarded as equal, which means that cremation is anticipated, otherwise there would be no ashes involved."
The article goes on with the advantages of burning. Less graveyard space.Clean and healthy ground.Much less money spent.Less suffering for the relatives. And last but not least, no myths and hocus pocus regarding death.
Greece is one of the most freedom loving/acting accordingly countries.Some things though really have to change.The right to be burned is one of them.
