The efforts local authorities in Athens and Thessaloniki have being making to facilitate cremation practices in Greece bounced back by the strong objections imposed on Wednesday by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece. The Synod contravenes to the creation of crematoria at parish cemeteries while also claims that the decision for cremation should not be taken by relatives but by the individual him or herself. The Holy council said it woulb brief the government on its objections.
According to the new town-planning regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment, it is allowed to build crematoria next to churches.