Cyprus Cremation or Burial

#8: Truebrit - Re:  

The standard of embalming in Cyprus is beyond description.  It is frankly disgraceful.  This is one of the very many reasons why for ten years I have been lobbying the Government for a crematorium supported now by over 9,000 supporters.  The Church, in the shape of the Archbishop, is not against it as he has three times made clear to me face to face - saying that cremation should be a matter of freedom of choice. He has also declared this publicly.  But he seems weak on the issue when it comes to influencing the Synod.

Sadly, the Holy Synod in Cyprus  lives in the past, refusing to recognise that there are now more people living here who do not belong to the Greek Orthodox Church than those who do follow that faith.  The Government has been approached many times, through the President, through the Interior Minister, and through other official channels, all without response, save telling me that there is "more to discuss".  After ten years discussion what more can there be that hasn't been discussed endlessly?

The need for a crematorium to end the situation where (apart from Malta), we are the only EU member without one, is now truly urgent.  There is little or no room for more cemeteries. The upkeep of the exisiting cemeteries is scandalous.  The whole situation is simply unacceptable now, and the issue has become desperately sad.

Calling for an interview/audience with the President has been sought - and completely ignored. His Officer Director brushes all correspondence aside with suggestions for writing to alternative recipients, none of whom ever respond.  I just receive the President's "good wishes for health and happiness", both of which advantages I already possess.  I despair of the bureaucracy, the lack of interest, and the sheer absence of will.