Hector Georgiou
The calendar read July 2006 when Cyprus first saw an extensive public debate on introducing legislation for cremation. What followed was a discussion and consultation process that would drag on for more than a decade, marked by repeated delays and legislative back-and-forth.
Eventually, in 2016, Parliament gave the green light to legalize the issue. However, the law remained inactive for three years. Under Article 37 of the legislation, "This Law comes into force on a date determined by the Council of Ministers, by notification published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.” That activation finally came on 4 September 2019, when the Cabinet exercised its powers and brought the law into effect.
Now, in 2026, Cyprus remains one of the few European Union countries without a crematorium. That, however, is expected to change within the next 15 to 18 months, with the first facility set to open in the Paphos district.
“K” spoke with theologian Dr. Panagiotis Thomas and Barry Floyd, CEO of the first crematorium project in Cyprus, as well as members of the public.
The need
Until recently, anyone wishing to proceed with cremation had to travel abroad, typically to countries such as Greece or Bulgaria, at a cost of around €5,000.
The idea of a crematorium in Cyprus has been discussed for many years, Barry Floyd, CEO of Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, the company behind the project, told “K”. He said their partner company in Paphos, Maureen Watt, which operates in the funeral services sector, had for years received requests from families wishing for cremation, forcing them to send loved ones abroad.
Cremation from 2027
“Cremation is not meant to replace burial,” said Barry Floyd, CEO of the first crematorium expected to operate in Cyprus.
He explained that construction is planned to begin this September, with completion expected in about 15 to 18 months. If all goes as planned, the first licensed crematorium in the Republic of Cyprus should be ready by late 2027 or early 2028.
The project is expected to cost around €4 million and will be developed on a 12,000 square meter plot in Agia Varvara, Paphos. The building itself will cover about 1,000 square meters.
Plans include two ceremony halls of different capacities, family reception areas, remembrance spaces, and extensive gardens with olive trees and cypress trees.
“We didn’t want to create just a technical facility,” Floyd said. “We wanted to create a space where people can say goodbye to their loved ones in the way they choose.”
The crematorium will operate in cooperation with all licensed funeral homes in Cyprus and will offer full services in line with European standards.
Floyd said the basic cost of cremation is expected to be around €700–€900, excluding funeral home services or additional personal choices. Options for ashes will include placement in columbarium niches, scattering in designated areas, or keeping them within the family.
He stressed, "Cremation does not replace burial, nor does it challenge religious beliefs. We fully respect all views.”
Faith and theology
On the issue of cremation, theologian Dr. Panagiotis Thomas said cremation does not contradict the core belief of the Church, namely the doctrine of the Resurrection, which, following the Resurrection of Christ, represents the hope of believers.
“The God in whom the Church believes, who created everything from nothing, is not unable to raise a person from ashes or dust,” he said, pointing also to examples of martyrs who were burned or otherwise destroyed.
He noted that Orthodox burial tradition, like that of other Christian churches, carries symbolic meaning. “The human body is like a seed that dies in the earth in order to rise again in a transformed life, reflecting the Resurrection of Christ,” he said.
However, he added that no symbol should be absolutized or treated as the entirety of faith.
At the same time, he acknowledged concerns about cremation from an aesthetic and human perspective, describing it as a mechanical process that raises questions about how the image of the human person is preserved.
As a matter of free choice, he said, “if it is legal, it is a position the Church must respect without exclusion in public life.”
Public views
“Of course, everyone should have the right to choose between burial and cremation; at least that should be the case in 2026 in a European country,” said 40-year-old Michalis.
Another citizen, Apostolos, said he supports cremation: “I believe every person has the absolute right to decide what happens to their body after death.” He added that remembrance is often a social and sometimes “selfish” need for the living.
“For how long we are remembered is a separate issue,” he said.
Fifty-five-year-old Pantelis disagreed, saying he is against cremation. “Burial is a matter of respect and remembrance. It is part of our Orthodox tradition, and I support graves and memorial services.”
Barry Floyd reiterated that cremation is a choice for those who consciously select it and is not intended to replace traditional burial. He said acceptance is expected to grow gradually, as it has in many European countries.
A 55-year-old Catholic resident, Shemaine, said cremation allows families to keep loved ones close if they wish. “I think it is a positive development,” she said, adding that although the Catholic Church was traditionally cautious, it has become more accepting in recent years.
Thirty-five-year-old Lukas said Christian burial practices have not always been uniform but have evolved over time due to cultural and practical needs rather than strict doctrine. He also raised practical and financial concerns, noting that in some urban cemeteries graves are exhumed after three years due to space limitations. “With cremation, you pay once and you’re done,” he said.
Position of the Holy Synod
In 2013, when Parliament began discussing the issue, the Holy Synod issued a statement saying cremation is not a doctrinal issue but is linked to Church tradition and respect for the human body.
It added that burial helps relatives maintain an emotional connection with the deceased. While noting that cremation may be chosen by non-Orthodox individuals, it said clergy would not perform funeral services in such cases.
The law
Under legislation that came into force in September 2019, ashes may be scattered at a designated memorial area within a cremation center, on private property with consent, or at sea, excluding swimming areas.
A district officer may issue a cremation permit only after receiving a clear, unconditional declaration from the deceased during their lifetime expressing the wish for cremation. This applies to individuals over 18.
Medical certification confirming the cause of death is also required, along with confirmation from a coroner that no further investigation is needed.
Operating licenses for cremation facilities are valid for two years and can be renewed for additional two-year periods.
