In Greece, Graves Are Only for Rent

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Here again my friends is an example of religion getting in the way of reason. God given reason. What is Greece primarily surrounded by? Yes, water. Have a law that says people must be cremated.Make it legal,if it isn't already, to allow cremains to be housed in a dwelling. Like on a mantle or shelf,or closet etc. Also make it legal, if it isn't already, to let cremains be scattered at sea,or on some other body of water. I do not like the idea of anyone digging my bones up later on. Leave me alone. So, if they are low on space,then cremation is the key. If  you think or have been taught to think that God may not be able to ressurect you if you've been cremated them I don't want anything to do with your God. Period.  www.deism.com

This article is full of misleading information and half truths. Having traveled to Greece and having family buried over there I can assure you that for the most part the dead are not exhumed until at least 10 years after they are laid to rest. There bones are not dissolved with chemicals ( don't know where that urban myth came from?) instead after they are exhumed and blessed by a priest they are placed in wooden boxes that goes into a small crypt that is on the cemetery grounds usually next to a small chapel. One can go into any such crypt in Greece and trace their ancestors remains in such these boxes that are under lock and key and that contain the names of those who have passed away. Since over 90 percent of the population belong to the Greek Orthodox church this has been a long tradition of the church and people of Greece going back 100s of years. There are indeed cemeteries that have grave markers that date back hundreds of years but these are usually of historical figures of national significance that have been laid to rest in the national cemetery in Athens. Land space has always been limited in Greece and in this way the cemetery or necropolis grounds do not need to be expanded with each new generation. In a way this is a very green way of respecting the environment and allowing individuals the right to be buried. BTW few people in North America are aware that in the majority of cemeteries in the big cities such as Toronto, one's remains can be moved or exhumed after 100 years. It's funny how people make ignorant comments or report stories like this without learning more about a foreign culture and its funerary traditions.

and when corporations bribe the right people with enough money to build on top of them once the room runs out, then they will be here as well. i say let them have it. be less selfish and save space for future generations: cremate your loved ones.