According to the Russian media, the relevant legislation was adopted by the Cyprus Parliament after many years of intense debates and waiting on the part of 24,000 British ex-pats living in Cyprus. Currently Cyprus and Malta re the only EU Member States where cremation is still not legalized.
However, the Cyprus church opposes the cremation and explains their view by necessity to preserve the existing traditions. Archbishop Chrysostom said that priests will not conduct the relevant procedure if it is known in advance that the body will be cremated.
