The Cyprus Orthodox Church’s stance that it will not perform funeral rites for individuals who choose cremation is ridiculous and unchristian and is based on an interpretation on religious texts that makes no sense.  

Believers often think the reason is because there won’t be a body to rise on Judgement Day, that cremation was originally a pagan practice or that it destroys God’s creation.

The Church might want to go back to the Book of Genesis where God tells Adam: “For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return”.  In other words, you’re not coming out of the grave intact on Judgement Day if you’re buried in the ground either.

Theological arguments aside, probably the much simpler explanation would be: “Follow the money”, brainwash the faithful into thinking they’re committing some non-existent sin and take away their choice to be created or buried through blackmail.

If we were to debate religion, there’s an argument to be made that they’re the ones going to Hell.

Despina Stavrou, Nicosia