Despite the Church of Cyprus maintaining its long-standing position favouring burial and expressing reservations about cremation, Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium has secured official planning permission for the construction of the first licensed crematorium in the Republic of Cyprus.
The project, which will be built in the Agia Varvara area of Paphos, marks a significant milestone a decade after legislation permitting cremation was introduced in Cyprus. Construction work is expected to begin in September 2026, with the facility scheduled for completion within approximately 18 months.
'Sacred tradition'
The development comes as the Church continues to advocate burial as an expression of sacred tradition and respect for the human body. The Holy Synod formally addressed the issue in March 2013, stating that cremation is not considered a doctrinal matter for the Church. However, it emphasised that the body, having received the sacraments of the Church, is regarded as a “temple of the Holy Spirit” and should therefore be treated with particular reverence.
Church sources note that the tradition of burial is closely linked to Christian teaching and ecclesiastical practice, citing the burial of Christ, Saint Lazarus and other biblical figures, as well as the preservation and exhumation of saints’ relics.
An alternative solution
At the same time, burial has also played an important humanitarian role over the years, particularly in the identification of missing persons through genetic material, church representatives said.
Despite these reservations, some Christians already choose cremation, with funeral services conducted in church before cremation takes place instead of burial. According to church sources, cremation has traditionally been associated mainly with Hinduism, although it is also practised by other religious and cultural communities.
Open for all religions and cultures
Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium said the new facility would provide a modern and environmentally responsible alternative, addressing a long-standing need that has forced many Cyprus residents to travel abroad for cremation services at considerable financial and administrative cost.
The crematorium will include ceremony halls, memorial areas and low-emission cremation systems designed to comply fully with European environmental standards and Best Available Techniques (BAT) requirements.
The company added that the facility aims to serve all religious and cultural communities in an environment intended to ensure dignity and respect. It also said the project is expected to generate economic benefits through partnerships with Cypriot contractors, tradespeople and professionals during both the construction and operation phases, marking what it described as a new era for funeral services in Cyprus.
