Are Hellenic funeral Rites sanctioned in the U.S.?

2016-07-20T10:06:03-04:00

Can I request Hellenic funeral Rites in the US, and actually have it happen? To clarify;
Hellenics do not believe in burial (it is disrespectful, and can prevent the soul from leaving the body). When a Hellenic dies, we perform a pyre funeral (body set on a pyre and cremated through open flame). If I put this in my Will, could it be sanctioned in the US, or would I have to have my body carried into international waters, if not another country entirely?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-07-20T10:11:38-04:00

Your military burial benefits will not cover it.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 20 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-07-20T10:12:39-04:00

I must admit, I have no clue, however,MIT's obv a uniquely interesting question certainly...I'd read the Nordic countries especially Vikings had that, though I have not clue if I'm right, or if it's still done at all, of course...

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Jul 20 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-07-20T10:26:00-04:00

I think you are a little off in your "Hellenic Funeral Rites" view. The Greeks buried their dead, the exception being Athens; the Athenians normally cremated their dead and placed their ashes in an urn. Where are you going with this? In the US you can not be cremated in the open. Are you in fact referring to a Viking Funeral Pyre? Now that's a way to go out!. Semper Fi.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 20 at 2016 11:32 AM

2016-07-20T11:32:28-04:00

Good points as the environmental laws are pretty strict about open burning. Interesting thing, when my aunt passed away she wanted to be cremated and have her ashes spread at sea. Enter Califonistupidia. Can't do that. The only way you can is to put the ashes in a special box with a trip lid, go at least 2 miles off shore, submerge the box some minimum distance, then pop the cork. That was over 30 years ago. Things are probably orders of magnitude more stupid now.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 20 at 2016 3:48 PM

2016-07-20T15:48:48-04:00

I have read quite a bit regarding this in various cultures, they no longer exist, at least on paper. When it comes to rights and freedoms, one does have a certain amount of rights when it comes to faith. You may be able to take that approach, however there are significant hoops to go through to prove an existing faith that is not otherwise (actively) recognized.

Out of my personal curiosity, from where have you gained this following of Hellenic rights?

Thanks for sharing.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 6:58 PM

2016-07-20T18:58:56-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Have your body legally cremated, and specify what you want done with the ashes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 7:25 PM

2016-07-20T19:25:14-04:00

Here's the way to do it. All of the arrangements will have to be made pre-mortem and Uncle Sam will not fund it directly. You could set up a trust and use a portion of SGLI, VGLI to cover the costs.

http://www.crestone-end-of-life.org/support/start-an-eol-group.html

Start an EOL Group

The Crestone End of Life Project arose from the wish to provide mindful, compassionate afterlife care, as well as a range of disposition choices. Experience has shown us that working consensuallyand empowering others through respect, education and openness results in a group that works together selflessly, with high intentionality and confidence in its service to others. If you wish to establish an end-of-life care group, we suggest the...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 29 at 2018 3:20 PM

2018-01-29T15:20:44-05:00

SPC. It is me again. There are in fact places in the US where one can request a Funeral Pyre regardless of faith. It is a fairly new undertaking, Colorado for one. Anyway I hope this helps.