By Christos Papadopetrakis, CEO Funeral Care Papadopetrakis, Greece

A Family Legacy in the Funeral Industry

My journey in the funeral profession began in 1999, but in truth, it started much earlier. I was born into this work — my father dedicated his life to serving families with compassion and professionalism, and from a young age, I witnessed first-hand the importance of what we do. Funeral care is not just a profession; it is a calling, a responsibility to honour life and provide comfort to those who are grieving.

What began as a small family business has grown into a company dedicated to excellence in funeral services. I have spent the past two decades learning, evolving, and striving to provide the highest level of support to families during their most difficult moments. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of connecting with incredible professionals worldwide, exchanging knowledge, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways in which cultures honour life and memory.

About Funeral Care Papadopetrakis

Funeral Care Papadopetrakis was built on the foundation of respect, dignity, and professionalism — values that my father instilled in me. Today, we continue that tradition while embracing the evolving needs of the families we serve. From traditional burials to cremations and repatriations, we ensure that every family receives the guidance and support they deserve.

Greece has a rich funeral tradition, where burial has long been the predominant practice. However, the industry is evolving. Cremation, once unthinkable, is now becoming more accepted, and families are seeking more personalized ways to say goodbye to their loved ones. Our role is to help them navigate these choices with care and respect, blending tradition with modern needs.

Challenges in the Greek Funeral Industry

Like many countries, Greece faces unique challenges in the funeral sector:

• Limited cemetery space – overcrowding in cemeteries has made burials more complex, often requiring costly and complicated exhumation and reburial procedures.
• Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles – the funeral industry is highly regulated, and administrative delays can add unnecessary stress to grieving families. Simplifying and modernizing these processes is essential.
• Cultural shifts and cremation growth – as cremation gains acceptance, Greece must continue developing the necessary infrastructure while respecting long-standing burial customs.

Why FIAT-IFTA?

Becoming a National Member of FIAT-IFTA is a milestone for both me and my company. This organization represents the highest standards of professionalism in our industry, and I am honoured to be part of it. I look forward to sharing experiences, learning from fellow professionals, and bringing new ideas to the Greek funeral sector.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity and for the trust the board has placed in me. I look forward to collaborating with this global network to enhance our profession and continue the mission of serving families with dignity, care, and respect.

Funeral Care Papadopetrakis
www.funeralcare.gr
Contact us: info@funeralcare.gr

>> Discover more inspiring articles in the autumn issue of THANOS magazine.