Thousands of mourners gathered in Athens to farewell popular Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis, who died last week after suffering cardiac arrest during a medical procedure.
The 54-year-old’s funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church in his native suburb of Nikaia, where fans, colleagues and political figures paid their final respects.
Many admirers travelled long distances to attend, with some playing Mazonakis’ songs from car speakers outside the church. His remains arrived on Sunday evening ahead of an overnight vigil, which drew large crowds and continued into the early hours.
Leading the funeral service, Metropolitan Bishop Alexios of Nikaia reflected on the public’s love for Mazonakis and expressed hope that the singer was already in the arms of the Lord.
“He would enter the sanctuary and help the priests, and he would go up to the choir loft and sing together with everyone. His contribution to people in need was significant. His words were filled with love for everyone. The presence of thousands of people yesterday and today at the funeral service is evidence of the love he inspired,” the bishop said.
Among the mourners were several prominent figures from Greece’s music industry, including Paola, who had performed a duet with Mazonakis, as well as Nikos Oikonomopoulos, Natasa Theodoridou, Helena Paprizou, Nikos Vertis, Takis Zacharatos, Nikos Kourkoulis, Thanos Petrelis, Stathis Angelopoulos and Rallia Christidou.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Course of Freedom leader Zoe Konstantopoulou also attended.
Speaking to reporters, Georgiadis said he had offered his condolences to Mazonakis’ family and apologised to them “that the system was unable to protect [Mazonakis] from something very bad.”
“We certainly need to find the loopholes in the system” that were being exploited by “fraudsters,” he said, adding that he wanted to work with Greece’s medical associations to protect the public from “misleading advertisements.”
Following the service, Mazonakis was laid to rest at Athens’ Third Cemetery during a private family ceremony. Fans applauded and shouted “immortal” and “farewell, George” as the funeral cortege travelled towards the cemetery.
Mazonakis died after suffering cardiac arrest while undergoing plasmapheresis at a private clinic in Athens’ Kolonaki district. The procedure involves removing, filtering and returning blood plasma to the body.
The clinic reportedly promoted longevity and anti-ageing services but was not licensed to perform plasmapheresis, which Greek authorities say may only be conducted in fully equipped hospitals.
Two doctors charged in connection with Mazonakis’ death appeared before an investigating magistrate on Monday to give statements about the circumstances surrounding the procedure. The charges against them have since been upgraded to homicide with possible intent. The case remains before the courts.
Source: Ekathimerini
