The family of Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis announced that his body will lie in a public vigil at the Church of Agia Triada in Nikaia, near Athens, from Sunday evening ahead of his funeral on Monday. Mazonakis, one of Greece's most popular laiko singers, died at the age of 54 following a cardiac arrest he suffered at a clinic in the Athens district of Kolonaki.
According to the family's announcement, the church was his favourite place of worship and the parish he was closest to. The vigil, described by the family as a tribute of love, will begin at 19:30 on Sunday, September 13, and continue until the early hours of Monday morning, giving friends, colleagues and fans the chance to pay their respects in person.
Funeral set for Monday
The funeral service will take place on Monday, September 14, at the Third Cemetery of Athens, one of the city's main burial grounds. The family said only close relatives would attend the ceremony itself.
The family also asked that mourners refrain from bringing wreaths and instead consider donating to Humanity Greece in his memory.
In a statement signed by the family, they said they were sharing the news with a broken heart and unspeakable sorrow, and invited any friends who wished to do so to bid farewell in person to their only son, Giorgos, at the Nikaia church. They repeated that the vigil would run from 19:30 on Sunday until early Monday morning, that the funeral would be held among close family at the Third Cemetery of Athens on the Monday, and that instead of flowers, well-wishers should support Humanity Greece.
Investigation into his death continues
Investigations into the circumstances of Mazonakis's death are continuing. Two doctors who have been arrested in connection with the case are expected to give their statements to authorities on Monday.
