With his official death certificate and cause of death officially released— more than two and a half months after his death, beloved pop singer George Michael will finally be laid to rest in a traditional Greek Orthodox burial that is believed to be officiated by “top Greek Orthodox clerics” in the United Kingdom.
The death certificate used his birth name, Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, but referred to the star being otherwise known as George Michael and the body was released to his sister, Panayiota Panayiotou, according to the public documents.
A source not authorized to speak publicly and asking to remain anonymous who works at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain said that “top Greek Orthodox clerics” at the Archdiocese, which oversees the British Isles parishes, were involved in burial plans and that the funeral could take place as early as this Sunday.
The British media have speculated that Michael could be laid to rest at Highgate Cemetery where his mother Lesley is buried, but the family has kept all details of date and location quiet.
The singer’s official cause of death was recorded on the certificate as ‘dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver’, crushing speculation and tabloid reports that drugs were involved.
Following Michael’s passing, details emerged of his tremendous philanthropy, including his passionate support of a Greek charity that supports people with Thalassemia, an blood disorder that has affected many of his own friends and family who hail from Cyprus.
Even months after the singer’s death, the scene outside his home continues to be a pilgrimage site for beloved fans from throughout the world.
