Family, friends and numerous officials all gathered to farewell Lena Samara, the 34-year-old daughter of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, following her sudden death last Thursday.

The funeral ceremony was held on Monday afternoon (local time) at the Church of Saints Theodoroi with Samaras delivering a eulogy during which he said:

“What can a father say who loses his child? What can a mother say who loses her flesh and blood? What can a brother say who loses his other half when his soul loses its most faithful companion?”

Lena’s coffin was carried out shortly after 1.40pm followed by her father, her mother Georgia, and her brother Konstantinos.

People gathered outside the church offered words of comfort, saying “stay strong” to Samaras and his family, words that had also been said to the former PM upon his arrival at the First Cemetery of Athens where she was buried.

Numerous dignitaries and political figures, past and present, attended the funeral, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, all of whom came to honour Lena’s memory.

According to official statements, Lena suffered a sudden epileptic seizure which led to cardiac arrest. Despite immediate medical attention and all efforts by hospital staff, she passed away late that night.

Lena’s close friends and family shared touching tributes on social media with one friend, Lilian Vildiridi, writing on Instagram:

“Safe journey, my angel. For me, you will always be unique. Twenty-nine years together… and now? Now? You suddenly flew to the neighbourhood of angels…”

Her brother Kostas Samaras posted a deeply emotional farewell alongside a photo of the two of them.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Lena’s memory contribute to charitable organizations she cared about. Specifically, donations can be made to:

The Vasilis Papantoniou Foundation (IBAN: GR9301104270000042748015718 – NBG)

The Women’s Monastic Community of Saint Ilarion in Promachoi, Aridaia (IBAN: GR6702603220000120201023242 – Eurobank)

The Asylum for the Incurable, Holy Metropolis of Messinia “The Shelter of the Church” (IBAN: GR7302602600000820101744921 – Eurobank)