ATHENS – The funeral service for former president Karolos Papoulias, with honors accorded a state leader and under state expense, was held at Agios Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Pangrati on Wednesday, in the presence of nearly the entire political leadership of Greece.

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Papoulias’ long-term associate and legal advisor Kostas Michiotis delivered eulogies, while the service was attended by the Greek prime minister, Parliament leader, party leaders, former prime ministers and presidents, as well as personal friend and former Serbian president Milan Milutinovic, along with the leaders of the armed forces. Several current and past ministers, including colleagues and fellow politicians from PASOK also attended.

The ceremony included an honorary presidential guard and the presidential band.

Papoulias, who died on Sunday aged 92, was one of the founders of PASOK and served as MP for the district of Ioannina, W. Greece, for 27 years before being elected president of Greece over two terms (March 2005 to March 2015). He also served as Foreign Minister (1993-1996).

He will be buried on the island of Lake Ioannina, the area he was born in, in a funeral attended by close family members.