He dies on 26 October, aged 74 years. His body arrives in Athens. The Greek Orthodox Church refuses to allow it to lie in state. The body is transferred to Crete, where it is viewed in the cathedral church of Iraklion. A huge procession follows it to interment on the Venetian ramparts. Later, Kazantzakis chosen epitaph is inscribed on the tomb: " Den elpizo tipota. Den fovumai tipota. Eimai eleftheros."( I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.)