The tombs next to the church belong to local clergymen. There are numerous superstitions in Astakos associated with the final departure of a family member. Ideally, the dying person should face east as they draw their final breath. The relatives place in the coffin of the departed one of his or her beloved personal items, as well as some money for the passage in the underworld. As soon as the coffin leaves the house, they smash a plate or a roof tile, pour some water from the balcony, and shut the doors and the windows to ensure that Death will not return. Singing is forbidden for the dead person may come back to hit the singer on the head.