Election of a new Metropolitan of Paphos in Cyprus to be held by the end of May - Archbishop George

Archbishop George of Cyprus has officially announced that the election of a new Metropolitan of Paphos is expected before the end of May this year. According to the Greek Orthodoxia News Agency, three consecutive meetings of the Holy Synod have already been scheduled for May 18, 19 and 20 to prepare for the event and approve the new church statutes.

Speaking to reporters in Paphos, the Primate of the Church of Cyprus explained that the process of electing a new hierarch will be possible as soon as the charter is finalized. Archbishop George emphasized that the Church leadership is committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible in order to help restore calm among the faithful and maintain a healthy church climate.

The statement paid special attention to the situation surrounding former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos. The Archbishop clarified that the Holy Synod’s decisions regarding him were dictated solely by ecclesiological issues, including manifestations of «Zealotry» and refusal to recognize the decisions of the Great Orthodox Council of Crete. «The Holy Synod was not based on the accusations of the mayor of Paphos or other personal grievances that were at its disposal,» His Beatitude noted, emphasizing that the personal issues of the participants in the conflict were not involved.

Regarding the possibility of the former Metropolitan being ejected from his dignity, the Archbishop said that at the moment this issue is not on the agenda of the upcoming meetings, but complaints continue to be received. He also recalled that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has already twice confirmed the legitimacy of the decisions taken by the Church of Cyprus, and expressed the opinion that further prolongation of this situation has no prospects. At the end of his speech, Archbishop George added that the Synod is obliged to respond to any heretical views or fanaticism, regardless of who broadcasts them, because the interests of the Church are above the interests of individuals.

It will be recalled that the day before, the Archdiocese of Cyprus issued an official statement aimed at restoring the truth in connection with recent incidents and publications concerning the banned former Metropolitan Tihikos of Paphos. The document emphasizes that clerics under suspension are not allowed to wear the vestments of their ministry or take part in liturgical actions such as the proskomidia.