Cyprus scandal: same-sex wedding in historic monastery sparked public outcry

A major scandal has erupted in Cyprus after a same-sex civil ceremony was held at the historic Holy Cross Mintis Monastery in Paphos. According to Helleniscope, the event drew sharp criticism from the public and raised questions about the spiritual oversight of holy sites that have been integrated into private commercial projects.

The Holy Cross Monastery was reportedly handed over to the private development group Pafilia for management years ago during the tenure of Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Paphos. The cloister is now part of the luxury Minthis Resort, where the ancient church is advertised as a venue for «holistic experiences» and events alongside golf courses and yoga classes. Social media users called the incident a sacrilege and a distortion of Cyprus’ Orthodox identity, calling on the Holy Synod and Parliament to intervene in the situation.

The material pays special attention to the situation around Metropolitan Tikhon of Paphos. There are speculations that the pressure on the hierarch may be related to his attempts to stop the «blasphemous situation» he inherited. Critics emphasize the sharp conflict between traditional Orthodox values and the interests of large investors seeking to turn the shrines into lucrative tourist attractions.

The publication concludes with a warning that the commercialization of religious sites is doing enormous damage to the Church’s reputation. Defenders of tradition argue that Cypriots today are forced to protect not only the individual clergyman, but Orthodoxy itself in their homeland from the influence of the «cult of mammon» and the promotion of lifestyles in direct conflict with Church canons.