The Church of Cyprus opens applications for the vacant position of Metropolitan of Paphos

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus has officially announced the beginning of the process of filling the vacant chair of the Metropolitanate of Paphos. According to the decision of the Synod, candidates who wish to assume the position of Metropolitan and meet the established criteria must personally submit written applications to the General Secretariat.

According to Orthodoxia News Agency, the decision was made during the meetings of the Holy Synod held on May 18, 19 and 20, 2026, presided over by Archbishop George of Cyprus. The key event of the meetings was the unanimous approval of the new Statute of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. According to Archbishop George, the main changes in the Statute concern the procedure for the election of metropolitans, as well as the actualization of Church institutions and procedures.

According to the announced schedule, applications will be submitted on Thursday, Friday and Monday — May 21, 22 and 25, 2026. The reception of documents at the General Secretariat of the Holy Synod is open from 07:00 to 13:30. Candidates must appear in person to confirm their interest in the See of Paphos.

In accordance with Article 30 of the new Statutes, the right to nominate a candidate has unmarried clergy (presbyters or deacons), as well as monks who have the following qualifications: a diploma from a recognized Orthodox theological school, ten years of unblemished service in the priesthood or monasticism, as well as the age of at least 35 years.

Recall, earlier we reported that a large-scale protest by supporters of Metropolitan Tikhikos took place outside the Archdiocese of Cyprus, timed to coincide with the upcoming critical meeting of the Holy Synod. The demonstrators demanded the immediate return of the suspended hierarch to his duties and opposed proposed reforms to the Church’s Statutes.