The Primate of the Church of Cyprus called for the restoration of "ecclesiastical stability" in the Metropolis of Paphos

Archbishop George of Cyprus stated the need to bring the period of turmoil in the Metropolis of Paphos to a close and to fully restore normal church life following the events leading up to the election of the new Metropolitan of Paphos, Gregory. The ordination of the new hierarch took place at the Cathedral of St. Barnabas the Apostle in Nicosia, and his enthronement is scheduled to take place at the Metropolitan Church of St. Theodore.

According to Orthodoxia.info, in his address to the new metropolitan, the Primate of the Church of Cyprus emphasized that peace in the Metropolis of Paphos had been disrupted, in his words, the ill-advised actions of people not affiliated with this diocese, who managed to involve the former metropolitan in the events.

In his speech, Archbishop George paid special attention to the spiritual responsibility of the episcopal ministry. He urged Metropolitan Gregory to guard his spirit against the “illusory glory” of the episcopal throne and the “dizziness of height,” directly referencing the experience of the recent crisis in Paphos.

The Primate of the Church of Cyprus described the episcopate not as a reward or the attainment of a high position, but as a ministry and a responsibility. He called on the new hierarch to follow the path of humility, prudence, and fidelity to the Church’s mission, while expressing confidence that Metropolitan Gregory’s theological training, administrative experience, and previous ecclesiastical service of Metropolitan Gregory would form the foundation for the successful fulfillment of his new duties.

A significant portion of the address was devoted to the challenges of the modern age. The Archbishop pointed to the erosion of spiritual values, society’s growing dependence on technology, as well as issues arising from the development of artificial intelligence. In his words, the Church must maintain the clarity of its spiritual witness amid rapid social and technological changes.

Separately, Archbishop George addressed the Cyprus issue, calling on the new metropolitan to maintain a keen interest in the occupied part of the homeland and to help strengthen the national spirit. He emphasized that the Church is obligated to support the pursuit of freedom and justice.

During the address, congratulations and best wishes from Patriarch Bartholomew were also conveyed to the new Metropolitan of Paphos. The Archbishop noted the historical significance of Constantinople and Smyrna in the life of Orthodoxy and emphasized the role of the Phanar.

The consecration of Metropolitan Gregory took place in the presence of members of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and delegations from other Orthodox Churches. During the service, the new metropolitan recited the Creed and affirmed his fidelity to the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils and to Church Tradition.

As a reminder, we previously reported that the Supreme Court of Cyprus had partially upheld the appeal of former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos, allowing him to challenge in court the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople regarding his removal. At the same time, the court denied the request to extend the deadline for appealing the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus.