The head of the Cypriot Church has spoken out against euthanasia and cremation

Archbishop George of Cyprus, in a recent, comprehensive interview for Phileleftheros, spoke at length about the Church’s reform plans, reactions to internal scandals, as well as positions on crucial national and social issues. Among other things, the First Hierarch highlighted «morbid fanaticism» and «daily miracles» as the main challenges of the outgoing year 2025, and proposed changes to the Church’s statutes regarding the election of hierarchs. In addition, the Archbishop touched on the Cyprus problem and a number of ethical dilemmas such as euthanasia and cremation.

Speaking about the internal affairs of the Church, Archbishop George said that the most serious challenge was the «morbid fanaticism» that sought to infiltrate the Church of Cyprus and recognized no authority but itself. According to PhileNews.com, this phenomenon led to the «painful decision» of the Holy Synod to depose Metropolitan Tychicus of Paphos, and subsequently a priest ordained by the former Paphos Metropolitan. Another threat that disoriented the faithful was the «daily miracles» attributed to the St. Avvakum Monastery, in response to which the Church took action by depriving the perpetrators of their dignity.

The archbishop also noted that there were gaps in the Statute, which would be corrected, and expressed concern about the participation of the people in the election of bishops, as this «facilitates the interference of outside Church forces and foments unnecessary fanaticism.» In this regard, he suggested that the election of Metropolitans and Bishops should be done by the Holy Synod, and that the participation of the people should be retained only for the election of the Archbishop, taking into account his ethnoarchic role.

In his interview, the Archbishop emphasized the success of the Church in social initiatives, in particular the launching of a plan to combat low birth rates in Cyprus, which has already become operational and the first payments have been made. There are also plans for the Church to set up palliative care units for the sick and to open its own school, either gymnasium or primary school.

Referring to contemporary ethical dilemmas, Archbishop George made clear the Church’s position against euthanasia, since life is given and taken by God, but promised to create palliative care centers to alleviate suffering. Cremation, he said, is not a dogmatic issue, but the Church respects the tradition of burial because a body that has received the Sacraments should not be violently destroyed, and ashes deprive a person of individuality. On the issue of artificial intelligence, the Archbishop urged particular caution, emphasizing that «above all there must be human reason, the logic with which God has endowed us» to judge when technology becomes dangerous.

The Archbishop also commented on the situation with the Phaneromeni Monastery and the potential opening of a branch of the University of Athens. He clarified that the University of Athens has never requested the Faneromeni building and there is an agreement between the Archdiocese and the Ministry of Finance. If the state does not allocate funds for renovations to house the School of Architecture there, the Archdiocese is willing to consider other options. Otherwise, it will take the building and open its own school (gymnasium or primary school) there. His Beatitude expressed bewilderment at «such a war» waged against Kapodistrian University and noted that it would be an honor for Cypriots to repay Greece for the years of free education.

Turning to the Cyprus Problem, Archbishop George expressed skepticism about the possibility of the new Turkish Cypriot leader Erhurman to secede from Ankara. He emphasized that Turkey manipulates leaders in the occupied territories to present its policies to the world. In his opinion, Erhurman was presented as a «moderate» after the «intransigent» Tatar, but is already showing his dependence on Ankara. The archbishop warned against deception, saying that Cyprus will face a new round of pressure for concessions and that Turkey has an unchanging goal in Cyprus and its maneuvers only serve to avoid international pressure.

The Archbishop categorically rejected the possibility of using the plan for resolving the conflict in Ukraine, which involves maintaining Russian control over the occupied territories, as a model for the Cyprus problem. He explained that this would set a «bad precedent in international diplomacy» that Turkey could take advantage of. «After 1974, our side argued internationally that the occupation of territory by force should not be legitimized,» His Beatitude reminded, stressing that such a scenario would weaken Cyprus’ main argument and give Turkey more negotiating freedom. Cyprus should insist on independence and territorial integrity and not hand over part of its homeland to Turkey. With international law ignored, Cyprus should lean on the EU, seeking the same rights as other Europeans (free movement, settlement, property ownership). Alliances with neighboring countries with similar interests and «inviolable unity» with Greece and all of Hellenism are also important. Strengthening defense capabilities, according to the Archbishop, will signal readiness to fight and boost the morale of the people. «We must not rush into an unjust decision,» he concluded.

On the role of the Church in politics, Archbishop George noted that the Church, like any citizen, has the right to speak out on all important issues concerning the country, including justice and distribution of benefits. However, the responsibility of governing the country rests with the elected President. He expresses his views both privately and publicly on critical issues such as defense and education. Concluding his interview ahead of 2026, Archbishop George urged the Cypriot people to delve into the true meaning of Christmas, which is peace based on justice. «What we are experiencing in Cyprus today is not the peace of God, it is the peace of arms imposed by the Turkish Atilla,» he said. The archbishop stressed the importance of reconciliation with God and neighbors, as well as Christmas’ message of brotherhood, affirming that nothing divides people except occupation. He expressed hope that the Divine Child will lead Cyprus to freedom to glorify God everywhere, including in the currently occupied territories.