Abp. Georgios Sets Timeline for Election of New Metropolitan of Paphos

Abp. Georgios of Cyprus. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

NICOSIA — Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus has announced that the process for electing a new Metropolitan of Paphos is expected to be completed within three to four months, following the adoption of a revised Church Charter intended to simplify and clarify the procedure. This was reported by Orthodoxia News Agency.

Speaking after a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Royal and Stavropegial Monastery of St. Neophytos, the Archbishop explained that the amended charter will form the basis for the upcoming election and will exclude the direct involvement of the laity. Once the new charter is finalized, elections will be held in accordance with its provisions, after which the Holy Synod will convene to elect the new Metropolitan.

According to Archbishop Georgios, the revised procedure will differ fundamentally from previous election processes, which he said had led to tensions and confrontations, sometimes even among members of the clergy. He noted that the new framework is designed to avoid such conflicts, allowing the Holy Synod to “take the pulse of the people” while making decisions free from personal or factional interests.

“Certain clashes between the people and the clergy are avoided. All of this is avoided,” he said.

Addressing the issue of candidacies, the Archbishop stated that any eligible cleric who wishes to stand for election may do so by submitting an application to the Holy Synod once the new regulations are formally adopted. He declined to comment on specific names, saying only that the number of candidates could be greater or fewer depending on interest.

The Archbishop also commented on the situation of the recently suspended Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos. He said that Tychikos failed to respond to the opportunity offered to him to sign a libellus of faith and has pursued multiple appeals, both in civil courts and before the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Archbishop Georgios questioned the logic of repeatedly appealing decisions that were not accepted initially, emphasizing the need for seriousness and restraint.

This statement from the Primate of Cyprus contradicts previous reporting on the multiple confessions of faith submitted by Metropolitan Tychikos to the Synod. The Ecumenical Patriarchate itself has even noted irregularities and improper procedure in the Synod's decision to depose Metropolitan Tychikos, but it nevertheless decided to uphold it. After Tychikos' appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a letter was even sent from the Phanar to the Church of Cyprus further fleshing out the need to fix these irregularities.

Regarding the possibility of Tychikos’ return to ecclesiastical service, Archbishop Georgios said that a change in attitude could allow him to retain a clerical office.

"If he changes his stance, there is the possibility of retaining a clerical office," he said. "If he continues the same behavior, I do not see any other way out." He also added that he believes Metropolitan Tychikos is being "led astray" by other people.

Finally, Archbishop George rejected claims that recent developments have damaged the standing of the Church of Cyprus. On the contrary, he said, attempts to draw the Church into schisms were successfully resisted, preventing greater harm. 

"I believe that our standing has been elevated,” he said.
 
Previously, UOJ reported that Archbishop Georgios said defrocking is a possibility if Metropolitan Tychikos ‘persists.’

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