Church of Cyprus Elects New Metropolitan of Paphos

Newly elected Metropolitan of Paphos, Archimandrite Grigorios Ioannidis. Photo: thenationalherald.com

NICOSIA, CYPRUS — Archimandrite Gregory Ioannides was elected the new Metropolitan of Paphos on May 26 by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, filling a see that has remained vacant since the removal of Metr. Tychikos in May 2025.

According to the Synod, Archimandrite Gregory received 11 votes in a secret ballot conducted under the Church’s new statutory procedures. Four candidates were considered for the office, and the election marked the first time the Metropolitan of Paphos was chosen directly by the Holy Synod through such a process. The formal proclamation of the election is scheduled for June 10 at the Cathedral of the Apostle Barnabas in Nicosia, with his episcopal consecration and enthronement in Paphos set for June 11.

The newly elected Metropolitan currently serves as Chancellor of the Metropolis of Trimythous and Dean of the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus. A graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, he pursued advanced studies in liturgy at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome and later conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University's Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies. Following his election, he said he accepted his new ministry “with joy, awe and emotion,” and pledged that the doors of the Metropolis would remain open to all.

The election comes amid continuing controversy surrounding the removal of Metr. Tychikos. In an official statement issued this week, Metr. Tychikos maintained his innocence, described the accusations against him as unjust and unproven, and announced plans to pursue appeals through Cypriot and European courts, arguing that he was denied a fair opportunity to defend himself.

Previously, the UOJ reported the Paphos flock accused the Archbishop of creating a spiritual desert.

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