Cyprus Court Orders Retrial of Metr. Neophytos of Morphou
Appeals court overturns acquittal over alleged COVID-era violations.
NICOSIA — The Court of Appeal has unanimously overturned the acquittal of Metr. Neophytos of Morphou and ordered a retrial over charges related to alleged violations of COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, eKathimerini reports.
The decision, issued March 30, 2026, annuls an earlier ruling by a lower court that had cleared the hierarch of wrongdoing. The case will now be reheard by a different judge in the Nicosia District Court.
The Metropolitan had originally faced multiple charges stemming from incidents in January 2021, when public health measures were in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Prosecutors allege he encouraged the faithful to participate in gatherings that exceeded legal limits and to attend a blessing of the waters at the Karkotis River despite restrictions.
“Let no one miss the Epiphany service,” His Eminence told the people during a celebration of the Divine Liturgy. "You’ve got to be stupid to believe what they say awaits us. I’d rather go to jail a thousand times, and risk being mocked by a journalist, than not perform the service.”
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal agreed with arguments from the Attorney General that the lower court erred in treating the case as a permissible expression of religious worship. The judges found that statements made by Metr. Neophytos suggested awareness that the actions in question were not allowed under existing regulations.
Citing the seriousness of public health concerns, the court concluded that “the interest of justice requires the retrial of the case,” reopening legal proceedings more than five years after the events in question.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Neophytos said 2026 could mark a decisive turning point for humanity.
