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Ambiguities Found in the Statutory Charter of the Church of Cyprus

Published January 15, 2026, 07:31

The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus is facing delays in filling the Metropolitan Throne of Paphos due to inconsistencies in the Statutory Charter. The Archbishop's proposal to abolish elections for Metropolitans by ballot was rejected for failing to gather the required majority. Simultaneously, the Synod acknowledged ambiguities and difficulties in applying the existing Charter, leading to the establishment of a drafting committee to revise it. The process is expected to take up to six months, during which the vicariate in the Metropolis of Paphos will be extended. The issue of the dismissal of the former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, remains pending as an appeal is pending in the Supreme Court. The Synod also warned the faithful that the sacraments and ceremonies performed by defrocked clergy of the Monastery of Saint Avvakum are invalid.