Politis

D. Smyrlis: Unjustified Delay in the Election of the New Metropolitan of Paphos

Published January 20, 2026, 07:22
D. Smyrlis: Unjustified Delay in the Election of the New Metropolitan of Paphos

Theologian Dimitris Smyrlis expressed the opinion that the election of the new Metropolitan of Paphos is unjustifiably delayed following the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He also voiced strong concerns regarding the potential abolition of the popular vote in the election process of Metropolitans, a change being promoted by the Church of Cyprus. Mr. Smyrlis acknowledged that the popular vote has certain drawbacks, such as potential interference from political actors, but emphasized that the opinion of the people should be considered, as the final decision rests with the Holy Synod. Furthermore, he commented on the appeal of Bishop Tychikos to the political courts, noting that they can only examine procedural irregularities and not matters of faith and dogma, which have already been judged by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He had a consultative role in shaping the new Statutory Charter of the Church of Cyprus.