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Holy Synod of Cyprus Concludes Meeting: Decisions on Charter and New Bishop of Paphos

Published January 14, 2026, 13:55
Holy Synod of Cyprus Concludes Meeting: Decisions on Charter and New Bishop of Paphos

The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus held an emergency meeting under the presidency of Archbishop Georgios, making significant decisions regarding its operation and structure. A key issue was the restructuring of the Church's Statutory Charter due to ambiguities hindering its implementation. A Drafting Committee will be formed with Synod members and legal experts, and the Vicariate of the Metropolis of Paphos is extended until the new Charter is approved. Furthermore, the Synod deemed the actions of the dismissed clergy of the Monastery of St. Avvakum, operating in the Skete, as invalid and warned that no sacramental grace would be offered to those who participate. On other matters, the restriction on performing marriages during the Nativity Fast was lifted, allowing them to be conducted until December 12th. Additionally, the addition of supplicatory hymns to three stations of the Lamentations of Great Friday was approved, with reference to the Cyprus issue. The Synod's announcement reiterates the above decisions, emphasizing the importance of restructuring the Statutory Charter and the need to adhere to the Church's regulations.