Holy Synod Considers Emergency Session for Paphos Elections

The Holy Synod may hold an emergency session as early as October regarding the election for the Metropolitan seat of Paphos, according to the Press Representative of the Archbishopric of Cyprus, Christakis Efstathiou.

Speaking to CNA, Mr. Efstathiou stated that the Synod meets monthly, but an emergency session before the end of the month is possible. He also referred to the statements of Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus regarding the response of the former Paphos Bishop to the "libel".

The next steps depend on the response of Bishop Tychikos to the demands of the Holy Synod, including signing the confession of faith and renouncing the walled-off. Mr. Efstathiou noted that although there was an oral statement, there has been no written signature.

Asked about the correlation between the elections and the signing of the confession, Mr. Efstathiou stated that there is a wait for Tychikos' move in order for the Synod to convene and make a decision on holding the elections. The message from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is to heal the wound regarding the former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos.

CNA reports suggest that the elections may be held in December or early 2026. Bishop Christoforos of Karpasia, Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria, and Archimandrite Ioannis, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Apostle Barnabas, are reportedly interested.