Importance of unity in implementation
The most important factor is the consistent implementation of any Church Charter changes “in a spirit of unity and without pettiness”, according to Dr Ioannis Kastanas, Lecturer in Public Law at the School of Law of Neapolis University Pafos.
Speaking to CNA, Kastanas stressed the importance of maintaining unity within the Church following the Holy Synod’s decision to amend the Charter of the Church of Cyprus.
Different traditions across Orthodox Churches
Commenting on the decision, Kastanas said the move represents a new development but noted that throughout history both the Church of Cyprus and other local Orthodox Churches have used different methods for electing bishops.
“There is no single system for the election of bishops,” he said.
He explained that Cyprus has traditionally involved the laity in episcopal elections. Under the new arrangements, that participation will be limited to the election of the Archbishop.
“The Church decided that this better serves its purpose,” he said, adding that the decision was taken unanimously.
Laity still involved in key elections
Kastanas said the Church of Cyprus has maintained a centuries-old tradition of electing its own archbishops and bishops, while preserving lay participation in the election of the Primate.
He pointed to other Orthodox Churches where lay participation is absent. In the Church of Greece, bishops are elected without any involvement from the laity, while in the Patriarchate of Alexandria both the Patriarch and bishops are elected solely by the Synod.
Similarly, in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, elections are carried out exclusively by the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, while at the Ecumenical Patriarchate bishops are elected by the Holy and Sacred Synod.
“In the newer Patriarchates, one way or another, there is participation by the laity,” he added.
Too early to judge reforms
Asked whether the amendments were the right decision, Kastanas said such questions cannot be answered simply in terms of right or wrong.
“This is not a judicial decision or a legal ruling. It is a choice made by the governing body of the Church, based on what it believes best serves its interests at this particular time,” he said.
He argued that the Church Charter changes should be allowed to operate for a considerable period before comparisons can be made with the previous system.
“We need to wait and see how the new system functions before deciding whether it was the correct choice,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that the changes are neither unprecedented nor inconsistent with Orthodox tradition.
Awaiting full text of amendments
Kastanas noted that the unique feature of lay participation in the election of the Archbishop remains in place, as does public participation in the election of parish councils.
Regarding the specific provisions, he said the full text of the revised charter has yet to be published.
However, based on the way the new system was applied for the first time, he said it appears to combine elements of the previous arrangements, including the submission of candidacies and election by the body of the Hierarchy.
“The important thing is the consistent implementation of every Charter in a spirit of unity and without pettiness,” he concluded.
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