Extraordinary session held today
An extraordinary Holy Synod meeting is being held today, with the agenda expected to focus on the case of Bishop Tychikos, proposed statutory changes, and complaints relating to monks who had been residing at Avvakoum Monastery.
Archbishop comments on court appeal
Speaking on Wednesday, Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios described Bishop Tychikos’ decision to seek recourse through the civil courts as a “new serious development”, noting that such a move is “outside the practice of the Church”.
New data created by written notification
According to statements made to the Cyprus News Agency by the spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cyprus, Christakis Efstathiou, Bishop Tychikos has created a new set of circumstances through his written notification, which was formally submitted to the Holy Synod.
Through this document, Bishop Tychikos informs the Synod of his intention to turn to the civil courts, seeking to reclaim the Metropolis of Paphos.
Issue of disobedience raised
As Mr Efstathiou explained, the issue now raised concerns Bishop Tychikos’ disobedience, both to the decision of the Holy Synod and to the ruling of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He noted that this issue arises precisely because of the Bishop’s decision to pursue the matter through a civil court.
He added that with Thursday’s decision, “the chapter of Bishop Tychikos will be closed”, stressing that the Church of Cyprus does not base its actions or decisions on rulings issued by civil courts.
Statutory changes under discussion
During the Holy Synod meeting, changes and improvements to the Charter of the Church of Cyprus are also expected to be discussed. These focus on areas where weaknesses or a lack of flexibility have been identified in the handling of certain issues, with the aim of enabling the Synod to act more decisively in matters relating to the administration of justice.
In particular, a proposal is expected to be submitted by the Archbishop of Cyprus himself, concerning the election procedure. The proposal provides that Bishops and Metropolitans would be elected exclusively by the Holy Synod, without the involvement of lay voters.
This would effectively bypass the stage at which the public participates in voting to produce a shortlist of three candidates.
Avvakoum Monastery monks back on the agenda
The issue of the monks who had been residing at Avvakoum Monastery is also set to return to the agenda of the Holy Synod.
According to Mr Efstathiou, there are complaints that these individuals are conducting liturgical services and administering sacraments that are permitted only to ordained clergy, despite the fact that they have been deposed from the priesthood.
Also read: Tychikos confession of faith rejects links to heretical groups
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