LAST UPDATE: 17:12
The meeting of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, which met on November 23 and 25, 2020, concluded.
The Holy Synod dealt with the Ukrainian issue and the recognition of Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine by Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus on October 24, 2020.
As stressed in today’s announcement, the Holy Synod decided not to oppose the decision of the Archbishop of Cyprus.
The announcement of the Holy Synod reads:
The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus during its sessions, November 23 and 25, 2020, discussed in detail the Ukrainian Ecclesiastical Issue as well as the problem created by the commemoration of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy by Archbishop Chrysostomos and decided not to oppose the decision of the Archbishop.
At the same time, the Holy Synod looks forward to a broader consultation in which everyone can work to overcome the current crisis that threatens to split the Church of Jesus Christ.
The votes were ten in favor and seven against.
As reported by “Kathimerini Cyprus”, the decision of the majority was opposed by the four Hierarchs who had reacted to the action of Archbishop Chrysostomos (Metropolitan of Limassol, Metropolitan of Kykkos, Metropolitan of Tamassos, Bishop of Amathous) as well as three other members of the Synod.
Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tillyria, one of the dissidents, left, stating that the decision of the Synod does not bind those who disagree with the Ukrainian issue, citing issues of faith.
Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos also stated that the Archbishop and nine other members of the Synod did not accept his compromise proposal not to invite Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv to Cyprus.
