The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus addressed several issues concerning the morning of Holy Saturday that were deemed “unacceptable” in some churches, including the “ordination” of a deaconess by the Metropolitan of Zimbabwe and warnings to the faithful about certain monks who are not affiliated with the Church.
Meeting on Thursday, June 20, under the chairmanship of Archbishop George of Cyprus, the Holy Synod requested official information from the Patriarchate of Alexandria regarding the canonical status of the ordination of a woman to the rank of deaconess by the Metropolitan of Zimbabwe. This issue has been a point of contention within the Orthodox Church for some time. The Patriarchate of Alexandria previously issued an ambiguous statement attempting to maintain neutrality between critics and supporters of the ordination, without clarifying the canonical legitimacy of the act.
The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus now seeks official clarification on whether this ordination is canonically valid.
Additionally, the Holy Synod addressed “unacceptable” practices observed on the morning of Holy Saturday and decided to prohibit anything other than the “decent scattering of bay leaves.” They emphasized that the Resurrection of God should not prevent the Church’s exhortation to “let all mortal flesh keep silence,” nor should it lead to the “mockery of any service.”
The Holy Synod also informed the faithful about certain individuals falsely claiming ecclesiastical status. They clarified that the alleged Hieromonk Irenaeus, a Frenchman formerly associated with Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, and an alleged nun from Xanthi, have no connection with the Church of Cyprus. These individuals do not possess any priestly or ecclesiastical rank, and the faithful are advised to avoid any communion with them.
Read the announcement of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus
The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus convened yesterday, Thursday, June 20, 2024, in a session chaired by Archbishop George of Cyprus, and decided as follows:
1. Synodal Co-Liturgy and Prayer for Cyprus:
The Synod decided to conduct a synodal co-liturgy on Saturday, July 20, 2024, the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, led by Archbishop George of Cyprus. This will take place at the Church of the Apostle Barnabas in Kokkinotrimithia, a temporary church belonging to the Holy Metropolis of Kyrenia. The co-liturgy will be followed by prayers for the liberation of Cyprus and for finding the missing persons.
2. Memorial Dates Established:
a. July 7, 2024 – For the martyr Archbishop Kyprianos and those massacred with him.
b. July 11, 2024 – For the victims of the treacherous coup of July 15, 1974.
c. July 21, 2024 – For those who died during the Turkish invasion.
d. August 1, 2024 – For Archbishop and Ethnarch Makarios. Archbishop George of Cyprus will preside over the official memorial service at the Holy Monastery of Kykkos, accompanied by the Metropolitan of Kykkos and Tillyria and other high priests.3. Financial Review:
The Synod examined the financial accounts of the Thrones and the Stavropegial Monasteries for the year 2020 and the budgets for the year 2021.
4. Holy Saturday Morning Practices:
The Synod addressed “unacceptable” practices observed during the Holy Saturday morning service in some churches. It decided to strictly prohibit actions other than the respectful scattering of bay leaves by priests or commissioners. Activities such as running in the church and displaying banners are prohibited. The proclamation “God is Risen…” should not prevent the Church’s exhortation to “let all mortal flesh keep silence” nor lead to mockery of the service. The Synod does not mention the removal of black covers from icons or the expression of joy by the faithful through knocking on the pews.
5. Awarding of the Offikion of Archon Protopsaltes:
The Synod decided to award the Offikion of Archon Protopsaltes of the Church of Cyprus to the chanter Solon Hadjisolomos for his long and dedicated service in the Church’s chanting art. The award will be presented later at the Great Synodikon of the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus in an official ceremony by the Archbishop of Cyprus.
6. Canonical Inquiry and Clarification:
The Synod requested official information from the Patriarchate of Alexandria regarding the canonical status of the “ordination” by the Metropolitan of Zimbabwe of a woman to the rank of deaconess. Additionally, it informed the faithful that the alleged Hieromonk Irenaeus, a Frenchman formerly from Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, and an alleged nun from Xanthi have no connection with the Church of Cyprus and do not possess any priestly or ecclesiastical rank. Therefore, the faithful are advised to avoid any communion with them.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
