The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus convened in an extraordinary session on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, under the presidency of Archbishop George of Cyprus, adopting a series of significant decisions affecting the administrative, canonical, and pastoral life of the Church.
At the outset, the Holy Synod, having identified ambiguities and practical difficulties in the implementation of the current Charter of the Church of Cyprus, decided to proceed with its restructuring or complete redrafting. To this end, a Drafting Committee will be established, composed of members of the Holy Synod and specialized legal experts. Within this framework, the Synod also decided to extend the locum tenens administration of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos by the Archbishop of Cyprus, in order to allow sufficient time for the preparation and approval of the new Charter.
At the same time, the Holy Synod informed the faithful that all rites performed at the unlawfully established Hesychasterion by defrocked clergy of the Monastery of Saint Avvakoum—whose priesthood remains inactive—are null and void. Consequently, no sanctifying grace is conferred upon those who participate in such activities.
On a pastoral level, the Synod resolved to permit, for the coming year and thereafter, the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage during the Nativity Fast, up to and including December 12.
Finally, the Synod approved the Archbishop’s proposal for the composition and inclusion of supplicatory hymns within the three stanzas of the Lamentations of Great Friday. These hymns will be linked to the long-standing Cyprus issue, prayerfully expressing both the pain and the hope of the Cypriot people.
Source: Church of Cyprus / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
