The discussions in the background of the Holy Synod are in full progress in view of the appointment of the new Archbishop of Cyprus.
Although the side of Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol, who came first with 35.68%, insists on the line that the will of the people should be respected, however, the Charter of the Church, with which all members of the Holy Synod agreed, provides for a specific procedure.
The process
Specifically, the final word is given by the Holy Synod, which is called upon to elect the Hierarch who can best unite the Church of Cyprus and help the Synod to function in the coming years with the greatest possible unity. In short, the most acceptable of the members of the Holy Synod.
Therefore, the first part of the procedure is expected to take place on December 27 or 28. The Archbishop will become the one who will gain an absolute majority, that is, nine out of 16 votes. If no one collects the magic number, then the first two pass in the second round, and then the Archbishop becomes the one who will collect the most votes.
The scenarios
There are reports that there is a strong chance that the second round of voting will not be necessary at the Holy Synod. This is because Metropolitan Georgios of Paphos is reportedly able to get 9 votes from the first round as the Metropolitans of Kition, Trimithounta, Arsinoe, Kytra, Mesaoria, and Karpasia support him. Then the same information brings Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta and Neophytos of Morphou to be ready to support him also from the first round.
At the same time, it is logical that the above Hierarchs in their communications raise their own sensitivities regarding a number of issues that concern them.
The position of Metropolitan Athanasios Limassol
However, Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol reiterated in his statements that the verdict of the people should be respected. Circles within the Church, however, insist that the statute of the church is clear and at the same time note the fact that the percentage of Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol does not exceed 50% so that the message sent by the people in the elections is so strong. Moreover, they emphasize that the Metropolitan of Limassol also did not disagree with the amendment of the statute as agreed by the Holy Synod in 2010.
However, during the course of yesterday, it does not appear that any issue has arisen that may be considered to have affected the elections, to the extent that it constitutes a strong objection.
As it is known, the Mayor of Paralimni had expressed his intention to submit an objection and if this happens, it is expected to happen today. It is noted that the Synod meets tomorrow, which will validate the results, examine the objections and determine the date of appointment of the new Archbishop.
Even at the level of voter influence, during the first 24 hours the complaints to the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Irene Loizidou Nikolaidou, were counted on one hand.
Specifically, as Nikolaidou told “Phileleftheros”, three citizens contacted her Office simply to report that they received messages from various staff, but without proceeding with a complaint, while two other citizens reported that they received messages (sms) “we vote…” for this candidate and expressed their intention to submit a written complaint.
Based on the data, which concerns individual incidents and not a mass complaint by many citizens, the headquarters of the candidate for the throne will receive only a written observation, as is the case with similar complaints concerning political persons.
Based on the data, which concerns individual incidents and not a mass complaint by many citizens, the headquarters of the candidate for the throne will receive only a written observation, as is the case with similar complaints concerning political persons.
Regarding the date of the convocation of the Synod for the election of the Archbishop, there is the view that due to both Christmas and the festive climate prevailing, as well as the desire to complete the process as soon as possible, in order to fully calm the spirits, December 27 would be preferable. However, if the election is set for December 28, it is not considered to change anything.
With information from alphanews.live, philenews.com
