The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus is holding an extraordinary meeting today due to major institutional issues that remain unresolved. According to statements made on Protoselido by Christakis Efstathiou, the spokesperson of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, the landscape of ecclesiastical and canonical developments is complex.
Referring to the case of Bishop Tychikos, Mr. Efstathiou clarified that, although the matter was discussed several days ago, it cannot be considered fully closed because a new development has occurred: the bishop’s appeal to the Supreme Court. He explained that the Holy Synod is awaiting official notification from the court regarding the filing of the appeal in order to adopt an institutional and responsible position. Mr. Efstathiou also recalled that a key condition the Synod set for the bishop’s reinstatement was that he refrain from resorting to civil courts. If this is officially confirmed, it will fundamentally alter the situation.
The Archbishopric’s spokesperson stressed that this is an extremely serious matter from both a canonical and an ecclesiastical standpoint. He noted that there is a clear sacred canon prohibiting clerics and bishops from seeking recourse in civil courts. In this context, confirmation of such an appeal would be an act of disobedience with potentially severe consequences, including deposition.
Christakis Efstathiou emphasized that the broader issue of amendments to the Charter of the Church of Cyprus is even more serious than the Tychikos case. He revealed that the Archbishop will submit his comprehensive proposal today. The proposal includes improvements to the administration of ecclesiastical justice, as well as clearer provisions in areas where ambiguities or even conflicts between articles currently exist and create practical difficulties.
According to Mr. Efstathiou, a central element of the proposal concerns the procedure for electing bishops and Metropolitans. His Beatitude proposes separating this process from the election of the Archbishop. For Bishops and Metropolitans, His Beatitude suggests that the laity not participate in the initial stage of selecting the three candidates. However, the election of the Archbishop will continue as it is today. He emphasized that any amendment to the charter requires a three-quarters majority of the Holy Synod members.
Within the same framework, he left open the possibility of discussing the institutionalization of auxiliary bishops, particularly in large metropolises. He explained that, should auxiliary bishops be established, they would play a supportive role and be able to participate in the Holy Synod’s proceedings, as chorepiscopi do, thereby influencing decision-making.
Special reference was also made to the issue of the monks of the Monastery of Avvakoum, which is also on today’s agenda. Mr. Efstathiou noted the heightened sensitivity within the Holy Synod regarding information and visual material suggesting that these monks perform sacraments. Regardless of the accuracy of this information, he stressed that the Synod feels obliged to clearly inform the public to avoid creating the false impression that these sacraments are valid, as they are neither recognized nor valid under these circumstances.
The Archbishopric’s spokesperson clarified that the primary concern at this stage is not the immediate imposition of disciplinary measures, especially since civil court proceedings are pending and have been repeatedly postponed. Rather, the concern is the clear and responsible information of the faithful regarding the monks’ status. He concluded by saying that the matter remains open and is evolving into a lengthy process, making it all the more necessary for the Church to properly inform the public.
Source: sigmalive.com
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
