Paphos, Cyprus. Nominations for the vacant position of bishop of Paphos closed on Monday lunchtime, with four clerics now in contention for the post. The vacancy has existed since May 22, 2025, when the Holy Synod removed then-bishop Tychikos from office, and Archbishop Georgios has served as caretaker since then.
Candidates
The four candidacies were submitted in person at the archbishopric by Archimandrite Ioannis, abbot of the Stavropegic Monastery of Apostle Barnabas; Archimandrite Sophronios of Panayia Trooditissa monastery; Archimandrite Grigorios Ioannides of Trimythous and dean of the Church of Cyprus’ theological school; and Archimandrite Ioannis Theocharous from the Paphos bishopric.
Ioannis declares candidacy
Archimandrite Ioannis had earlier announced his candidacy in a public letter, saying his decision was driven by duty and by his long association with the Paphos district, where he served from 1985 to 2007.
“I have stressed many times that I must always be on the front line and cannot remain uninvolved or become a deserter,” he said.
In the same letter, he said he was acting “with a sense of responsibility”, motivated by love for Paphos and a desire to serve the faithful. He also expressed confidence that the Holy Synod would choose the most capable and unifying figure for the role.
Next steps
The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus is expected to meet on Tuesday to approve the final list of candidates. If no procedural objections arise, the election of a new bishop could take place immediately.
Church sources have not ruled out last-minute procedural developments, although the closing of nominations has narrowed the field after months of internal discussion over the succession.
The race is the first major test of the Church of Cyprus’ revised constitutional charter, under which the election of bishops now falls directly under the authority of the Holy Synod. The outcome will depend not only on the candidates’ standing in Paphos, but also on alliances and balances of influence within the synod itself.