Nicosia, Cyprus. The Holy Synod unanimously approved new church statutes on Wednesday and launched the formal process for the election of a new bishop of Paphos. The move follows days of deliberations over amendments to the church charter.
Statutes approved after deliberations
The decision concludes discussions on changes to the church charter, including amendments linked to the procedure for electing bishops after disputes surrounding the removal and suspension of former Paphos bishop Tychikos.
Declarations of interest for Paphos bishop
According to a church statement, declarations of interest for the position of Paphos bishop will be accepted in person and in writing until next Monday. The synod said the process would be carried out via Archbishop George and in accordance with Article 28 of the newly approved statutes.
Eligibility requirements
Under Article 30, eligible candidates include celibate clergy, either priests or deacons, as well as monks who have a degree from a recognised Orthodox theological school, have completed 10 years of satisfactory service, and are at least 35 years old.
Proposed changes to electing metropolitans
Church officials said in recent days that the revision of the statutes extended beyond electoral arrangements and aimed to address inconsistencies within the ecclesiastical framework. One of the central reforms discussed concerned the method for electing metropolitans, with a revised framework under which vacant sees would be filled directly by the synod rather than through a wider electoral process involving lay participation.
Approval threshold and fallout from Tychikos case
Spokesman Christakis Efstathiou said before the sessions that the proposed amendments required only a simple majority for approval. Attention surrounding the meetings also focused on the aftermath of the Tychikos case, which has generated schisms within the church and among supporters of the suspended bishop.
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