We must not return to times of darkness, Archbishop George of Cyprus said on Friday. He reiterated that he has no personal problem with Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos, noting that he expects a “change in mentality” while saying that the Metropolitan is influenced by employees of the Metropolis of Paphos. It is not true that he is guided by some, said Archbishop Tychikos of Paphos, for his part, noting that any problems will be resolved for the sake of the unity of the Church.
Archbishop George presided today as a Hierarchical celebrant at the Monastery of Saint Neophytos, in Paphos, and concelebrated with Metropolitan Tychikos.
In statements after the service and when asked if he had another meeting with the Metropolitan of Paphos, he said that this is not the goal, but rather a "change in mentality and not being influenced and guided by others."
“The Church of Cyprus has an ethos and we must uphold it,” he said, adding that “it is not time to return to times of darkness.” We have our doctrines, he continued, which guide us, but we also have our human nature which “walks with our times,” in the words of the Primate of the Cypriot Church.
As for whether Paphos Tychikos is being guided by someone, Archbishop George referred to a woman who claims that she was refused permission to have a mixed marriage with a Catholic. When the Metropolitan of Paphos was asked about this, he replied, "I accept, there are others who do not accept and do not give permission," continued George of Cyprus.
The Archbishop wondered “who is in charge within the Metropolis,” adding that “the Metropolitan of Paphos himself says that when they go to him, he gives them permission.” “Is that the answer?” he wondered.
Asked to comment on who he believes influences the Metropolitan and whether they are members of the Holy Synod, the Archbishop of Cyprus responded that they are not members of the Holy Synod, but rather employees of the Metropolis of Paphos.
Finally, when asked if they had a meeting yesterday after the Great Vespers, the Archbishop of Cyprus reiterated that he has no personal problem with the Metropolitan of Paphos. "It is a matter of a change of mentality and I expect a change of mentality," he concluded.
For his part, Metropolitan Tychikos, when asked about it after the co-liturgy, stated that he is not guided by anyone and that this is not true. In his statements, he referred to his 20 years of studies, adding that he has been close to the Archbishop of Cyprus for 15 years and does not need guidance from anyone, adding that he respects everyone's opinion.
Asked if he has refused to perform a mixed marriage, the Metropolitan of Paphos answered negatively, but said that he urges them to be baptized. Many, he continued, accept and "this is a blessing, to become Christians, because there are many who want it on their own." However, if they hold a negative attitude and do not want to, they will not be pressured, he added, adding that they do not force anyone to become Christian or Orthodox.
Asked if the information that reached the Archbishop was wrong, the Metropolitan of Paphos replied "I think so," while expressing the view that any problems will be solved "with love" for the sake of the good and unity of the Church.
Source: KYPE
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