The Holy Synod is meeting in extraordinary session today, and is expected to deal with the issue of Bishop Tychikos, statutory changes, and complaints regarding the monks who resided at the Avvakum Monastery.
In statements on Wednesday, Archbishop George of Cyprus said that Bishop Tychikos' appeal to civil courts is a "new serious development", noting that "it is something outside the practice of the Church".
As the Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cyprus, Christakis Efstathiou, explained to CNA, Bishop Tychikos created a new fact with his written information, which was submitted to the Holy Synod, through which he announces his intention to resort to the civil courts, claiming the Metropolis of Paphos.
According to Mr. Efstathiou, what is now being raised is the issue of Bishop Tychikos' disobedience, both to the decision of the Holy Synod and to the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, an issue that, as he said, is created by his appeal to a civil court.
With Thursday's decision, he continued, "the Bishop Tychikos chapter will also be closed," underlining that the Church of Cyprus does not depend on its actions and decisions from political courts.
During the session of the Holy Synod, changes and improvements to the Church's Charter are also expected to be discussed, in points where weaknesses or lack of flexibility in the management of certain issues are identified, with the aim of the Synod being more flexible in making decisions related to the administration of justice.
It is specifically expected that a proposal will be submitted by the Archbishop of Cyprus himself, which concerns the election process, so that Bishops and Metropolitans are elected exclusively by the Holy Synod, without the interference of the lay element. The proposal foresees the bypassing of the stage during which the people come to vote and the three-person body is elected.
The issue of the monks who resided at the Abbakoum Monastery will once again concern the Holy Synod, since according to Mr. Efstathiou, there are allegations that they are officiating, performing mysteries that are only permitted to be performed by priests, at a time when they themselves are deposed from the priestly office.
Source: KYPE
