Former Kitium bishop Chrysostomos is unable to follow the legal proceedings against him relating to rape charges because of diminished mental faculties, his defence told a court on Monday.

Before the bishop entered a plea, defence lawyer Michalis Pikis said his client was not able to follow the procedure relating to a rape claim filed by a woman recently.

The woman told police she had been raped by the bishop at his office between April 1 and 30, 2011.

The court adjourned until May 19.

Chrysostomos, 83, is also facing charges related to indecent assault of a woman that was allegedly committed in November 1981. At the time, the woman was underage.

The trial date for that second case was set for June 8.