Archbishop to suggest punishment for clergy opposing Covid jabs-reports

Archbishop Chrysostomos said he would suggest to the Holy Synod the punishment of clergy who urge people not to get vaccinated reports said on Sunday.

According to state broadcaster CyBC, the Church primate plans on raising the issue to the Holy Synod and suggest punishment for clergy that urges the faithful not to get vaccinated.

He is to also ask the members of the Holy Synod to press for public statements by hierarchs and clergy in favour of the vaccination programme.

This follows the latest statements by Morphou Bishop, Neophytos, who has on many occasions said he was against the vaccine. The bishop, right after recovering from Covid, said this week he had asked Virgin Mary to send the virus his way so that he would be humbled. He also said he had mild symptoms and it was like Virgin Mary gave him leave so that he could rest and was now feeling much better because of that. The bishop also said the vaccination was a ploy by the New World Order to pit those who are vaccinated against those who are not.

According to CyBC, President Nicos Anastasiades was also invited to attend the Holy Synod meeting on Thursday to brief its members of the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and answer questions.