Elections for Paphos bishop in February

The elections for the new metropolitan of Paphos will be held even if two or three candidates put their names forward, Archimandrite Ioannis Ioannou, primate of the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus and abbot of the Holy Monastery of Apostle Barnabas, who announced his candidacy on Christmas day, said.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the archimandrite added that the Holy Synod will determine the so-called ‘tripartite’.

The post of metropolitan of Paphos remained vacant after the former holder, Archbishop Georgios, was elected the new archbishop of the Church of Cyprus on December 24.

The election will only take place in the district of Paphos as well as 19 communities of Limassol and one community of Nicosia, 119 in total. According to early reports, it is expected to take place on February 19.

“Until then, the post will remain vacant,” the archmandrite said, who added that, even though he worked alongside the late Archbishop Chrisostomos II for several years in Nicosia, “his heart always beat for Paphos.”

“I never missed an opportunity during the Christmas and Easter holidays to visit Paphos. Should people choose to elect me at the next elections, I will work hard to solve all the issues of the city and the district.

“Whatever the results of the elections will be, I will continue to serve the church from whatever position I am bestowed upon,” he said.

Finally, the archimandrite praised the late Chrisostomos II for his dedication to his role, adding that he learned a great deal from him over the years.