The election of a new Paphos bishop is now expected to take place in September, church officials confirmed on Monday.

Christakis Efstathiou, theologian and spokesman for the Orthodox Church, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that Archbishop Georgios, who is also serving as caretaker of the Paphos bishopric, is set to visit the area this week. The visit aims to address urgent administrative and pastoral issues, including matters that have drawn public complaints.

Due to these unresolved pressures and the upcoming summer period, the timeline for the vote has shifted. 

“We estimate the elections will be held around September,” Efstathiou said, adding that the archbishop will update the Holy Synod during its regular meeting on June 23.

While the synod may not decide the exact date, it will likely open a dialogue on the timing and appropriateness of the election process. Once the process officially begins, strict canonical procedures and deadlines will apply.

Two key circulars will trigger the process. The first will ask parish priests in Paphos to update electoral lists. Eligible voters must be over 18 and residents in a parish for at least a year. The second circular will announce the precise date for a public vote to select three candidates. These will then be considered by the Holy Synod, which will choose the new bishop.

Addressing growing public unrest, Efstathiou said people have the right to express concerns but criticised the rising tone of fanaticism. 

“Calm and reasoned discussion is always preferable. Tension does not honour the church,” he said.

The situation remains particularly tense following the removal of former Bishop Tychikos. Efstathiou suggested the matter is now in Tychikos’ hands. 

“He must renounce divisive tendencies if he wishes to be reinstated as a bishop,” he said.

It remains unclear whether Archbishop Georgios will engage directly with Tychikos to resolve the issue. If not, the Holy Synod may need to revisit the matter in future meetings.