Archbishop Georgios has called on the newly ordained bishop of Paphos, Gregorios, to serve as a model cleric, saying his education, prudence, faith and spiritual qualities “inspire hope for successful work”.

Gregorios was ordained on Thursday at the archbishopric in Nicosia. His inauguration will be completed at 6pm with his enthronement at the Paphos bishopric.

Leading the ordination ceremony, Archbishop Georgios said the new bishop should be fully aware of the responsibilities he was assuming.

Paphos, he said, represented a “sacred challenge” with a rich apostolic, ecclesiastical and historical heritage.

The archbishop referred to saints Barnabas and Paul, as well as the evangelist Mark, who are closely associated with Paphos, alongside other saints and figures who shaped the district’s history.

The life of a bishop is constantly judged by the people and so the archbishop advised the new bishop to turn a deaf ear to those whose aim was to damage the Church and its administrative structure.

In his response, Gregorios said his ordination coincided with the feast of St Barnabas, patron saint of the Church of Cyprus, whom he described as “a model of a true shepherd”.

He said saints Barnabas and Paul arrived in Cyprus in 45AD and were later joined by the evangelist Mark.

His ordination, Gregorios said, would serve the mission of unity and proper functioning of the Church, which should be “shielded from temptation, division and schism”.

“Personal interests and opportunism have no place in the Church,” he said.

“The people of Paphos deserve only the best,” he added, pledging to continue to work, preach, teach, listen and create.

Meanwhile, a small group of supporters of ousted bishop Tychikos gathered outside the ceremony to protest.

As worshippers chanted “worthy” following the ordination, the protesters responded with shouts of “unworthy”.

Speaking on behalf of the group, theologian and teacher Symeon Papadamou alleged that there had been irregularities in Tychikos’ removal from office.

Tychikos was removed following a prolonged dispute with Archbishop Georgios over issues relating to church governance, administration and ecclesiastical practice.