The Holy Synod will meet on May 26 to elect the new Metropolitan of Paphos under the Church of Cyprus’ updated charter.
Archbishop Georgios said candidates must formally submit their interest on May 21, 22 or 25. He noted that the revised charter keeps the requirement that hierarchs must have at least ten years of priestly service.
During a three‑day session that ended Thursday, the Synod approved sweeping changes to the Church’s constitution. Decision‑making rules were amended so that resolutions will now require a two‑thirds majority, instead of the previous three‑quarters threshold.
Another major change concerns the election of Metropolitans and Bishops, which will now take place without the participation of lay voters. Lay participation will remain only in the election of the Archbishop.
The Synod also decided to prohibit the involvement of lawyers in cases where clergy members are accused of wrongdoing.