The speaker was presented by Archbishop George of Cyprus, whom he thanked for his presence in the Archdiocese and for accepting the invitation to speak to the clergy of the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus.

The Metropolitan elaborated on the topic “Priesthood: charisma in the Church and ministry in the world. The ecclesiology of the ministry”.

Metropolitan Chrysostomos referred to the Christological and pneumatological basis of the charismatic priesthood. “The starting point for the issue of the priesthood and charismatic liturgies in the Church is their Christological view. It is no coincidence that in the texts of the New Testament, all existing functions are attributed to Christ. This starting point leads us to consider that every ministry in the Church is identified with this ministry of Christ, which, as a ministry in the body of Christ, is a projection of the presence of Christ in the Church, an element necessary in any theological approach to the issue of liturgies.

The second starting point is that the ministry of Christ in the Church presupposes the presence of the Holy Spirit, as necessary is the Holy Spirit in the event of the incarnation of Jesus Christ.”

The speaker then referred to the charismatic ministries and the Divine Eucharist “Based on the criterion of the relationship between the Eucharist, the canonical Bishop, and the ministries, there is also a distinction between the structural – Eucharistic ministries, and the non-structural ministries.

The third element he developed in his speech was about priestly charisma and ministry to the community. “The priesthood exists only within the Eucharistic community and not outside or above it. Ordination, as an act of charisma, places the priest in a special relationship with his community. This means that within this particular community, he is called to function and minister. Moreover, we should not forget that the Church is in the world but not of the world.”

In the second part of his speech, the Metropolitan of Messinia developed the ecclesiological framework of the ministry. “Both in the people of Israel and in the life of the primitive Church, the ministry has always been associated with specific persons. The persons were characterized as servants of God and mediators between God and God’s people, such as Moses who was considered the deacon of the first covenant (2 Corinthians 3,7,9). The second part was divided into two parts. The first is the bishop and the non-structural functions in the Church. “In the life of the Church it is known that in addition to the so-called structural functions of the bishop – presbyter, deacon, and laity, which exist by ordination, there are also the non-structural ones, which come from ordination and which could be characterized as historical functions because they serve only the horizontal and historical dimension of the Church.” The second is the priesthood and the scientific ministry “in the world”. “The bishop, as the head of the Eucharistic community, is called to embrace the problems of the world and life.

The Archbishop stressed that “the parish must become the center of the ministry and life of the ecclesiastical body. It should be communicated to those charismatic members of the parish, those active in the parish ministry, that no one is left over in the parish work, thus utilizing their special gifts. In the parish ministry, no one is considered self-sufficient, but everyone is called to serve. This utilization presupposes the offer of sacrifice and loving freedom, which leads to genuine volunteerism.

The Bishop must inspire the members of the parish – Eucharistic communities that the Church respects the freedom of even the sinner, but fights the cause of his sinfulness and its consequences, providing impartially every opportunity for repentance.”

Finally, the speaker thanked the Archbishop for the invitation and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Present at the synaxis were Archbishop George of Cyprus, Metropolitan Porphyrios of Tamasos and Oreini, and Bishops Christoforos of Karpasia and Porphyrios of Neapolis.

A fruitful dialogue followed while the Synaxis was concluded by the Bishop of Karpasia, thanking the speaker for his thorough theological speech.

Metropolitan Chrysostomos, after the hierarchical synaxis, had a meeting with the Primate of the Church of Cyprus.

It should be noted that on the occasion of his presence in the Archdiocese, the Metropolitan of Messinia performed a Trisagion service at the tomb of the late Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II, with whom he had known for several years.

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Apostle Barnabas in Nicosia, Archbishop George of Cyprus presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, as well as the annual memorial service for the repose of the blessed soul of late Archbishop Chrysostomos II.

Bishop Kassianos of Arabissos (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery of Chalki, representative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Daniel of Kaisariani (Church of Greece), and Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamasos and Oreini concelebrated the Divine Liturgy.

The representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos, referred to the late Archbishop with feelings of gratitude and love.

Metropolitans Kyrillos of Krini and Timotheos of Dodoni (exarch of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Cyprus) attended the Divine Liturgy.

Subsequently, the Archbishop performed a Trisagion service at the tomb of the late Archbishop.

“The people deemed the late Archbishop as a true Father, a sleepless guardian, an experienced and discreet guide, and a tireless and selfless worker with his multifaceted social work. They deemed him as an inspired and creative renovator and a tireless fighter, a proud and undaunted fighter for the rights of our Church,” he said.

Archbishop George of Cyprus will preside over the Hierarchical Co-liturgy that will precede the Holy Memorial Service. The Archbishop will then perform a Trisagion service at the tomb of the late Archbishop.

Many of the people present were the relatives of the heroes from Cyprus and Greece, obviously moved.

During the ceremony, wreaths were laid at the monument where the flags of Cyprus and Greece were flying at half-mast, the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Deputy Minister of National Defence of Greece. A minute’s silence was also observed and the national anthem was sung, while young people laid flowers on the graves of the fallen.

Following the ceremony, the President of the Republic, the President of the Parliament and other officials spoke with relatives of the fallen who were in the area.

Mr. Christodoulides, in his statements to the journalists, spoke of a “day of honor and reflection”, pointing out that “what we should do is to promise all those who sacrificed for the Republic of Cyprus, for the independence, territorial integrity of our country that we will do everything possible to reverse the abnormal current state of affairs, that is, to give meaning to their sacrifice through the reunification of our homeland.”

“Despite the difficulties, despite the challenges, the problems,” the President said, “we are here and we are doing everything possible to find a way out of the impasse and resume meaningful talks from where they were interrupted in the summer of 2017. And I think that the initiative of our side is recognized by the international community, specific initiatives have been taken, especially by EU member states, and we hope that soon we will be able to reach positive results.”

When he was asked whether, taking into account the rhetoric of the Turkish side, there can be conditions for a return to dialogue, the President of the Republic of Cyprus replied: “I heard the statements of the Turkish Cypriot leader last night, let’s see what else we will hear today during Mr. Erdogan’s presence here.” What I can say is that I do not wish and I do not see any reason why I should be starting a dialogue of accusations, critisism and many other things that may satisfy some people. All this would not contribute to our main objective; We honor the sacrifice of all those people and, therefore, we challenge the current state of affairs. So, surely the rhetoric has its own meaning, I do not downgrade it in any way, but the Cyprus problem will be resolved through negotiations. And that is where our attention is focused on.”

Archbishop George of Cyprus said that “the sad anniversaries also have messages to send us. The main message sent by today’s anniversary is that no matter how many years pass, we do not forget our homeland nor do we recognize the fait accompli of violence.” “We will remain in our country and we and future generations will seek its liberation,” he added.

According to him, the challenge is even greater: We need to move forward an ecumenical dialogue and, therefore, to put aside what divides us in order to bring hope to the world.

As he pointed out, the relations of the Church of Cyprus with the Vatican are excellent.

“These are relationships that stem from our respect for the Vatican and from the help we received following the Turkish invasion, as well as from the role we expect it to play as a Christian Church in today’s world.”

He noted that the visit of the last two Popes to Cyprus showed the importance of Cyprus which is considered as an “Apostolic Church” and as a country that welcomed the message of the Gospel.

Archbishop George stressed that the relations between the Church of Cyprus and the Vatican were very friendly and were characterized by the trust that one Church shows in the other.

The Archbishop stressed that, at a time when the world has been dealing with several religions, such as Muslim fundamentalism, “Christians need to put aside some small things that divide us and to showcase the many things that unite us. Thus, we need to give the public the common message of hope. Together, we can also call on others, who have not met Christ yet, to welcome Him as Savior and Redeemer of the world.”

When he was asked about the issue of the granting of the Autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop George stressed that the Church of Cyprus recognized the Autocephaly of the Church of Ukraine.

“According to the institutions of Orthodoxy, the Ecumenical Patriarch has granted and is still granting autocephaly to Churches that previously belonged to his region. It is the Ecumenical Patriarchate that granted autocephaly to Russia, Greece, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and other countries.

Therefore, when Ukraine requested Autocephaly, the Ecumenical Patriarchate granted it. When granting autocephaly to Russia, the Ecumenical Patriarchate defined the geographical boundaries of this Church and Ukraine was not within them.

Therefore, the Church of Cyprus, respecting the customs and canons prevailing in the Eastern Orthodox Church, recognized the move of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to grant Autocephaly to Ukraine.”

According to Archbishop Georgios, this is also perceived by all the other Orthodox Churches, which perhaps for reasons that are not canonical or ecclesiastical, but “related to the size of Russia, have been postponing the recognition of the Autocephaly for the time being.”

Also, the Archbishop of Cyprus added: “We are sure that soon all the Churches will recognize the rights of the Protos in the Orthodox Church.”

Finally, referring to the political situation in Cyprus in regards to the Turkish occupation, Archbishop Georgios stressed that the world was very sensitive to any invasion because of the Turkish invasion.

“That is why our people, our government and our Church condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and called for the immediate withdrawal of the troops of the invader, as well as the restoration of the rights of the Ukrainian people. But we want the same thing to happen for Cyprus too,” he said.

Furthermore, the Archbishop of Cyprus added: “The case of Ukraine is well known by Europe and the world and they are aware of the situation, perhaps because the size of the country, which is large and perhaps because Russia is a threat to other countries.

But for the Republic of Cyprus, the people was satisfied with just a few statements that were made. We demand respect for our rights as citizens of the United Europe. All Europeans have the right to free movement and to free residence throughout Europe.

We ask that it be accepted for our citizens, that is to be able to move freely in our country, not only to visit it (the occupied side of Cyprus) but also to stay in our homes and our properties in the currently occupied area,” he said.

This happened as a result of the stance adopted by Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos who did not participate in the archieratic Co-liturgy that was celebrated on Sunday in Nicosia, where Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv was also mentioned.

According to Cypriot media, the Archbishop of Cyprus described the attitude of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos as “childish”, saying that when he was ordained he accepted Metropolitan Epiphaiy of Kyiv to be mentioned.

He noted that it was something that unfortunately seems to be evolving as a problem within the Church of Cyprus but expressed his determination to put an end to this matter.

Moreover, as reported in the Cypriot media, he said that he was sure that the vast majority of the Holy Synod would stand by their side. The Archbishop of Cyprus said: “Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos must get the messages from both the world and all of us and I am determined that a schism within the Church of Cyprus will not happen.”

He was also asked to comment on the matter of former Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Kition and what he intended to do. The Archbishop said that “the Holy Synod would meet” and that he did not wish to prejudge the decision of the Holy Synod, which will meet on Tuesday to discuss this matter.

The three fragments include the part of the head of a youth, one of the two horses pulling the goddess Athena’s chariot, and a male figure with a beard that belongs to a southern metope, where the Centauromachy is depicted.

These fragments from the metopes, the frieze and the pediments of the Parthenon were gifted personally by Pope Francis to the Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

The agreement to that effect was signed in Rome by Greek and Vatican officials on March 7, as the pieces were being kept at the Vatican Museums.

Attending the event, Culture & Sports Minister Lina Mendoni said that “the Pontiff’s gesture comes to the aid of the Greek people’s fair and moral demand – but also to the diligent effort of the Greek government and personally of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis – for the definitive return and reunification of all the Parthenon Marbles in Athens,” referring to marbles kept at the British Museum in London.

Mendoni also relayed the Greek premier’s warm thanks, who was scheduled to attend but was delayed due to the ongoing European Council meeting in Brussels.

Pope Francis’ gesture “is of historical significance and has very positive ramifications on multiple levels,” noted Archbishop Hieronymos.

Also welcoming the gift was Acropolis Museum Director Nicolas Stampolidis, who noted that the gift of the fragments, “which until the beginning of March were being exhibited in the Vatican for more than 200 years, carries both a substantial as well as a symbolic character.”
Vatican delegation

Four members of a Catholic delegation from the Vatican who arrived in Athens on Thursday also attended. The delegation included its head, Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, Under-Secretary Monsignor Andrea Palmieri, Director of the Vatican Museums Dr Barbara Jatta, and Archbishop Jan Romeo Pawłowski, Apostolic Nuncio to Greece.

Bishop Farrell spoke about the importance of the Pope’s gesture, an “ecclesiastical, cultural and social gesture of friendship and solidarity with the people of Greece”, which he noted “confirms even more strongly the friendship and the spiritual closeness between our Churches.”

Source: amna.gr

Photos: Christos Bonis / EUROKINISSI

Also present were several members of the Holy Synod, the authorities of the city and the province of Paphos, officials, clergy, and hundreds of faithful.

The enthronement began with the ringing of bells and with the chant “worthy / Axios”. Metropolitan Tychikos is the 70th Metropolitan of Paphos.

In his enthronement address, the new Metropolitan of Paphos assured those present that he will do all he can to show himself worthy of the trust and love of the faithful.

Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos, particularly focused on his increased duties and the relationship he should have as a Metropolitan with the faithful and society.

“I promise that today begins a new effort to communicate with all the faithful as a whole and especially with young people and ordinary people, the struggling in this world and the daily effort for a better life,” he said.

The Metropolis will be an integral part of society, assured the new Metropolitan, who thanked the Most High Lord for his blessing to humbly claim to play such an important role.

Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus congratulated the new Metropolitan of Paphos on assuming his duties, expressing the wish that he will be able to cope with his duties and continue the great work left as a legacy by his predecessors.

After the enthronement ceremony, the new Metropolitan received congratulations at the Great Synod Room of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos.

The Archbishop was warmly received and welcomed by Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, the clergy, the president and members of the Coordination Committee of Chalcedon, members of the Philoptochos Association, as well as members of the Educational Association of Moda, and the pious people at the Holy Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon welcomed and addressed Archbishop Georgios upon his arrival.

Afterwards, the Archbishop of Cyprus and his entourage visited the Metropolitan Palace, where they were welcomed by Metropolitan Emmanuel, followed by his assistant Bishop, Bishop Smaragdos of Dafnousia, and his Chancellor Archimandrite Evgenios Karatzas.

It happened forty days after Jesus was born. According to the Law of Moses, after forty days of giving birth to Jesus, Virgin Mary came to the Temple of Jerusalem with Joseph to dedicate the infant to God. At the same time, they had to offer a pair of turtle doves or two small pigeons.

An elder priest, the righteous Simeon, was living in Jerusalem and at the very moment when he saw Jesus Christ in the temple, he took Him in his arms and said: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.”

Righteous Simeon felt spiritual fulfillment and praised God, who has given him the blessing and joy to take in his arms the Saviour of the world.

Jesus Christ healed the man, who is the image of the Trinity. The faithful receive Christ’s Body and Blood during the Holy Communion and, therefore, which is the gift of eternal life from God to humans.

Source: Church of Cyprus