The Cyprus problem will play a significant role in the ongoing horsetrading around the holy race for the new archbishop it appeared on Wednesday.
The battle seems to be playing out between Limassol bishop Athanasios and Paphos bishop Georgios, with efforts for scrutiny and allegiances underway on Wednesday.
The Holy Synod is set to meet on Thursday to assess any potential objections, though none have been raised yet. Objections are permitted for three days after the elections, which took place on Sunday.
Bishops on Thursday will set the date for when they will vote for the next Archbishop from the top three in Sunday’s people’s vote.
These are Athanasios, who gathered a clear lead with 35.68 per cent of the votes, Paphos bishop Georgios who got 18.39 per cent and Tamassos bishop Isaias with 18.1 per cent.
In a statement on Wednesday, controversial Morphou bishop Neophytos said in light of all the speculation in the media on who would vote for who, he wanted to stress that his support was not “a given” for anyone.
Constantia-Famagusta bishop Vasilios said he will hold individual meetings with each of the three bishops before making a decision on who he will vote for.
In an interview with Alithia, he explained he had created a protocol over important matters, including the Cyprus problem, that he would ask them to sign.
Vasilios highlighted some bishops are opposed to any solution to the Cyprus problem and this immediately disqualifies them from the post.
Additionally, he is in favour of creating a national council for the church that deals exclusively with the Cyprus problem and is comprised of bishops, scientists and analysts.
The session to decide which of the three will become the new prelate is expected to take place sometime between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Mail
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Mail
Source
