Archbishopric elections will be held as planned on December 18, caretaker Paphos bishop Georgios said on Monday after a snap Holy Synod meeting.
But by an overwhelming majority, the Holy Synod also voted not to accept applications from foreign Orthodox Christians seeking to register to vote, in a bid to ensure elections are carried out on time.
After a number of issues that rose to the surface surrounding personal data in the way the elections would be held, questions had been raised if the date should be changed to give more time to settle some of the matters.
Nonetheless, the extraordinary session between Holy Synod members concluded that elections will be held on December 18, as it was originally decided.
The Holy Synod will most likely convene between Christmas and New Year to cast their own vote for who will be archbishop, based on the voting procedure, bishop Georgios said. Once the public votes, the Holy Synod will vote between the three bishops which garnered the biggest share of the popular vote.
The ballot is expected to be sent for print by the end of the day, bishop Georgios noted, sticking to the timeframes.
The 40-day memorial service for the Archbishop Chrysostomos who died earlier this month will be held on December 17, at the Apostolos Varnavas cathedral, the bishop added.
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