The process of submitting candidacies for the filling of the Metropolitan Throne of Paphos was completed at 13:30 today, Monday, with four candidacies submitted so far for the succession to the Metropolis.
Archimandrite Ioannis, Abbot of the Holy Stavropegic Monastery of Apostle Barnabas, Archimandrite Sophronios of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Trooditissa, Archimandrite Grigorios Ioannides, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Trimithounta and Dean of the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus, as well as the Archimandrite and Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos Ioannis Theocharous, submitted their candidacy in person.
Archimandrite Ioannis had officially announced, in a letter, his interest and candidacy for the Metropolitan Throne of Paphos, referring to his "long-term contribution" to the Metropolitan Region of Paphos during the period 1985-2007.
As he states in his letter, his decision was taken "with a sense of responsibility", motivated by love for the province of Paphos and with the aim of offering and serving the people. At the same time, he expresses his confidence in Divine Providence and in the judgment of the Holy Synod, expressing the belief that the person who will be able to respond effectively to the pastoral work will be chosen.
The interest is now transferred to Tuesday, May 26, when the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus is expected to meet to approve the final list of candidates. As long as no procedural issues arise, even the immediate election of a new Metropolitan of Paphos is not excluded.
