Archbishop Chrysostomos II passed away this morning at age 81

Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus died on Monday morning at the age of 81, following a long battle with cancer.

According to a statement issued by his doctors Joseph Kashios, Demetris Papamichael, Petros Agathangelou and Michalis Protopapas, the Head of the Church of Cyprus died at 6.40 am local time (4.40 am GMT).

He died peacefully after facing with courage and patience his ordeal, due to his illness, the statement reads.

Cyprus Chrysostomos II a "prominent and important figure of the Church of Cyprus" leaves behind him a visionary and bold work, aiming at highlighting and restoring the Church’s historical tradition, along with innovative changes, it is added.

The late Archbishop was born on April 10, 1941, in Tala, Paphos. According to the Church of Cyprus website, on February 26, 1978, he was ordained Paphos Bishop.

On November 5, 2006, he became Archbishop of Cyprus and was enthroned on November 12, 2006.

In a post on Twitter, Anastasiades, who is in Sharm el Sheikh to attend the COP27 Summit, also praised the “huge reform work” of the late Archbishop.

“The people of Cyprus mourn the loss of Archbishop of Cyprus,” Anastasiades said, praising his “huge reform work both for Orthodox Christianity, the Church and his actions for the prosperity of our people.”

He also conveyed both the State’s and his own sincere condolences to the Church, the Cypriot people and his family.