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The Church of Cyprus on Thursday officially ordained its new Metropolitan of Paphos, Gregory, in a solemn ceremony held at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas in Nicosia, marking a major leadership change in one of the island’s most historic dioceses.
The Divine Liturgy began shortly after 7:15 a.m. and was led by Archbishop George of Cyprus, with the participation of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s representative, Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna, as well as members of the Holy Synod.
One of the most anticipated moments of the morning service was the traditional declaration of “Axios," meaning “He is worthy," expected between 8:10 and 8:40 a.m., formally confirming the ordination of the new metropolitan.
Metropolitan-elect Gregory was ordained as bishop during the service, officially taking on his episcopal responsibilities. The ceremony coincided with the commemoration of Apostle Barnabas, the founder and patron saint of the Church of Cyprus, a day considered especially significant in the Church calendar.
Outside the cathedral, a small protest was also announced by supporters of former Metropolitan of Paphos Tychikos, who gathered in Nicosia as the liturgy took place.
The day’s events are not ending in the capital. Later in the afternoon at 6 p.m., the formal enthronement of Metropolitan Gregory will take place at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Theodore in Paphos, where he will officially assume leadership of the diocese in the presence of Archbishop George and senior church figures.
Gregory, born in 1973 in Galata, has served in the Church for nearly two decades. He was ordained in 2007 and has held senior administrative and pastoral roles in the Holy Metropolis of Trimythous, including overseeing educational, youth, and community church programs.
The enthronement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Holy Metropolis of Paphos, with church officials and faithful expected to attend the afternoon ceremony.
