Six day mourning period in honor of Archbishop Chrysostomos II

The Council of Ministers decided on Monday afternoon to declare a six-day public mourning, from November 7 to November 12, after Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II passed away yesterday morning.

The Council had an extraordinary meeting under Acting President and President of the House, Annita Demetriou, who also decided to postpone all official events during the public mourning period. Moreover, it suspended the participation of government and state officials at public events. Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, will deliver the eulogy during the Archbishop's funeral.

According to a Presidency press release, the Council of Ministers maintained a one-minute silence in memory of the Archbishop and took a series of decisions suggested by the President of the Republic as regards the measures to be taken to honor the late Archbishop.

The Cabinet decided to declare a public mourning period from Monday, November 7 until Saturday, November 12 when the Archbishop's funeral will take place. During the public mourning period, the Republic of Cyprus' flag will fly at half-mast in all schools and public services buildings.

The President of the Republic, the members of the Council of Ministers, the Government Spokesman, the Deputy Minister to the President, the Deputy Government Spokesman and the Director of the President's Office will attend the funeral.

The President of the Republic, the members of the Council of Ministers, the Deputy Ministers, and the Government Spokesman will sign the book of condolences for the Archbishop's death.

Archbishop Chrysostomos II, head of the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus, died on Monday, aged, 81 after a long battle with cancer.