Selection process begins for new Bishop of Kyrenia

POLLS opened yesterday to elect the new Bishop of Kyrenia, after the post was vacated by the death of Bishop Pavlos last October at the age of 66.

The three front runners for the post are Mesaoria Bishop Gregorios, Archimandrite Chrysostomos Kykkotis and Archimandrite Benedict Ioannou.

A total of 43 polling stations were set up throughout the free areas of the Republic, and approximately 26,000 citizens were eligible to vote between 08:00 and 16:00 local time, with a break between 13:00 and 14:00.

Eligible voters were those over 18 who were registered in the Kyrenia district electoral roll. 

Election officials said that the process was running smoothly and that the decision would be out by the end of the day.

All three main candidates highlighted the need for solidarity and said that regardless of the results and decision of the Holy Synod, they would all unite for the cause of returning to Kyrenia in the future.

After the votes are counted, the results will be forwarded to the Holy Synod, which will meet next week.

The preference of the public is merely advisory in church elections as the Holy Synod has the final say on who will succeed to the post.

Its decision is expected to be announced some time next week.

 

 

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