Attention now turns to Paphos bishop

WITH Limassol bishop Chrysanthos still missing abroad, the focus on the Church’s controversial business activities has, at least temporarily, shifted to Paphos Bishop Chrysostomos.

Paphos Mayor Pheidias Sarikas yesterday visited President Glafcos Clerides and briefed him on Chrysanthos’ business activities in the Paphos district.

The Paphos municipality is protesting a Cabinet ruling to transfer a large tract of land in Moussalas to the Paphos bishopric, which plans to construct a cathedral on the site.

The mayor of Paphos indicated to the president that a cathedral already existed in the disputed area, so there was no need for a new one.

The president agreed to set up a tripartite commission to investigate the issue of land transferral.

There was no reaction to the latest accusations from the Archbishop Chrysostomos yesterday. He is currently being briefed on the shady business dealings of Limassol Bishop Chrysanthos.

Chrysanthos has been linked to a $3.7 million fraud, in connection with which three people have been arrested in the UK. He left the island two weeks ago, just as detectives from Scotland Yard were about to arrive in Cyprus to question him on his part in the alleged scam. His whereabouts have since been a mystery.

The Archbishop is thought to be under considerable pressure from high- ranking members of the Holy Synod to ask for Chrysanthos’ resignation.

The Church, police and Attorney-general are all waiting to question Chrysanthos on his return, but information on when that might be is speculative at best.

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