Nicosia, Cyprus, June 4, 2020
Met. Georgios (left), Met. Neophytos (right). Photo: romfea.gr
Neither His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou nor His Eminence Metropolitan Georgias Tremithousa of the Cypriot Orthodox Church will be brought to court for violating state coronavirus quarantine measures by holding Church services.
After thoroughly studying the police investigations and weighing of all the testimonies and evidence, Attorney General Costas Clerides concluded that the hierarchs did not violate any decrees, as they were entitled to attend services, reports Romfea.
The investigation into Met. Neophytos began after police interrupted his Palm Sunday Liturgy at which about 10 people were present. “My child ... choose ... what do you want to apply: the law of the state, or the law of Christ?” the hierarch told one of the policemen.
It was also examined whether the Metropolitans had urged other persons to break the law by attending services through their statements or encyclicals. The results of the police investigation were inconclusive, making it difficult to make a case in court. Therefore, it was decided that the hierarchs would not be charged, despite the recommendation of the chief of police to do so.
In other similar cases, involving schismatic Old Calendarist communities, it was decided to fine parishioners $335 (300 euros) rather than take them to court.
In September, Met. Neophytos was also cleared of all charges of hate speech arising after a video surfaced in which he told the story of a young man who gave up his sinful, homosexual lifestyle after being rebuked by a monk to whom God revealed the man’s sin.
