Nicosia, Cyprus, October 27, 2020
Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
Archbishop Chrysostomos’ reckless decision to commemorate Epiphany Dumenko, the primate of the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine,” has sparked widespread debate and disagreements across the island, says Christos Ekonomou, the head of the theology department of the University of Nicosia.
“This reckless action of the primate of the Church of Cyprus has caused severe discomfort and wide-ranging debates and disagreements on the island at a time when, due to continuous and growing threats from Turkey, we need peace and stability,” the department said on ANT1 Cyprus, reports Romfea.
According to Prof. Oikonomou, Abp. Chrysostomos’ act “is anti-ecclesiastical and a blatant violation of the sacred canons and the Synodal system of the Church.”
The recognition of the schismatic Epiphany Dumenko is “illegitimate, untimely, and harmful to the country,” he emphasized, adding that “the Holy Synod should immediately convene to consider this issue and make an appropriate decision.”
Several hierarchs of the Cypriot Church have also lamented that the Archbishop’s decision in effect destroys the Synodal system of the Church.
