Greek Synod calls out Metropolitan of Morphou for COVID statements

Nicosia, Cyprus, June 11, 2021

tovima.gr tovima.gr     

The Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church of Greece is displeased with His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou of the Church of Cyprus over his public statements about the COVID pandemic and vaccines.

The Cypriot hierarch’s statements that sometimes criticize the decisions of the Holy Synod of the Greek Church and what he views as its mishandling of the COVID pandemic scandalize and seduce the Greek flock, the Greek hierarchs write in a letter to Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus that was read out at the session of the Cypriot Holy Synod last week, reports Orthodoxia.info.

Met. Neophytos responded that out of respect for the Archbishop and the Synod, and because he does not wish to cause problems, he would refrain from making statements about the pandemic or vaccines for the time being.

Last August, His Eminence called on parents to homeschool rather than give in to COVID fears. He has also publicly denounced the COVID vaccine, and was the sole hierarch of the Cypriot Synod not to support a statement encouraging the faithful to be vaccinated.

The Greek Synod’s letter also specifically mentions that Met. Neophytos was among the hierarchs who criticized the Synod’s decision to celebrate Pascha several hours early to accommodate the state curfew.

The decision proved controversial within Greece as well, where a clergy association publicly protested the move, and several priests simply refused to obey the Synodal decision, and now face legal consequences for celebrating Pascha at midnight as usual. The Greek Synod has also launched an investigation against two of its own hierarchs who criticized the decision.

Met. Neophytos himself has run into legal trouble throughout the pandemic for continuing to celebrate the Divine services as normal.

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6/11/2021

See also
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Comments
Deacon Michael6/28/2021 11:07 pm
Many Years Holy Master! May our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen you and grant you strength to endure these senseless and revealing trials. The cassock is a garment of death and you wear it with honor YOUR EMINENCE! You exemplify what it means to die to yourself and to "rightly divide the word of truth"! Around the globe, our prayers are with you + By your prayers! Love in Christ, Deacon Michael
Joshua in Wichita6/12/2021 7:14 pm
Many years, master! “My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.”
God is Merciful6/12/2021 1:57 pm
The disciple of saint Iakovos!! Many years our dear bishop!
Vasilios6/12/2021 12:37 pm
May the Archangel Michael protect Metropolitan Neophytos and those who support him in these trying times. Panagia save him.
AnonSaysWhat6/11/2021 11:32 pm
Axios!!!
Matthew O'Donnell6/11/2021 11:01 pm
The synods complain while the people are refreshed by his words! This is actually quite revealing. Unfortunately we are seeing mostly politicians dressed in cassocks than bishops guiding faithfully guiding the faithful. The metropolitan should continue to speak words of life for the faithful and not worry about causing problems within the synods. His words cause problems within the synods because the synods are being called out. They should receive his words in humility and correct their stance. May God and His saints continue to give the beloved Metropolitan wisdom and strength for we need him and more like him in these trying times.
sherlock_holmes6/11/2021 10:27 pm
Motto : "I was small among my brothers, and the youngest in my father’s house; I tended my father’s sheep. My hands made a harp; ... Psalm 151 !..." Met. Neophytos responded that out of respect for the Archbishop and the Synod, and because he does not wish to cause problems, he would refrain from making statements about the pandemic or vaccines for the time being. "...What a Wise Bishop we have, Glory to God !
Basil Hill-Zeck6/11/2021 10:05 pm
Metropolitan Neophytos's sermons have been a great consolation & encouragement for me during these difficult times, & i have been glad to see that he boldly speaks out about issues that very much concern me & those close to me. It's very sad to see him persecuted like this. Lord have mercy!
Alexander Leitner6/11/2021 8:53 pm
Forget the Greek New Calendar Church! They are greek protestants
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