Funeral of former Cyprus Archbishop

The funeral of the late former Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos I took place Monday at the Church of Panayia Evangelistria in Palouriotissa.

Chrysostomos I, passed away Saturday at the age of 80, following a lengthy illness that forced him from his throne.

The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II, who took up the title of Archbishop earlier this year, officiated accompanied by other members of the Holy Synod.

The body of Chrysostomos A’ who was Primate of the Cyprus’ Church from 1977 until his honorary removal in 2006 was buried at the Saint Spyridon cemetery in central Nicosia where all the previous Archbishops are buried.

The funeral oration was delivered by Archbishop Chrysostomos II who expressed profound grief, noting his predecessor’s devoutness and eagerness in pursuing the right causes of the Cyprus people.

He noted that Chrysostomos A’ was elevated to the church’s senior position in 1977, when he succeeded Archbishop Makarios.

He added that Paphos-born Chrysostomos joined the Church as a young monk at the island’s Kykkos monastery before earning degrees in philosophy and theology from the University of Athens.

After graduate studies in Britain, he worked as a teacher in Cyprus. Chrysostomos was ordained suffragan bishop in 1968 and bishop of Paphos in 1973.

The body laid in state for two days at Ayios Ioannis Cathedral in front of the Archbishopric and the Holy Synod declared 30 days’ of mourning, during which flags will fly at half mast on all Church buildings.