Archbishop Chrysostomos dies aged 81

Archbishop Chrysostomos II, head of the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus has died aged 81 after a long battle with cancer.

According to an announcement from his doctors, the Archbishop passed away peacefully at 6.40am on Monday. The statement was signed by Iosif Kassios, Dimitris Papamichael, Petros Agathangelou and Michalis Protopapas

The Archbishop fell peacefully asleep after facing the test of his illness with courage, patience and Christian determination,” the statement said.

Chrysostomos II was enthroned as Archbishop in November 2006 after a contentious election campaign.

He was known to have outspoken views on many issues from how the Church was run, to the Cyprus issue. He also weighed in unabashedly on social issues like homosexuality, gay adoption rights and abortion, often causing major controversies. He always described himself as a realist and saw no reason to seek out popularity.

The CyBC said the Holy Synod - the church's highest decision-making body - will convene to make arrangements for the funeral to which other Orthodox Church leaders will be invited.

(Source CNA, CYBC, Cyprus Mail)