Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus

Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus is a prominent figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church, serving as the Archbishop of Cyprus from 2006 to 2022. He was born in Tala, Cyprus, a village in the Paphos District, and studied at the Theological School of Halki in Istanbul, Turkey, under the guidance of esteemed theologians such as Patriarch Demetrios I of Constantinople and Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople. His education also involved studying at the University of Athens and the University of Graz in Austria, where he interacted with notable scholars like Pope Benedict XVI and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. He was also influenced by the works of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Basil of Caesarea.

● Early Life and Education

Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus was born in 1941 in Tala, Cyprus, to a family deeply rooted in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His early life was marked by a strong connection to the church, with his family often visiting the Monastery of Kykkos and the Church of Cyprus. He pursued his higher education at the Theological School of Halki, where he was taught by renowned theologians such as Patriarch Demetrios I of Constantinople and Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople, and later at the University of Athens and the University of Graz in Austria, interacting with scholars like Pope Benedict XVI and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. His studies also involved delving into the works of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Basil of Caesarea, which significantly influenced his theological perspective.

● Ecclesiastical Career

The ecclesiastical career of Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus began with his ordination as a deacon in 1968 by Bishop Chrysostomos of Paphos, followed by his ordination as a priest in 1972 by Archbishop Makarios III of Cyprus. He served in various capacities within the Church of Cyprus, including as the Bishop of Paphos from 1978 to 2006, during which he worked closely with Patriarch Demetrios I of Constantinople and Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople. His tenure as bishop was marked by significant interactions with other religious leaders, including Pope John Paul II and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and involvement in ecumenical dialogues such as the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

● Tenure

as Archbishop As the Archbishop of Cyprus from 2006 to 2022, Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus played a pivotal role in guiding the Church of Cyprus through significant challenges and opportunities. He was involved in various ecumenical efforts, including meetings with Pope Benedict XVI and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and participated in the Pan-Orthodox Council in Crete in 2016. His tenure also saw the church's engagement with social issues, such as the Cyprus dispute and the European migrant crisis, where he worked closely with leaders like Dimitris Christofias and Nicos Anastasiades. Additionally, he oversaw the restoration of several historical churches and monasteries, including the Monastery of Kykkos and the Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca.

● Social and Political Involvement

Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus has been actively involved in social and political issues affecting Cyprus and the broader Eastern Orthodox Church. He has been a vocal advocate for the reunification of Cyprus, working closely with United Nations officials like Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, and has engaged in dialogue with Turkish Cypriot leaders such as Mehmet Ali Talat and Dervis Eroglu. His social involvement has also included addressing issues like poverty and immigration, often in collaboration with organizations like the World Council of Churches and the Conference of European Churches. Furthermore, he has been a strong supporter of ecumenism, participating in dialogues with the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, including the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran World Federation.

● Later Life and Legacy

In his later life, Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus continues to be an influential figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Cypriot society. His legacy is marked by his commitment to ecumenism, his efforts towards the reunification of Cyprus, and his dedication to social causes. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, including the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise from Ukraine and the Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre from the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. His interactions with global leaders, such as Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have also been significant in shaping the church's stance on international issues. As he steps back from his role as Archbishop of Cyprus, his impact on the Church of Cyprus and the broader Eastern Orthodox Church will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come, alongside the contributions of other notable figures like Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Pope Francis.

Category:Eastern Orthodox bishops