Apostle Paul's head to be brought to Cyprus from Vatican

Archbishop George. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

In October 2026, the head of the Holy Apostle Paul will be brought to Cyprus from the Vatican for temporary veneration. The relic will arrive in Paphos in connection with the official visit of the Primate of the Church of Cyprus to Rome, reports Philenews.

Previously, the implementation of this initiative was interrupted due to a protest by Metropolitan Tychikos, who opposed the reception of a Catholic delegation. The hierarch of the Church of Cyprus refused to participate in joint events with representatives of the Vatican, arguing that the Pope is a heretic.

Archbishop Georgios, in response, stated that no mutual understanding could be achieved under such pretexts, but emphasized his readiness to receive the pontiff at the site of the apostle's preaching. "Even if the Pope were to come, would we not welcome him? If he visits Cyprus, I also welcome him in Paphos, at the place where the apostle preached."

The Primate noted that Pope Francis agreed to transfer the relic as a sign of personal friendship and recognition of the historical significance of Paphos as the site of the apostle's first mission.

The process was initiated by the late Archbishop Chrysostomos II; however, due to an internal schism in the diocese, the matter remained "frozen" for a long time. According to Archbishop Georgios, the bringing of the head of the Apostle Paul, which has never previously left the Vatican, will be an event of global significance.

The UOJ previously reported that the consecration of the new Metropolitan of Paphos took place amid protests.

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