Cyprus Orthodox archbishop suspends 12 unvaccinated priests

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The head of Cyprus’ Orthodox Christian Church says he will suspend a dozen priests from his diocese because they refused to heed his call to get vaccinated against COVID-19

NICOSIA, Cyprus — The head of Cyprus’ Orthodox Christian Church said Sunday that he will suspend a dozen priests from his diocese because they refused to heed his call to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Archbishop Chrystostomos II told state broadcaster CyBC that most of the priests are also theologians who have swayed some of the faithful not to get vaccinated. The archbishop called the insubordination “unheard of” and warned that the suspensions could be extended to six months or lead to the priests being defrocked.

Archbishop Chrysostomos has been vocal in his support for vaccinations for all the faithful and the Church’s highest decision making body, the Holy Synod, has issued a clear appeal in favor of vaccination.

January recorded the second-highest number of virus-related deaths per month in Cyprus since the start of the pandemic.

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Follow all AP stories on the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.

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