The Holy Synod of the Cypriot Orthodox Church has announced a decision to revise its constitutional document and approved the inclusion of new hymns dedicated to the issue of Cyprus's division. This news comes following an extraordinary meeting held on January 14, as reported by the news portal Romfea.gr.

According to Archimandrite Georgios Christodoulou, the Synod's secretary, the current church constitution contains ambiguities that complicate its practical application. Consequently, a decision was made to either overhaul the existing text or create a new one, with a special commission formed comprising Synod members and legal professionals. The process is expected to take several months.

Pending the approval of a new constitution, the Synod has extended the temporary administration of the Paphos Metropolis, to be overseen by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus. In late 2025, the Synod removed Metropolitan Tikhos of Paphos from diocesan management and subsequently prohibited him from serving, with local media reporting that the review of his case is ongoing.

Additionally, the hierarchs approved a proposal from the head of the Cypriot Church to incorporate new supplicatory hymns related to the so-called "Cyprus issue" into the Good Friday service, which commemorates the Burial of Christ. These hymns will be added to the traditional lamentations performed on the evening of Good Friday, which hold a significant place in Orthodox liturgical tradition.

The "Cyprus issue" refers to the longstanding political and territorial conflict stemming from the island's division. In 1974, after a military coup in Cyprus and the subsequent entry of Turkish troops, the northern part of the island came under Ankara's control. Since then, Cyprus has effectively been split into the Greek Cypriot south, governed by the Republic of Cyprus, and the north, where the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was proclaimed in 1983, recognized solely by Turkey. Negotiations for the island's reunification have persisted for decades without resolution.

Traditionally, the Cypriot Orthodox Church has taken an active stance on this issue, viewing the island's division as a tragedy for its people and a threat to cultural and religious heritage. In his Christmas address in late December 2025, Archbishop Georgios emphasized that Cyprus is celebrating Christmas for the 52nd time amid division, criticizing what he termed the world community's indifference to the situation on the island. He also warned of the threat to Christian holy sites and the cultural character of northern Cyprus.