Cabinet declares six-day public mourning after Archbishop's death

The Council of Ministers decided on Monday afternoon to declare a six-day public mourning, from November 7 to November 12, after Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II passed away earlier today.

The Council that had an extraordinary meeting under Acting President, President of the House, Annita Demetriou, also decided to postpone all official events during the public mourning. Moreover, it suspended the participation of government and state officials to public events. Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, will deliver the eulogy during the Archbishop's funeral.

According to a Presidency press release, the Council of Ministers maintained a one-minute silence in the memory of the Archbishop and took a series of decisions suggested by the President of the Republic as regards the measures to be taken to honour the late Archbishop.

The Cabinet decided to declare a public mourning from Monday November 7 until Saturday November 12 when the Archbishop's funeral will take place. During the public mourning the Republic of Cyprus flag will fly at half-mast in all schools and public services buildings. 

All official events are postponed during the public mourning. Moreover, the participation of members of the government and state officials to public events is suspended.

The President of the Republic, the members of the Council of Ministers, the Government Spokesman, the Deputy Minister to the President, the Deputy Government Spokesman and the Director of the President's Office will attend the funeral.

The President of the Republic, the members of the Council of Ministers, the Deputy Ministers, the Government Spokesman will sign the book of condolences for the Arcbhishop's death. 

President Anastasiades will deliver the eulogy during the funeral.

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