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The Hoteliers’ Association has called for a meeting with the Archbishop after the Holy Synod banned all church rituals, such as weddings and christenings, from taking place in private chapels.
The Association’s Director-General, Zacharias Ioannides yesterday told the Mail that the Church decision only affected those wishing to marry in a Greek Orthodox ceremony. “It will not affect weddings of European visitors which take place in the hotels of Cyprus,” he said.
“We have sent a letter to the Archbishopric asking for further details and are hoping to meet as soon as possible.”
The President of the Association was more forthcoming in his views however. Charis Loizides told state radio: “We call on the Church to rethink this decision, as we believe they have rushed into it.” He added that huge sums of money have been spent promoting Cyprus as a great place to get married. “All weddings have been carried out under correct procedures with all priests provided by parishes,” he said.
Bishop of Paphos Georgios contradicted Loizides though, saying that the decision was taken after it was established that wedding ceremonies were not following the necessary regulations. He explained that the issue “is not a financial one, as money was previously provided to parishes for wedding purposes.” He also said that everybody has the right to build a private chapel in their home, if they so wish, but the Church will not give its approval. | 
