Modern Orthodox witness · Contemporary
Father Petros Christodoulou
π. Πέτρος Χριστοδούλου
Priest in the apoteichisis movement; disputes his 2024 deposition by the Church of Cyprus
A Cypriot priest who continues in apoteichisis after ceasing episcopal commemoration and works with Geronda Savvas Lavriotis, travelling to Orthodox gatherings associated with prayer, teaching and Divine Liturgies.
Life and background
Christodoulou formerly served parishes in the Paphos area of Cyprus. He ceased commemorating the local metropolitan and archbishop during services, leading to disciplinary proceedings. He rejects the subsequent deposition and continues to identify and act as a priest practising apoteichisis.
What was defended?
Cessation of episcopal commemoration and disputed discipline in Cyprus
Father Petros does not merely defend apoteichisis in the abstract: he continues the practice of ceasing episcopal commemoration. In a 2025 public exchange he argued that this is intended to safeguard, not fracture, the Church's unity. His ecclesiastical critics disagreed.
Living witness
Apoteichisis and their ministry today
Father Petros Christodoulou currently identifies with and practises apoteichisis, meaning he has ceased episcopal commemoration on doctrinal grounds. He collaborates closely with Geronda Savvas Lavriotis, travelling to meet faithful and participating in Orthodox prayer and teaching gatherings. Their ministry includes Divine Liturgies: Father Petros is the priest associated with this work, while Geronda Savvas takes part as a monk and teacher. A May 2025 report independently describes their collaboration and Divine Liturgies at chapel gatherings without commemoration of the local bishop.
Read about Geronda Savvas Lavriotis →
The Church of Cyprus announced his deposition in February 2024, which he rejects. Saying that he continues to serve in apoteichisis describes his practice and position; it does not imply recognition of that ministry by the Church of Cyprus. Individual service dates and celebrants are not independently confirmed.
Opposition and consequences
Cypriot reporting dated 1 February 2024 says a synodal commission decided to depose him after warnings and a dispute over episcopal commemoration. In statements on 5 February 2024 he rejected the deposition and said he would continue his ministry. Both the church decision and his rejection of it are relevant.
How long did it last?
A public discipline dispute documented in February 2024 and discussed again in May 2025; no documented imprisonment, beating or physical torture.
Historical distinction
This profile concerns the priest formerly serving parishes in Paphos, Cyprus. It must not be confused with other Greek clerics bearing the same name. His current canonical position is disputed and this site is not an ecclesiastical tribunal.
Documents and sources
Follow the original writing or contemporary reporting. No unsourced quotation is attributed to this person.