Public schools in Cyprus to close for Archbishop Georgios's name day on April 23

On April 23, public schools and some private English schools in Cyprus will observe a holiday in honor of the name day of Archbishop Georgios. While schools remain closed, government offices, banks, and other businesses will operate on a standard schedule. This tradition is rooted in the historical role of the Church in the Cypriot education system, though it has become a subject of significant controversy. Many parents have expressed frustration over the need to secure childcare on a regular workday, while educators argue that the closure further disrupts the academic calendar following the recent Easter break. Although current Archbishop Georgios and his predecessor Chrysostomos II have reportedly suggested canceling the holiday, the decision remains fixed by current legislation. A change in the school calendar would require coordination between the Holy Synod and the Ministry of Education, which have not yet reached an agreement. Criticism circulating on social media reflects growing public demand for a revision of these state regulations.