Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus publicly expressed disappointment over the case of former Metropolitan Tychikos, admitting that he had misjudged the situation and the former hierarch himself.
“I blame myself. I did not judge correctly,” the Archbishop said, adding that he believed Tychikos would overcome difficulties through the guidance and experience of the Church. “He became a pawn of certain people,” he stated, referring to groups he claimed had promoted disobedience toward the Church since the Council of Crete.
The Archbishop alleged that Tychikos maintained hidden connections with anti-ecumenist circles in Greece, particularly in Thessaloniki, and suggested that these influences shaped his stance. He also dismissed fears of a schism within the Church of Cyprus, saying support for Tychikos in Paphos was minimal.
Archbishop Georgios further revealed that Tychikos had been offered an opportunity to serve in other duties within the Archdiocese following his suspension, but “he did not pursue it.”
The Archbishop also addressed the case of the defrocked monks of the Monastery of Avvakoum, stressing that they no longer represent the Church and that any liturgical services they conduct “have no validity or grace of God” since they are outside the Church.
He warned that the Holy Synod could impose even stricter penalties, including excommunication and the removal of the monastic habit, should the former monks continue their activities.
At the same time, Archbishop Georgios indicated that the Church of Cyprus may elect a new Metropolitan of Paphos next Tuesday.
Source: philenews.com, translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
