The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus announced on Thursday, May 22, 2025, that Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos has been placed at the Church’s disposal following serious allegations of canonical violations and administrative irregularities.
The decision was reached by majority vote during an extraordinary session of the Synod, presided over by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, who has also been appointed as the locum tenens of the Metropolis of Paphos.
According to the official communiqué, “the Holy Synod convened in an extraordinary session under the presidency of the Archbishop to examine allegations against Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos.”
The statement clarified that the complaints had been previously presented to both Metropolitan Tychikos and the other members of the Synod during two prior sessions, and that the Metropolitan had been asked to comply with the Statutory Charter of the Church. However, “Metropolitan Tychikos continued to demonstrate the same behavior.”
The main allegations outlined by the Synod include:
A. The ordination of an active member of the Thessaloniki-based schismatic group known for “serving liturgically in a breakaway para-synagogue,” allegedly with the cover and support of Metropolitan Tychikos.
B. The systematic refusal to perform mixed marriages and to recognize Chrismations and Certificates of Faith performed by other canonical Orthodox Churches.
C. The consecration of a chapel in the name of a person who has not been officially recognized as a saint by the Orthodox Church.
The Synod also cited “secondary complaints” that led to “mocking commentary in the media” and “raise concerns about the cohesion and unity of the faithful.”
Moreover, the Holy Synod noted that Archbishop Georgios had received formal concerns and complaints “from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Church of Greece, Metropolitan Barnabas of Neapolis, the Government of Greece via the Minister of Education, and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.”
After deliberation, the Synod deemed the Metropolitan’s responses “insufficient” and concluded that there were “serious deficiencies in the governance and pastoral care of the Metropolis.”
The final decision reads: “The aforementioned hierarch is placed at the disposal of the Church, which will assign him an appropriate role, provided that he first submits a written Confession of Faith that includes a condemnation of the practice of schism (apotikhisis).”
Metropolitan Tychikos remains a bishop of the Church of Cyprus and a member of the Holy Synod. He will be assigned a new title and position by the Synod. In the meantime, Archbishop Georgios will serve as the administrator of the Paphos Metropolis.
Source: Church of Cyprus / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
