The Holy Synod has indefinitely suspended the former Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos.
On Wednesday, Archbishop George of Cyprus, described Bishop Tychikos’s appeal to the civil courts as a “new serious development,” noting that it is “outside the practice of the Church.”
Christakis Efstathiou, the press representative of the Archbishopric of Cyprus, explained to CNA that Bishop Tychikos created a new situation with his written notification submitted to the Holy Synod. In the notification, Bishop Tychikos declares his intention to resort to civil courts, claiming the Metropolis of Paphos.
According to Mr. Efstathiou, the issue now concerns Bishop Tychikos’s disobedience to the decisions of both the Holy Synod and the Ecumenical Patriarchate—a matter that arises from his appeal to a civil court, as he noted.
During the ongoing session of the Holy Synod, discussions regarding amendments and improvements to the Church’s Statutory Charter are expected. These amendments aim to address identified weaknesses and a lack of flexibility in handling certain matters, making the Synod more agile in decision-making, including matters related to the administration of justice.
Specifically, the Archbishop of Cyprus is expected to submit a proposal concerning the election process so that Bishops and Metropolitans are elected exclusively by the Holy Synod, without the involvement of the laity. This proposal would bypass the stage in which the public votes to determine the top three candidates.
The Holy Synod will once again address the issue of the monks who resided at the Abbakoum Monastery, as Mr. Efstathiou alleges that they perform sacred rites permitted only for ordained clergy despite having been removed from clerical office.
