Former Metropolitan Tyhikos of Paphos has submitted an urgent appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarchate challenging his recent defrocking, according to ageliaforos.com.
The appeal, consisting of 28 typed pages accompanied by supporting evidence, contests the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus made on May 22, 2025.
In his appeal, Metropolitan Tyhikos requests the annulment of the entire process and the verdict declaring his defrocking, arguing that the procedure violated the Statute of the Church of Cyprus and principles of fair trial, both during the preliminary and main proceedings. He further asks for the resumption his position as the canonical Metropolitan of Paphos.
Expressing his concerns in the appeal dated June 5, 2025, Tyhikos alleges that he has been subjected to systematic and deliberate defamation by certain ecclesiastical and secular actors in Cyprus. He strongly denies accusations related to disrespectful remarks against the Ecumenical Throne, noting that no formal charges were ever brought forward by the Archbishop, which he takes as proof of their falsity.
Metropolitan Tyhikos states: “I categorically declare that I could not have spoken disrespectfully or irreverently, because this Throne has been glorified by great Fathers and Saints of our Church! The Ecumenical Councils convened within the jurisdiction of this Throne! Patriarchs of this Throne even sacrificed their lives to support and preserve the Nation during times of slavery!
How then could I speak disrespectfully? May my tongue cleave to my throat…”
He also recalls personal meetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople and mentions having worshiped at Mount Athos with the Patriarch’s blessing.
The appeal includes multiple documents supporting his claims.
It should be noted that on May 22, 2025, by a vote of ten in favor and six against, Metropolitan Tyhikos was declared deposed mainly due to the charge of schism.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
