The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus is convening in an emergency session today, Thursday, May 22, under the presidency of Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, with the focus being on the case of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos, against whom serious complaints and objections have been raised regarding the governance of his diocese and his stance on ecclesiastical and social matters.
Although the Archbishop of Cyprus, who will present the case, has not yet revealed his full position, leaked information indicates that complaints have been lodged against the Metropolitan of Paphos concerning the administration of his Metropolis and his relationships—with both organized groups and individual faithful—which, by extension, affect the Church itself.
The Archbishop is said to have personal insight into the matter and, during the period since Christmas, had already warned the Metropolitan. However, it seems he has now concluded that the situation can no longer continue. In fact, he has even raised the possibility of revoking the Metropolitan’s custodianship of the throne—an action clearly directed against Metropolitan Tychikos.
The very fact that the Archbishop is convening the Holy Synod in an emergency session is indicative that matters have come to a head. While some believe that the purpose of the meeting is to give the Metropolitan a final warning to reform, all signs point to something more decisive. After all, the Archbishop could have given such a warning during the joint liturgy they served together on Sunday, saying “no further,” and called the Synod only if the behavior continued. The timing suggests otherwise.
This raises the question of whether the Primate of the Church of Cyprus would summon all 16 Synod members to an extraordinary meeting without a serious reason—and without ensuring that he would not be left exposed by the action.
All of the above suggests that today’s meeting of the Holy Synod will not be painless, nor will it proceed in a calm and routine manner. Especially since the Archbishop has reportedly concluded that Metropolitan Tychikos is being influenced and directed by specific individuals who aim to harm both the Metropolitan himself and the Church.
“The goal is a change of mindset—to not be influenced or guided by others,” the Archbishop recently stated following the Divine Liturgy for the feast of Saint Neophytos in Paphos, directly implying that Metropolitan Tychikos does not fully exercise personal control over the administration of his Metropolis.
According to reports, the complaints to be presented to the Synod concern both administrative issues and the Metropolitan’s problematic stance on mixed marriages—a matter that has allegedly scandalized segments of the faithful and provoked reactions even within the hierarchy.
Metropolitan Tychikos, in a public response, denied any outside interference: “I do not need guidance from anyone. I have studied for 20 years and have experience within the Church. I want to be a father and I respect everyone’s opinion,” he stated, adding, “Any problems will be resolved with love, for the sake of the Church’s well-being and unity.”
The fact that the session was called on an emergency basis and includes participation from all Synod members highlights the seriousness of the situation. The Archbishop has made it clear that the Church of Cyprus “has a certain ethos and we must uphold it. This is not the time to return to the dark ages,” sending an unmistakable message against practices he views as outdated.
According to Article 14 of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus, in cases where there are substantial indications of serious ecclesiastical misconduct, the Holy Synod may, with a three-fourths majority, remove a hierarch from the administration of his diocese until a final decision is issued. In exceptional cases, it may also suspend him.
The developments are being closely watched, as all indications suggest that today’s session will not be merely a warning, but likely a turning point for the future of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos—with the Archbishop appearing resolute in his intention to safeguard the unity and dignity of the Church.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
