Parliamentary debate concerning former Paphos Metropolitan Tychikos

Independent Member of Parliament Nikos Papadopoulos raised a question in the Greek Parliament regarding alleged government interference in the Church of Cyprus, specifically concerning the dismissal of the former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos. Greek Deputy Minister of Education Kostas Vlasis rejected these claims, stating that the government did not intervene in church matters. During the debate, Vlasis alleged that Tychikos had ordained a clergyman, paid by the Paphos Metropolis, to conduct religious duties for a group of 'apotichismenoi' (secessionists) in Thessaloniki. Vlasis described these actions as a hostile move against the Church of Greece and suggested that Papadopoulos is acting as a representative for clergy already condemned by the Church of Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In response, the legal representatives of the former Metropolitan of Paphos denied all allegations as unfounded and announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between specific religious factions and established church authorities. No definitive resolution was reached during the parliamentary session.