Tensions surrounding the installation of the new Bishop of Paphos

The Church of Cyprus is proceeding with the ordination and enthronement of the new Bishop of Paphos, Gregorios Ioannidis, on June 11, 2026. The ceremony follows the removal of the former Bishop, Tychikos, by an emergency synod in May 2025 due to administrative and protocol disputes. Supporters of Tychikos have organized protests in Nicosia and Paphos, challenging the legitimacy of the election and labeling the new bishop as an usurper. Meanwhile, Tychikos has vacated his residence and is pursuing legal action, stating through his lawyers on June 5, 2026, that he remains in Paphos to await judicial resolutions, including potential appeals to the European Court of Human Rights. Archbishop Georgios has expressed readiness for the events, dismissing the protesters as a small, non-representative group. Tychikos denies reports regarding his housing, clarifying that he resides as a guest in a private home. The official events include the election announcement on June 10, the ordination on June 11 in Nicosia, and the enthronement in Paphos the same evening.