Former Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos denies ties to religious dissenters

Former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, has officially rejected allegations linking him to the so-called 'apoteichisis' movement—a religious stance involving the cessation of commemoration of a hierarch. This statement was issued via a letter to the media outlet 'Politis' on August 10, 2026, in response to recent reports regarding letters sent to priests within the Paphos Metropolis.

The controversy began on August 7, 2026, when reports emerged that clergy in Paphos had received letters, allegedly linked to circles in Thessaloniki, urging them to take a stance on the Holy and Great Council of Crete. The theologian Theodoros Kyriakou had publicly linked these developments to Tychikos during a radio appearance on 'Politis' 107.6 & 97.6, questioning the former Metropolitan’s position on the matter.

In his formal response, Tychikos explicitly stated that any connection between his name and the dissenters is unauthorized and does not reflect his personal views. Following this clarification, Theodoros Kyriakou welcomed the statement, noting that the former Metropolitan has successfully differentiated himself from the dissenters. The situation remains a point of public discussion within local church circles regarding the impact of the disputed letters on the Metropolis of Paphos.