Church of Cyprus addresses case of former Metropolitan Tychikos

The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus met on October 27, 2026, to address the ongoing dispute regarding former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos. Tychikos, who currently remains in a state of suspension, did not appear before the Synod despite being summoned. In a letter dated October 14, 2026, the former bishop formally requested written clarifications regarding the nature of his summons and sought permission to resume his religious duties. He further alleged that a prior session held on May 22, 2025, unfairly transformed into a judicial process without notice, thereby violating his rights to a fair defense.

Simultaneously, the Church leadership is managing reports of a splinter movement. An unsigned letter, attributed to supporters of the "apoteichismos" (walling-off) movement who oppose Tychikos's removal, has been circulating among priests in Paphos and other districts for three months. This letter urges clergy to abandon the Church of Cyprus and form an alternative ecclesiastical structure. While the Holy Synod concluded its recent meeting without reaching a final decision on the status of the former Metropolitan, discussions regarding the internal situation remain ongoing, and a potential meeting between Archbishop Georgios and Tychikos is anticipated in the coming days.