Church of Cyprus summons suspended Bishop Tychikos amid breakaway movement reports

The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus has summoned the suspended former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, to appear before it on October 27, 2026. The meeting follows reports that Tychikos has failed to respond to the summons, further complicating his standing within the Church. The primary reason for this summons is believed to be his persistent refusal to sign a libellus, a formal declaration of faith required by the Synod to address concerns regarding potential detachment from the Church’s official stance.

Simultaneously, the Church leadership is addressing reports of a coordinated campaign to establish a breakaway church. For the past three months, priests in Paphos and other districts have received letters signed by five individuals urging them to abandon the Church of Cyprus and form a new, opposing organization. These letters are reportedly linked to supporters of the 'apoteichismos' (walling-off) movement, who have refused to accept the removal of Tychikos and the subsequent appointment of Bishop Grigorios as the new Metropolitan of Paphos. The Synod is expected to make official statements regarding these developments following the conclusion of its Tuesday session.