Cyprus Times

Former Bishop of Paphos: Suspension Not Valid Until Patriarchate's Decision

Published January 27, 2026, 19:07
Former Bishop of Paphos: Suspension Not Valid Until Patriarchate's Decision

The former Metropolitan Bishop of Paphos, Tychikos, has filed an Appeal of Recourse to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, challenging the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus to suspend him indefinitely. According to his lawyer, Irinaios Antonios Yakoumakis, the decision was made through a process that does not comply with canonical law and violates fundamental principles of justice. The filing of the Appeal has a suspensory effect, meaning the penalty of suspension is not in effect until the final judgment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Tychikos categorically rejects any claims of incitement or guidance by third parties, as well as any attempt to involve other Churches. His lawyer emphasizes that public statements that prejudge or bias the decisions of ecclesiastical bodies undermine synodality and constitute an attempt to influence judgment. Tychikos recalls that his pastoral address is directed to the people of Paphos, while he has been repeatedly deprived of the opportunity to meaningfully present his position at Synod meetings. The purpose of the Appeal is the institutional and impartial examination of the process followed, so that the Church of Cyprus can judge with justice and transparency. Tychikos reserves all his legal rights for any defamatory or slanderous claims against him.