Philenews

Former Metropolitan of Paphos Tychikos Indefinitely Suspended by Holy Synod

Published January 8, 2026, 11:17
Former Metropolitan of Paphos Tychikos Indefinitely Suspended by Holy Synod

The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended former Metropolitan of Paphos Tychikos due to his refusal to sign a statement of repentance requested by the Synod. The statement, which included key references to Orthodox faith, was deemed unsatisfactory by the Synod. Mr. Tychikos had been declared deposed on May 22, 2025, with 10 votes in favor and 6 against, due to his relationships with secessionists, refusal to perform mixed marriages, and inauguration of a chapel dedicated to a non-recognized saint. Although he remained a Bishop, the Synod had assigned him to be at the disposal of the Church. The charges against Mr. Tychikos included the ordination of a member of a secessionist group, supporting the secessionist group in Thessaloniki, refusing to perform mixed marriages, and refusing to issue certificates of Orthodox faith. The Synod requested that Mr. Tychikos sign a statement of repentance to restore order, but this did not happen. The case has sparked debate regarding the electricity interconnection between Greece and Cyprus, as the EU is investigating delays in the East Med cable project. The author proposes five immediate proposals, such as connecting Cyprus to Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt, Turkey's compliance with the Law of the Sea, the need for protection of the pipeline by Greece and NATO, and finding investors to implement the project.