Dialogos

Former Bishop of Paphos Threatens Legal Battles Against the Holy Synod

Published January 8, 2026, 09:02
Former Bishop of Paphos Threatens Legal Battles Against the Holy Synod

The former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, is escalating his dispute with the Church of Cyprus, threatening legal action in the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. His aim is to challenge the Synod's decision, ratified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, regarding his deposition from the throne. Mr. Tychikos also requests the postponement of the filling of the Paphos throne, implying that the Metropolis is not in a state of vacancy, and seeks to participate in the Synod's proceedings until a court decision is issued. This move is seen as an attempt to restore his presence in the Metropolis. However, his 'statement of repentance' is considered insufficient as it avoids addressing significant issues, such as the 2016 Crete Synod. The Holy Synod had requested Mr. Tychikos to sign a statement of faith recognizing Orthodox tradition and denouncing heretical practices. Mr. Tychikos's stance is assessed as a refusal to obey, as the submitted statement of faith contains ambiguities and gaps. The Holy Synod appears determined not to accept the declaration, making his conviction almost certain. Church circles describe his legal recourse as unfounded and doomed to failure, while the entire move constitutes an unprecedented challenge to the Hierarchy of the Church of Cyprus.