A circular by Paphos Bishop Tychikos advising Christians to avoid accepting food, drinks, or gifts from individuals “not close to God” has resurfaced, sparking fresh discussion among the faithful. The directive, which was initially issued in July 2023, warns of spiritual risks, including “demonic contamination,” and provides guidelines for protecting one’s faith.
Key Points of the Circular
The circular, obtained by Phileleftheros, calls on believers to avoid interactions with individuals who do not practice repentance, confession, or communion. It emphasizes:
- Avoiding food and drinks offered by such individuals, as they may allegedly contain “contaminated substances.”
- Rejecting expensive gifts from them, as these items are considered spiritually harmful.
- Handing over any received items to a spiritual advisor for blessing or disposal.
The bishop highlights the importance of frequent confession, participation in Holy Communion, and consistent prayer, including invoking the name of Jesus Christ to “drive away demons.”
Faith and Protection
Referencing the Gospel of Matthew, Bishop Tychikos underlines Christ’s power over demons and His mission to save humanity. He reminds believers of the spiritual dangers of engaging with practices like fortune-telling, astrology, and occult activities, which he claims lure people into “demonic traps.”
The circular stresses the significance of avoiding individuals involved in such practices, as well as those who do not adhere to Christian principles. Quoting the tradition of the Church Fathers, the bishop states: “The constant invocation of the name of Christ illuminates the mind and banishes demons.”
Response and Reactions
The circular’s reappearance has reignited debate. Some faithful had previously dismissed its content as exaggerated or distorted, but the bishop confirmed through his office that these views accurately represent his position.
Critics argue that such directives could foster fear and divisiveness, while supporters see them as a necessary defense against moral and spiritual decay in modern society.
As the discussion continues, the bishop’s message remains clear: steadfast faith and vigilance are crucial in maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding what he deems the perils of demonic influence.
Faith and trust in Jesus Christ are essential weapons in life’s spiritual battles, Bishop Tychicus said in his circular, urging Christians to strengthen their spiritual resolve through repentance, prayer, and devotion to counteract harmful influences and personal vices.
The bishop outlined three key practices to cultivate stronger faith: frequent repentance and confession with an experienced spiritual advisor, regular participation in church services and the Eucharist, and daily nourishment of the soul through readings from the Bible and the lives of saints. “If faith is weak, we must humbly ask Christ to grant us the strength to believe, just as we seek His help in all other matters,” the bishop wrote.
Warning Against Sinful Passions
The circular cautioned against falling into sinful behaviors, described as traps laid by the devil to distance people from Christ. The bishop listed vices such as greed, falsehood, lust, gluttony, and addiction to gambling or alcohol, urging believers to work with their spiritual guides to overcome these destructive habits. “To love Christ means to reject anything that separates us from Him,” the bishop emphasized.
He warned of the danger of unchecked thoughts and desires leading to sin. “When a sin remains unconfessed for too long, it becomes a repeated habit, evolving into a passion that is increasingly hard to break,” he wrote. Citing Psalm 49, he described how sinful passions can degrade the human soul, likening unrepentant individuals to “senseless animals.”
A Call to Spiritual Vigilance
The circular also reflected on the story of the Gergesenes from the Gospel of Matthew, who, despite witnessing a miracle by Jesus, chose to reject Him due to their attachment to material wealth. “Like them, we risk losing Christ if we allow our passions to dominate us,” the bishop said. He called on Christians to engage in a continuous spiritual struggle to rid themselves of sin and seek God’s mercy, which, he assured, brings the grace of the Holy Spirit.
A Closing Appeal
In conclusion, the bishop urged believers to deepen their faith and seek unity with Christ. Quoting the Apostle Paul, he affirmed that Christ desires salvation for all and calls everyone to the truth. “We must also want this salvation and ask for it fervently,” he wrote, assuring that those who prioritize the Kingdom of God will receive all other blessings as well.
