The months-long crisis in the Church of Cyprus appears headed toward resolution following yesterday’s announcement from the Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding Bishop Tychikos’ appeal.
According to well-informed ecclesiastical sources speaking to Phileleftheros, if events proceed smoothly and Bishop Tychikos complies with the Holy Synod’s decisions by signing the required profession of faith, he will likely be named Bishop of Kourion, Soloi or Lapithos – ancient episcopals dating back to the early centuries of Christianity.
Bishop Tychikos was removed from the Metropolitan throne of Paphos several months ago, with Archbishop George of Cyprus temporarily assuming those duties until elections for a new Metropolitan can be held.
In the interim, Tychikos appealed to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, challenging the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus to remove him from the Metropolitan throne of Paphos, which delayed the announcement of elections.
Yesterday’s announcement from the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Synod, recommending that Bishop Tychikos obey the decisions of the Church of Cyprus Synod, opens the way both for elections for a new Metropolitan and for determining Bishop Tychikos’ future.
Following the Holy Synod’s decision removing Bishop Tychikos, the Archbishop had requested that Tychikos sign a profession of faith acknowledging the decisions of all Ecumenical Councils, with emphasis on the 2016 Council of Crete. Despite meetings between Tychikos and the Archbishop, this has not occurred, leaving the matter unresolved.
Exclusive information obtained by Phileleftheros indicates that from today, Bishop Tychikos must sign the profession to retain his episcopal position. He will also need to relocate to the buildings of the Archbishopric of Cyprus in Nicosia, where he will be provided accommodation and assigned duties by the Archbishop of Cyprus. Currently, Bishop Tychikos resides in the Paphos Metropolis quarters.
If all proceeds smoothly and Tychikos does not refuse, these sources report that he will be named Bishop of Kourion, Soloi or Lapithos. Should Tychikos refuse to comply with the decisions of both the Holy Synod and now the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the possibility of his defrocking cannot be ruled out.
Regarding the election of a new Metropolitan of Paphos, our sources indicate this is expected to take place in the early months of 2026.
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