Tensions have emerged between Archbishop George and Bishop Athanasios of Limassol following support from the latter’s followers for deposed Paphos bishop Tychikos, according to church sources.
Archbishop George was informed that prominent supporters of the Limassol Bishop in Paphos were among those leading efforts to back Tychikos, including signature collection campaigns, sources told Philenews. The signatures were gathered under claims that Tychikos faced an “unjust indictment”.
The Limassol Bishop’s group within the Holy Synod had sought future support from the Paphos bishop within the synod and votes from his supporters in Paphos province for future electoral contests, sources said.
This strategy is expected to materialise in September’s elections for a new Paphos Bishop. Any candidate supported by the Limassol Bishop is likely to be included in the three-person shortlist and could secure first place with backing from Tychikos supporters, church observers noted.
Under the Cyprus Church constitution, the Holy Synod makes the final decision on which of the three shortlisted candidates becomes metropolitan.
Archbishop George told state broadcaster CyBC that reactions following Tychikos’s removal came from neighbouring bishoprics and other parts of Cyprus with “ulterior motives”, apparently referring to expectations of support for the Limassol Bishop’s candidate from Tychikos supporters.
The archbishop also referenced heresy within the church that had been revealed, referring to schismatics. Sources indicated this concerned separation from the church rather than traditional heresies. The archbishop appears reluctant to pursue the matter further given the protagonists appear isolated.
The Holy Synod has not classified former Paphos Bishop Tychikos as heretical, maintaining his membership whilst giving him the opportunity to clear himself of suspicion by signing a document rejecting the schismatics.
The privilege of remaining in the synod and retaining his bishop title will be removed if he fails to sign the document, as this would constitute indirect identification with the schismatics and place him outside the church through his own responsibility.
Archbishop George confirmed reports that the Holy Synod will reprimand Morphou Bishop Neophytos at its next session for his statements. Stricter sanctions are not expected currently, though the synod could revisit the matter if statements continue and are deemed to scandalise the faithful.
This would not deprive him of the right to take positions on various issues or express views through sermons or other means.
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